News & Resources

Youth Substance Use & Harms in the SWPH Region

More than 1 in 3 youth in the SWPH region reported using alcohol, cannabis, and smoking a full tobacco cigarette for the first time in grade 9.

The Effects of Cannabis Use during Adolescence

According to the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse, several key neurodevelopmental phases must occur during adolescents before the brain is fully prepared to deal with the challenges of adulthood. Therefore the early onset of cannabis and alcohol can have lasting impacts on executive functioning, decision making, motivation and risk-taking behaviour.

Testing risk and protective factor assumptions in the Icelandic model of adolescent substance use prevention

We sought to test risk and protective factor assumptions of the IPM using a prospective cohort study with 12 months separating baseline from follow-up.

The Chief Public Health Officer’s Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2018: Preventing Problematic Substance Use in Youth

A snapshot of the health of Canadians and a spotlight on the prevention of problematic substance use among youth.

Risk & Protective Factors for Youth Substance Use Across Family, Peers, School, & Leisure Domains

In this study, we explored developmental contexts that correspond with risk and protective factors associated with adolescent substance use.

Implementing the Icelandic Model for Preventing Adolescent Substance Use

This article describes the 10 core steps to practical implementation.

Helping communities prevent and reduce substance use-related harms among youth

Public Health Agency of Canada. No community in Canada has been left untouched by substance use-related harms and the toxic illegal drug supply and overdose crisis. Efforts to prevent substance use, especially among youth, are critical and this means reaching out to young people who may be struggling with targeted support in their communities.