Youth & Substance Use

Youth & Substance Abuse

Substance use among youth is a reality. Although rates have been declining, a recent BC Adolescent Health Survey shows 45% of students in British Columbia have tried alcohol; 26% have tried marijuana; and 21% have tried tobacco.

Excessive alcohol or drug use often leads to other complications such as serious injuries and accidents while under the influence, unintended sex, conflicts with family or friends and problems in school.

Prevention

It is common for teenagers to be offered cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs. You can prepare by giving  factual information, sharing your values, and teaching  a young person how to make safe, healthy decisions about substance use.

While it's never too early or too late to talk about substance use with your kids, the recent rash of fentanyl related incidents is a reminder of just how important this conversation is.

Learn more here: 

Let's Talk - Speaking with our Kids about Substance Use
Helping Your Child Avoid Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol


Is your teen using drugs?

If you are a parent or caregiver who loves and worries about a teenager who may be experimenting with or regularly engaged in relationship with alcohol or other drugs, you are not alone. Island Health offers a workbook to help you understand and respond to substance use:

Recognizing Resilience: A Workbook for Parents and Caregivers of Teens Involved with Substances

You can also visit our Youth & Family Substance Use Resources page for more information and support.

Help is available

If your teen develops a  problematic relationship with substance  use , you and your family may  benefit from a consultation with a substance use counselling professional.

Talk to your family doctor or other health care professional for referrals, and visit our Youth and Family Substance Use Services page.

Please note that referrals are also accepted from families, youth themselves, or any allied service.

Also see: Substance Use Problems: How to Help Your Teen

News & Events

Victoria trio awarded Youth Harm Reduction Award for life-saving training and education efforts

Victoria trio awarded Youth Harm Reduction Award for life-saving training and education efforts

Three Victoria youth have been recognized by Island Health for their commitment and dedication to harm reduction awareness and training.

Read more

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Funds New Mobile Service for Youth Wellness

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Funds New Mobile Service for Youth Wellness

Thanks to generous financial support from the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, a mobile service for youth wellness will soon be hitting the road.

Read more

An anniversary without celebration

An anniversary without celebration

Sadly, the drug poisoning crisis continues. Innovative actions are underway to address this complex issue.

Read more