This resource was shaped with the stories, insights, and wisdom of First Nations youth to make sure it reflects real life, cultural grounding, and care.
With Open Arms: Supportive conversations among friends
A resource for keeping friends close in conversations about substance use.
Supportive Conversations About Substance Use –
Real talk. Real support. With open arms.
Use these resources to support your friends, family, and loved ones with substance use, harm reduction, and healing.
MADE FOR FIRST NATIONS YOUTH
START HERE, GO AT YOUR OWN PACE
Whether you’re checking in on a friend, navigating your own journey, or just looking for a place to start—With Open Arms is here to help.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE
This resource meets you where you’re at—click into any section to begin.
UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE USE
Everyone’s relationship with substances is different. There are many reasons people use—and many paths that lead to wellness. This section shares a few ways to better understand substance use, without judgment.
WHY DO PEOPLE USE SUBSTANCES?
Substance use is shaped by personal, social, cultural, and historical experiences.
CARING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE
You don’t need to be an expert to support someone. You just need to care.
Why talking helps
Connection can reduce shame, support safety, and remind someone they’re not alone. Use this section to help you feel more prepared to have conversations about substance use in a safe, compassionate, and informed way.
PREPPING FOR DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS
Before you talk to someone about substance use, it helps to be grounded and ready.
- Get clear on what you want to say (write it down if needed)
- Choose a good time/place (private, quiet, safe)
- Clear distractions (phone away, headphones off, full attention)
- Practice patience and acceptance
- Ground yourself with your medicines or wellness practices
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
It’s okay if your friend isn’t ready to talk yet. Respect their boundaries—they might need more time or want to go at their own pace.
If they are open to talking, try to share your concerns in a way that’s honest, kind, and supportive. Here are some conversation tips that can help you get started:
- Start with how you feel and what you’ve noticed
“I’m worried because I’ve noticed…” - Use open-ended questions
“How are things going lately?” - Check your understanding
“It sounds like you’re saying… is that right?” - Validate their feelings
“I can see this is really important to you.” - Offer support without pressure
“I’m here for you, whatever you decide.”
AFTER THE CONVERSATION
- Remind your friend you care about them
- Maintain your friendship over time
- Remind them that they are valued
- Try not to be critical of them
- Respect their boundaries
- Express interest in talking again
Before you talk to someone about substance use, it helps to be grounded and ready.
- Keep your body language open
- Give plenty of encouragement
- Be mindful of your tone, and the language you use
- Avoid using hurtful language
- Avoid making assumptions or diagnosing
SUPPORTING SAFER SUBSTANCE USE
Learning about harm reduction can help you and your friends stay safe and make informed choices—whether you use yourself, or just want to be prepared.
Whether it’s you or someone you care about, it helps to pause and ask:
- Are you in a safe place?
- Are people using alone?
- How’s your mental health right now?
- Do we know what’s being used—and what’s in it?
- Is there a plan if something goes wrong?
HOW TO TEST YOUR SUBSTANCES
Drug checking can help reduce the risk of toxic drug poisoning by showing what’s really in a substance. It’s free, anonymous, and available in many communities.
Trusted services include:
EVEN IF YOU TEST YOUR DRUGS, THERE’S STILL A RISK –
HOW TO RESPOND TO AN OVERDOSE
S
Stimulate
A
Airway
V
Ventilate
E
Evaluate
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Medication
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Evaluate and
Support
SUPPORT AND HEALING
STARTING YOUR JOURNEY
You might be thinking about making a change. That doesn’t mean you need all the answers. There are many ways to begin changing your relationship with substance use.
Remember:
- There’s no single path. Healing can include asking for help, trying new coping tools, or talking to someone you trust.
- Know your “why.” What motivates you? Is it your family, your future, your culture? Keep that reason close.
- Confidence builds over time. You don’t have to feel 100% ready. Each small step teaches you something.
- You’re allowed to try again. Slipping up doesn’t mean starting over—it means learning what works for you.
Support should feel safe and reflect who you are. Many services in BC offer care that includes traditional healing through Elders, Nation-based counselling, or peer support. You can also ask to bring someone you trust to appointments, or connect with an Indigenous patient navigator to help guide you.
- Nation-based counselling: Mental health care grounded in culture and connection.
- Traditional supports: Ceremonies, medicines, teachings, and Elder guidance can be part of your care.
- Peer support: Talk with people who’ve been through it and get real, non-judgmental support.
- Detox and treatment: Options include Indigenous-led programs and youth-friendly spaces.
- Virtual care: FNHA’s Virtual Doctor of the Day and Psychiatry Service can help get you started.
- Indigenous patient navigators: Get help advocating for yourself and understanding your care options.
- Foundry and Friendship Centres: Free counselling and youth wellness support, online or in community.
MAKING A COPING PLAN
Having a plan helps when things get tough. A good plan includes what triggers you, what helps you cope, and who you can turn to.
BE THE ONE TO TEACH – TAKE THE SHAME OUT –
DOWNLOAD WITH OPEN ARMS
The full with open arms resource has real talk examples, harm reduction tips, cultural supports, and tools to care for yourself and your friends. It’s free, easy to use, and here to support your wellness.
WHY DOWNLOAD THE TOOLKIT?
- Free, anonymous, and easy to use
- Deeper examples and scripts
- Use offline, share with friends, or print pages you need
WHATS INSIDE?
- Full PDF
- Companion worksheets
- Posters/shareables (optional)
NEED HELP NOW?
Overdose Emergency
Call 911
If you or someone with you is experiencing an overdose