According to Chantal Vallerand, the executive director of Drug Free Kids Canada (DFKC), many parents underestimate the immediate threat of substance addiction and overdosing to their children. However, recent studies indicate a growing crisis in this area. As students prepare to return to school, where peer influence is high, prevention organizations are urging parents, caregivers, and schools to take action against the rising risk of substance abuse in youth.
Vallerand emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, stating that parents often believe their children are not at risk. However, a report by the 2022 Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) reveals that drug overdoses among children and teenagers have become a public health emergency. The report states that the number of youth experiencing severe and life-threatening overdoses is increasing, making it the leading cause of death among 10 to 18-year-olds in Western Canada. Stimulant overdoses are the most commonly reported, followed by sedatives and opioids.
Although only 11% of Ontario high school students admitted to using opioids or prescription drugs recreationally, Vallerand warns that there is still a high risk. She emphasizes the role of parents and trusted adults in limiting the harm caused by substance use in youth. DFKC’s annual tracking study shows that children consistently list their parents as their most reliable source of information, followed by school and peers.
Experts argue that the outdated “just say no” approach to educating youth about substance use is ineffective. Vallerand suggests that parents should engage in early, informed discussions with their children, approaching the topic with curiosity rather than lecturing. Vallerand believes that equipping children with knowledge and decision-making skills is essential for them to make informed choices about their health and resist peer pressure.
DFKC encourages parents to limit accessibility to prescription drugs at home, as a survey found that 49% of children who admitted to using such drugs recreationally obtained them from their own homes. Parents are encouraged to safely store or dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer needed by bringing them back to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
Schools also play a crucial role in educating youth about substance use. The D.A.R.E. curriculum, which originated in 1983, is offered in schools worldwide to provide children with skills for healthy and safe living. Another program called keepin’ it REAL, taught by law enforcement officers, focuses on problem-solving, risk management, peer pressure, bullying, and stress. Research has shown significant reductions in alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, vaping, and marijuana use among students who received this program.
The ABC’s of Youth Substance Use initiative in British Columbia builds the capacity of adults to address youth substance use through evidence-based approaches in schools. Autonomy, Belonging, and Competencies are considered essential stepping stones to promoting youth well-being and reducing harms related to substance use.
According to Ash Amlani, co-leader of the ABC’s of Youth Substance Use, it is crucial to create a safe environment for open and candid conversations about substance use. Amlani believes that substance use may be used as a coping mechanism for young people, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many have struggled with their mental health.
Wellstream, a program based in British Columbia, aims to address upstream issues affecting mental health and substance use in children. Dr. Emily Jenkins, the head of research for Wellstream, emphasizes the need for interventions that span the entire spectrum of substance use, not just addressing overdosing. She highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues such as trauma, violence, poverty, and racism, and providing safe housing and educational opportunities for youth.
In conclusion, it is crucial for parents, caregivers, and schools to acknowledge the growing risk of substance abuse in youth and take proactive measures to prevent harm. Open and informed discussions, safe storage of prescription drugs, evidence-based programs in schools, and addressing underlying issues are all essential in protecting youth from the dangers of substance use.
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