吃瓜黑料网

吃瓜黑料网
Skip to main content

Substance Use, Misuse & Abuse Resources

At the 吃瓜黑料网, we are deeply invested in the well-being of our students, staff, parents, guardians, and caregivers. We recognize and as staff continue to promote awareness to staff and students about the critical importance of understanding and addressing the complexities surrounding substance use among youth and the impact of substance use on mental health and well-being.

Together, we can make a difference in preventing substance abuse and promoting healthier choices for students.

听

Substance Use Continuum
Substance Use Continuum
No Use
Beneficial Use e.g., use under medical supervision
Non- Problematic e.g., use without any physical or mental health impacts
Potentially Harmful e.g., episodic use that can and may be leading to harmful impacts
Substance Use Disorder听

听
Substance Use Stats
Quick facts
By grades 9 and 10:
29.5% of students have used alcohol in the past year
12.6% of students have used electronic cigarettes (vapes)
12.2% of students have used cannabis
Rates of substance use among students increases throughout high school and are highest among grade 11-12 students.

This platform serves as a comprehensive resource for students, providing valuable information and guidance on making informed decisions regarding substance use. For staff, it offers insight into recognizing signs of substance abuse/misuse and provides strategies for intervention and support.

A simple way of understanding and describing addiction is to use the 4C鈥檚 approach:

  • Craving
  • Loss of control of amount or frequency of use
  • Compulsion to use
  • Continued substance use despite consequences

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-68686
Ontario Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1-800-565-8603
Mental Health Hotline: 988
Canadian Mental Health

Additionally, for parents navigating the challenges of raising adolescents in today's world, this webpage offers practical tools, resources, and support networks to help navigate conversations around substance use, abuse, and misuse with their children.






Navigating the landscape of youth substance use requires a collective effort grounded in education, awareness, and empathy. Through this webpage, we aim to foster open dialogue, promote harm reduction strategies, and empower our community to address substance-related issues with compassion and understanding to build a circle of care for students that includes 吃瓜黑料网 community partners.

Substance Use Stats
Quick facts
By grades 9 and 10:
29.5% of students have used alcohol in the past year
12.6% of students have used electronic cigarettes (vapes)
12.2% of students have used cannabis
Rates of substance use among students increases throughout high school and are highest among grade 11-12 students.








  • Encourage your child to confide in a trusted adult 鈥� if not you, then perhaps another relative, a school counsellor, or your family doctor.
  • If your child is using substances, stay calm instead of showing panic and anger. Offer patience and support.
  • Educate yourself on harm reduction and ways to engage your child in a non-judgmental conversation about substance use.
  • Keep communications open 鈥� talk to your kids and remember to listen! Try to understand your child鈥檚 perspective.
  • If the situation appears serious, get your child the help he/she needs. Early intervention can help. As a start, contact your family doctor or other trusted health professional.
  • Males are more susceptible to substance use issues compared to females.

Other risk factors associated with increased substance use problems may include:

  • Family history of substance use problems
  • Existing emotional or mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
  • Low self-esteem
  • Feelings of social isolation or not belonging
  • Past experience of trauma or abuse
  • Individuals with mental health problems may use drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms, potentially masking serious mental health issues. This co-occurrence is known as "concurrent disorders," necessitating specialized treatment.

Specific signs vary depending on the substance used, but generally include:

These indicators may suggest problematic substance use or other underlying issues, such as mental health concerns. It's vital to take these signs seriously and not dismiss them.

  • Missing school, work, or other important obligations
  • Decreased interest or concern about school, work, or relationships with friends and family
  • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
  • Diminished concentration or memory
  • Heightened secrecy about activities or whereabouts
  • Mood swings, irritability, or personality changes
  • Associating with a new group of friends less connected to home and school

Welcome to our guide on alcohol use and youth in Canada. Navigating the complexities of alcohol consumption among young people can be challenging, but understanding the risks, knowing the laws, and accessing support resources are crucial steps in promoting safe and responsible behavior.

In this resource, we provide valuable information, practical tips, and a range of resources tailored to parents, educators, and youth themselves. From understanding the legal drinking age and the effects of alcohol on the developing brain to tips for having open conversations with teens about alcohol, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions.

Whether you're a concerned parent, an educator seeking guidance on prevention strategies, or a young person navigating peer pressure and social situations, we're here to support you. Together, let's foster a culture of responsible alcohol use and prioritize the health and well-being of our youth across Canada.

As a parent, or other caring adult, you can:

  • Be a healthy role model for your children. If you drink alcohol, follow Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. This brochure also has some tips for young people who choose to try alcohol.

See:

Retrieved from:

Cannabis use is common. From grade 7 to grade 12, the use of both alcohol and cannabis becomes more widespread, with alcohol use roughly double that of cannabis.

For more information on the consumption of various substances among youth in Ontario, visit the , which is the longest-running Canadian survey that shows trends in substance use and mental health.

See:
See:
See:
Retrieved from:

The allure of gambling can be particularly enticing for young people, with online platforms offering easy access and the promise of quick winnings. However, what starts as harmless entertainment can quickly spiral into a debilitating addiction, impacting academic performance, relationships, and mental health. Recognizing the warning signs of gambling addiction and providing support and resources for prevention and intervention are essential in addressing this growing concern among youth.

The rise of nicotine use among youth, largely attributed to vaping, presents significant health risks and challenges for adolescents. From flavored e-cigarettes to discreet vaping devices, young people are increasingly drawn to nicotine products, unaware of the long-term consequences on their physical and mental well-being. Understanding the factors driving nicotine use and implementing targeted prevention strategies are critical steps in safeguarding the health of our youth.

See:

Opiate use among youth has reached alarming levels, fueled by factors such as peer pressure, easy access to prescription medications, and the allure of temporary relief from emotional pain. What begins as experimentation or misuse of prescription painkillers can escalate into dependence and addiction, leading to devastating consequences. Educating young people about the risks associated with opiate use and promoting access to safe and effective treatment options are crucial steps in combating this epidemic.

See:

In an increasingly digital age, social media has become an integral part of youth culture, offering connectivity, validation, and entertainment. However, excessive use and dependence on social media platforms can lead to detrimental effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Understanding the addictive nature of social media and fostering healthy digital habits are essential in promoting balanced lifestyles and well-being among youth in today's technology-driven world.

Vaping, once hailed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, has rapidly gained popularity among youth in recent years, presenting a pressing public health concern. With enticing flavors, sleek designs, and discreet packaging, e-cigarettes have permeated schools and social circles, capturing the attention of adolescents.

However, beneath the allure lies a complex web of addiction, health risks, and regulatory challenges. From nicotine addiction and respiratory illnesses to concerns about the long-term impact on brain development, the rise of vaping among youth has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and health professionals alike.

By understanding the dynamics of vaping abuse and use among youth, we can work together to promote informed decision-making, support healthy behaviours, and safeguard the well-being of our young people.

See: