Discussing substance use with your children can be challenging. The complexities of adolescence, peer pressure, societal influences and mental health creates a daunting landscape to navigate. Stigma surrounding substance use can also make it difficult for parents and youth to seek support and resources, or discuss concerns openly. Fostering open communication, providing a supportive environment and utilizing available resources can help parents and caregivers address the topic of substances and substance use with their children.
Resources
Below is a list of resources and services for youth and parents.
General
- Here 24/7: Call 1-844-437-3247 (Here-247)
- Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868
- Talking with Teenagers about Drugs is a Government of Canada webpage that includes tips for talking with teens about drugs, information about cannabis, prescription drugs and other substances, and links to additional resources.
- Create a compassionate environment is a Drug Free Kids Canada resource that provides information about how to talk to youth about substances. It also provides information about various substances.
Alcohol
- Alcohol information and resources (WDG Public Health)
- Community Withdrawal Support Services: Call 519-837-6892 or 1-844-722-2977
- Grand River Withdrawal Management: Refer yourself by calling 519-749-4318
- Portage Ontario: Call 519-846-0945
Cannabis
- Find cannabis resources and supports (WDG Public Health)
- Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines for Youth
- How can you start the conversation about cannabis? (Drug Free Kids Canada)
- Cannabis: Important things to know (Kids Help Phone)
- Cannabis: What parents/guardians and caregivers need to know (School Mental Health Ontario)
- Mental Health (For Youth): Cannabis and Psychosis
- Talking pot with youth: A cannabis communication guide for youth allies (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction)
Opioids and other drugs
- Treatment, harm reduction, and recovery (WDG Public Health)
- Prescription opioids, including fentanyl: What parents and caregivers need to know (School Mental Health Ontario)
- Youth and Prescription Painkillers. What parents need to know (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).
- Dextromethorphan, Let’s Talk About It! (Drug Free Kids Canada)
Tobacco
Vaping
Parent Information Sessions
Cannabis and Other Drugs Parent Information Session
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health’s Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, will share valuable insights about the impacts and harms of cannabis and other drugs on youth. Dr. Tenenbaum answers questions and discusses strategies parents and caregivers can use to help navigate substance use with youth.
Originally recorded live on May 15, 2024
Youth Vaping Parent Information Session
Watch a recording of our Youth Vaping Parent Information Session with WDG Public Health’s Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum. Dr. Tenenbaum discusses the health impacts of youth vaping and offers practical tips on how to talk to your kids about it.
Originally recorded live on January 23, 2024.