Online substance use recovery program available to adults for free

NEWS RELEASE
NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH
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Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program and Health Innovation Hub are piloting Breaking Free Online, an online substance use recovery support program.

Breaking Free Online will be free and available for all Nova Scotians to sign up between Dec. 2, 2021 and March 31, 2022. It will continue to be available to those who register for the pilot program before March 31 for a period of up to two years from the date of their account creation.

“Those living with addiction need access to appropriate and effective services to support their recovery,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “With the expansion of this online program, Nova Scotians across the province will now have an additional, interactive tool they can log into any time and from anywhere that will support them in their efforts to refrain from substance use or recover from an addiction.”

Nova Scotians 18 years and older are able to access Breaking Free Online by visiting www.breakingfreeonline.ca, entering their email address and using the service code NSBFO21.

Please note although Nova Scotia is not listed on the landing page, Nova Scotians are still able to register and use the program for free.

Breaking Free Online will also be featured on the MHAhelpNS website “Online Tools” tab along with many other free programs, apps, and resources promoting mental health and addictions recovery.

The Breaking Free Online program is:

• designed to help adults achieve and maintain recovery from dependence on alcohol and over 70 substances – including opioids, stimulants, and prescribed medications.
• focused on practical, self-guided courses, positive coping skills, and behaviour change techniques to support individuals with early intervention, prevention, or ongoing recovery.
• engaging, interactive, and highly personalized.
• backed by considerable research evidence demonstrating positive impact.
• designed to be used independently, or in conjunction with support and care through a health care provider.
• accessible 24/7 on a desktop or tablet while the companion app can be used on a smart phone.

“We know many Nova Scotians are working to manage their substance use better and that there is no one size fits all solution,” said Sam Hodder, senior director of Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addiction Program. “Breaking Free offers Nova Scotians a private, 24/7 accessible, digital option for working on their recovery. We will evaluate its impact and grow what works best to support the health and well-being of our communities.”

This online substance use recovery support program is just one of the many supports and services available through Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program.

Nova Scotians can continue to self-refer to Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program for substance use related supports and services by calling the Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service Line (toll-free) 1-855-922-1122, to be connected to a clinician Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This line has voicemail only on evenings, weekends and holidays.

The Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or someone concerned about them. Call (toll-free) 1-888-429-8167.

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