Youth Substance Use

Discussing substance use with your children can be challenging. The complexities of adolescence, peer pressure, societal influences and mental health creates a daunting landscape to navigate. Stigma surrounding substance use can also make it difficult for parents and youth to seek support and resources, or discuss concerns openly. Fostering open communication, providing a supportive environment and utilizing available resources can help parents and caregivers address the topic of substances and substance use with their children.

Resources

Below is a list of resources and services for youth and parents.

General

Here 24/7: Call 1-844-437-3247 (Here-247)
Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868
Talking with Teenagers about Drugs is a Government of Canada webpage that includes tips for talking with teens about drugs, information about cannabis, prescription drugs and other substances, and links to additional resources.
Create a compassionate environment is a resource from Substance (formerly Drug Free Kids Canada) that provides information about how to talk to youth about substances. It also provides information about various substances.
Youth Vaping, Substance Use, and Technology Dependence Program (YOUTH-VAST) is a program from CAMH for youth (ages 12 to 21) across Ontario who are facing challenges related to vaping, substance use, and/or technology use.
Substance Use Conversations with Youth: Tips for Adult Allies — A Communication Guide
How to Prevent and Reduce Substance Use Harms for Youth: What Youth Say Works
Treatment, harm reduction and recovery services (WDG Public Health)

Alcohol

Alcohol information and resources (WDG Public Health)
Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health Infographic helps youth understand alcohol-related harms.
KnowAlcohol.ca helps calculate cost, calories and impact on personal health based on how many drinks someone consumes weekly.
Rethink Your Drinking provides information and a downloadable booklet for parents that covers six strategies to help prevent or delay alcohol and other drug use.

Parent Information Sessions

Cannabis and Other Drugs Parent Information Session

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health’s Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, will share valuable insights about the impacts and harms of cannabis and other drugs on youth. Dr. Tenenbaum answers questions and discusses strategies parents and caregivers can use to help navigate substance use with youth.

Originally recorded live on May 15, 2024

Youth Vaping Parent Information Session

Watch a recording of our Youth Vaping Parent Information Session with WDG Public Health’s Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum. Dr. Tenenbaum discusses the health impacts of youth vaping and offers practical tips on how to talk to your kids about it.

Originally recorded live on January 23, 2024.

School Mental Health Ontario By Your Side Webinar Series

A webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours.

Help teens make their Prom a Night to Remember! (Webinar)

Help teens make their Prom a Night to Remember! is a webinar from Substance (formerly Drug Free Kids Canada) for parents and guardians of teens that shares valuable information and tips to help talk with teens about staying safe and making smart choices so they can celebrate prom with confidence and come home safe.