5 FREE* tools for trades and tech workers that save lives.

It’s no secret that trades and technical workers are overrepresented in the number of deaths caused by the toxic drug crisis, substance use and related mental health. Though it might not seem all that common on the surface, the fact is that 1 in 3 construction workers will at some point struggle with substance use, while 1 in 2 will have issues with their mental health.

There are tools out there to help our crew members and colleagues use safely, avoid deadly accidents and, when they’re ready, overcome their addictions and struggles and improve their lives, but too few know that they even exist, let alone that they’re free at point-of-care to over 45,000 unionized workers and their families.

Here are 5 tools that can help them on their journey.
Share the struggle, spread the word, and stop the stigma.

1. The Buildstrong App
Built specifically for unionized construction, trades, and technical workers, the BuildStrong App offers a variety of resources, from Toolbox Talks, to self-assessment tests, all designed to keep people informed and empowered about substance use and related mental health. The biggest life-saving function might be the Use-Alone timer, which can significantly reduce the risk of an accidental overdose.

The BuildStrong App is FREE on both iPhone and Android, and all usage is strictly confidential.

2. Nalaxone Kits
Naloxone is a safe, fast-acting medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of overdose of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and methadone. It’s important to note that Naloxone will only be active in the body for 30 – 120 minutes. It won’t guarantee a full recovery, but it will buy the patient precious time for emergency help to arrive.

A Naloxone kit should be on hand at every worksite and union hall, and crew members should be trained in recognizing signs of an overdose and administering the drug. Naloxone kits and training are free through BuildStrong, thanks to the support of our members.

Call 1.888.521.8611 or request Naloxone kits and training here.

3. Support Lines
Too often, folks who struggle with substance use or mental health also struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Too many of us struggle in silence and feel like we have no one to talk to—no one who will understand our problems. This feeling is a result of years of stigma and shame that society is now trying to address.

The fact is that there are many people out there who do care, and who understand exactly what they’re going through. And they’re available anywhere, any time, 24/7. All we need to do is pick up the phone.

• Buildstrong Help Line: 1-888-521-8611
• Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7): 9-8-8
• Medical Support Line (24/7): 811
• 310 Mental Health Support: (no area code) 310-6789
• BC Mental Health & Addiction Info Line: 1-800-661-2121
• National Overdose Response Service (NORS): 1-888-688-6677

Keep these numbers handy for you or others in need.
Download the BuildStrong Resource Guide.

4. Open Conversations
One of the biggest ways to save a life is also one of the simplist: talk more openly about substance use and related mental health: recreational drugs and alcohol, addictions, and related mental health issues like anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD. Talk about tools for safer use, and techniques for coping with distressing thoughts, stressful situations, and addictive behaviour. Make them the topic of your next Toolbox Talk, or try to check in with a crew member who seems like they could use a kind word and a friendly face.

BuildStrong offers free MHSU education and training sessions and Toolbox Talk guidance for unions, contractors and crew leaders. Reach out to get started.

5. Individualized Treatment Plans
People are unique; their treatment should be, too. While 12-Step programs and short-term detox plans can certainly be useful, we find that nothing beats an individualized long-term plan guided by registered clinical counsellors, and rooted in proven, evidence-based treatments.

100% private, and 100% free at point-of-care, BuildStrong offers its members up to twelve months of effective treatment that may include 1-on-1 counselling, bed-based treatment and social worker support. Unionized workers and their loved ones who reach out today can start to feel better in as little as four weeks. Learn how it works.