Substance use by humans - whether for relaxation, stimulation, medication, or experimentation - is not a new phenomenon. A drug history timeline compiled by the University of Victoria starts with evidence of beer making in 10000 BCE! However, substance type, availability, and attitudes toward use have shifted over time. We live in an age in which some substance use has been somewhat normalized, while users of other substances may be highly stigmatized.  This complex picture is part of the reason it is so important to revisit the topic of substance use.

Another reason we are highlighting substance in this snapshot is because, like it or not, youth will be exposed to substances before they become adults. Some statistics from the most recent McCreary Adolescent Health Survey give an idea of the prevalence of youth substance use in BC, as well as the varied and changing attitudes youth have toward substances:

•  44% of youth surveyed in grades 7-12 had tried alcohol
•  16% of youth had tried a substance other than marijuana or alcohol - 12% had misused prescription pills
•  Over 25% of youth surveyed had vaped in the last month
•  Almost half of youth surveyed felt that their friends would be upset with them if they got drunk
•  Marijuana use had decreased over 10 years

That picture of youth substance use is important, as are the trends we are seeing across society. Since a public health emergency was declared in 2016, deaths due to toxic drugs have risen 400%, and in 2021, an average of over six people were dying daily in BC due to drug toxicity. These are frightening statistics, but it is important for our older children and students to understand this reality as they develop the skills to look after themselves and others in their community.

For parents and caregivers of youth, the complex picture this information presents poses a challenge: How do we find the right balance of protecting our young people from potential harms while equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make healthy choices on their own?

Vaping is the use of any vapourizer product (e-cigarette, vape pen, vape) to smoke the vapour or heated aerosol of various chemical liquids (typically glycerol, propylene glycol, and nicotine with flavours, though not all vape products contain nicotine). While for an adult cigarette smoker, vaping can provide some harm reduction benefits in a journey towards quitting nicotine altogether, for youth, it is often a pathway to getting addicted to nicotine. This FAQ Handout from BC Lung Foundation gives a good overview of vaping.

There are additional concerns about vaping products as well, and the reality is that the products are just too new for anyone to fully understand the long term consequences of frequent use. This handy tip sheet from Health Canada outlines some of what we know about the health consequences of vaping.

To get a picture of youth vaping during the pandemic, the McCreary Centre Society surveyed 3500 youth in BC to get a snapshot of their use and perspectives. Interestingly, although 27% of youth surveyed had vaped within the last month, youth were less likely to have started or increased vaping during the pandemic. See part of the infographic below, and access the full infographic here.

Cannabis, marijuana, or weed, is an increasingly accessible substance with its recent legalization and subsequent commercialization in various edible, drinkable, and smokable forms. It's easy to be dismissive of the harms of cannabis considering its legal (for adults) status, and when we look at this drug relative to other drugs such as opioids which dominate news coverage due to their toxicity. However, cannabis use, especially by youth with still developing brains, can be harmful. 

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has done extensive research into cannabis use and youth. They have produced some useful documents, including harm-reduction oriented guides such as this one about lower risk cannabis use. They also have helpful documents that can support conversations about cannabis use, such as the following infographic dispelling some myths about marijuana use (see full infographic plus recommended resources here).

This site compiles both local and online mental health and wellness resources for families and educators, and is updated monthly with new resources.