Please don’t use substances alone! We are here 24/7 * 365. We have live peers available to spot and help keep you safe! The drug supply is messy - please get your drugs tested, use with friends & CARRY NALOXONE. Call us - our service is anonymous!

HAVING A HARD TRIP?

Our peers are trained in Mental Health first aid and psychosis de-escalation. 31% of our calls support folks through challenging responses that can sometimes occur when using substances.

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR OR A LOVED ONES SUBSTANCE USE?

We are here anonymously to lend an ear and support you with NO judgment or shame. We will answer any questions you may have. We understand the complexities that may arise as relationships with substance use become more complicated.

NO ONE WILL PUSH ABSTINENCE OR SOBRIETY

We are all peers with our own experiences with substance use and/or mental health obstacles. We understand that sobriety does not work for everyone, it may not be the only path to your wellness. We can help to source resources in your area that meet YOUR needs in relation to your substance use. We want to keep you safe and alive.

What is NORS?

NORS is a peer-run, peer-led overdose prevention hotline. NORS makes overdose support available to Canadians 24/7. Call the hotline from anywhere in Canada before using for affirming, confidential, respectful support.

Who is NORS?

NORS is a collaborative initiative between people who use drugs, Grenfell Ministries, the Brave Technology Co-op, and Dr. Monty Ghosh. 

Can I call NORS from anywhere?

At this time, NORS can be accessed from anywhere within Canada.

We kindly refer American callers to our friends Never Use Alone at 1-(800) 484-3731 who operate an American overdose prevention hotline.

If you are seeking support from outside Canada or the US, you can install the Brave mobile app for Android or Apple devices.

You keep mentioning this app—what’s the difference between the app and NORS?

NORS and The Brave App basically do the same thing with a few small differences. 

(1) Connectivity. NORS uses cell service, which gives you flexibility to call from anywhere within Canada so you don’t need a connection to wi-fi if you don’t have a data plan, while Brave uses data/wi-fi, which allows people to call from anywhere in the world as long as you have wi-fi/data service. One, the other, or both might be a better resource for you on that basis.  

(2) Anonymity. With NORS, the person who answers your call will request your address and other details to know how and where to send help to you if something goes wrong. Your information is kept strictly confidential, but you’ll have to reveal it off the bat. The infrastructure of the Brave app allows you to keep your address private unless you become unresponsive. Again, 

All in all, both the hotline and the app are useful. We encourage callers to use whichever makes sense for them in the moment, or to use both/either as needed. 

What do you mean by “peer”?

When we say NORS is peer-led and peer-operated, we mean that the people answering your call also use drugs, or used to use drugs, or have some other personal experience with drug use. Some work as frontline workers, or have been personally impacted by overdose. The people answering the phone are community members, not paid professionals, and they are here because they want to provide you with accepting, non-preaching, unconditional support.

Why does this exist?

To keep those who are using substances safe from overdose, while upholding substance users’ right to dignity, respect and confidentiality.

Will you try and make me get “clean”?

Never. To start with, you’re not dirty. Whether you use every hour on the hour, you’re just leaving detox, you haven’t used in 40 years, or this is your first time, we will never try to talk you into sobriety, or anything other than staying connected with us while you might be at risk of overdose. Whether you smoke, inject, or take pills, we support your choice to use—all we care about it keeping you safe along the way. Our volunteers can even share resources to help make your use easier or safer—just ask and we’ll tell you everything we know.

What if I want to stop using?

Just like we support your choice to use drugs whenever and however you wish, we also support your choice to stop. Our volunteers can help find resources that support your choice either way.