A new remote service in Quebec aims to combat the rising drug overdose crisis by offering immediate support to those at risk through phone or video counseling sessions. The province has been facing a concerning increase in overdose deaths, with a report revealing 645 deaths in 2024 and projections for 2025 suggesting numbers could surpass 600.
Known as the Remote Service for Overdose Prevention (RSOP), this initiative by Drugs: Help and Referral provides a lifeline for individuals in need. RSOP counselors follow a structured approach to help callers, from explaining guidelines and assessing risks to offering emotional support and maintaining anonymity by deleting personal information after each call.
Assistant coordinator David Galipeau emphasizes that the focus is on preventing fatal overdoses rather than ending drug use. The service aims to provide a supportive environment for individuals, ensuring they are not alone during substance use and reducing the risk of fatal outcomes.
Loneliness and stigma surrounding drug usage often drive individuals to use substances alone, increasing the dangers. Counselors at RSOP encourage individuals to reach out for support, highlighting the importance of using drugs safely with someone present.
Since its successful pilot launch in June 2025, RSOP has expanded to handle a significant volume of calls, with a team of nearly 30 employees assisting 120 to 160 callers daily. The service, available in both English and French, operates seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and can be reached at 1-800-265-2626, option 2.
Keyphrase: Quebec overdose prevention service
