What substances are teens using most often Ontario

• 62% Alcohol
• 26% Marijuana
• 21% Prescription drugs

(CAMH, OSDHUS Report, 2007)

Prescription drugs – You must know

 - Some prescription drugs are very addictive and should never be used unless prescribed to you.
 - Many teens report that they get prescription drugs from your medicine cabinets. Parents should remove old/unused prescription drugs and return them to your local pharmacy.

Understand why young people are using drugs?

• Peer pressure - Young people may give in to pressures from other kids to try drugs. They may use a drug to feel like part of the crowd, or to act grown-up.
• Pleasure - Some teenagers say they take drugs to feel good.
• Curiosity or Experimentation - At first, teenagers may be tempted to try a drug to find out for themselves what it is like. Usually people who use a drug for this reason do not continue use for long periods of time.
• Boredom - If they lack outside activities and interests after school, young people may want to try something new and exciting. The 9:00 to 3:30 routine may be as boring to children as the 9:00 to 5:00 routine is for many adults.
• Self-esteem - Young people, as well as adults, often use drugs to try to feel more confident about themselves. Drugs seem to make them feel more important and powerful.
• Coping with stress - Many young people have not fully developed their problem-solving skills. Some of them use drugs to help cope with problems at school, in the family, and with social relationships.
• Escapism - Drugs appear to make things better than they really are. Problems don't seem as real or important.
• Rebellion - Since most adults do not approve of drug use among children, young people may use drugs to rebel against parents or teachers.
• Mental illness - Drug use may be an indicator of underlying mental illness

(Source: Health Canada Website, 2009)

PARENTS RESOURCES

For more info on protecting your teen from substance misuse and to subscribe to a parent’s newsletter see drugfree.org

Time to talk provides easy to use guides and tips to help you have ongoing conversations with your teens to keep them healthy and drug free www.timetotalk.org

Credible Substance Information Websites:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Alberta Health Services – Youth Site
Xperiment