When teens struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, it’s rarely a standalone issue. Often, young people and adolescents are dealing with other underlying mental health issues or behavioural issues. More commonly, substance abuse goes along with behavioural problems like anger, lying, poor academic performance, or violence. Treating substance abuse alone is not recommended for a…
If you’re a parent of a teen showing signs of drug use, it’s essential to seek treatment quickly. As teenagers strive for independence, it can be difficult to know if an underlying problem exists. Teenagers naturally branch out and distance themselves from parental influence, making it difficult to detect possible signs of drug abuse. However,…
Despite a recent plunge in teen illicit substance abuse, it’s still a significant issue plaguing the young people of our country. Additionally, prescription drug abuse in this age group has increased recently. Also, underage drinking and subsequent alcohol addiction is a common problem among teens and young adults. Defining substance abuse can appear tricky to…
Because it is legal and readily available, alcohol can present a unique problem for young people. The ordinariness of drinking and alcohol not only heightens its likelihood for abuse but makes avoiding it especially difficult. While many may frown upon underage drinking, the full scope of how dangerous the practice is for young people’s development…
There may be a time when the adolescent in your life asks “Is alcohol a drug?” While you may think you know the answer to this question, it always makes sense to educate yourself further so you can give teens the best advice possible. As parents, we always want to give teens the right answer…
Thinking about hosting a “safe” teen party where booze will be served? Think again. Teen drinking is a major issue. Adults who condone teen drinking or turn a blind eye to it risk being judged by society and by a legal system that comes down hard on adults who facilitate underage drinking. In Vancouver, a…
An ingredient found in many cough and cold remedies is finding its way into the hands of teens intent on using it to get what is described as a cheap dissociative high. Teen cough medicine abuse is something parents need to make themselves aware of. Dextromethorphan (DXM) – a synthetic ingredient found in more than…
Parents vigilant about educating their child about drugs and alcohol could inadvertently be supplying “drugs” powerful enough to kill the first time they are used. Teen inhalant abuse is a frequent issue in many areas. Surveys conducted in the United States and Canada reveal that huffing (or inhalant use) is becoming one of the most…
Dangers of Vaping and Toking In the past few years, vapes have become increasingly ubiquitous as a form of consuming nicotine. Although the practice began with complex rigs, the advent of Juul and similar devices have made vaping sleek and stealthy. With these advancements, however, the dangers of vaping and toking have increased. Whereas smoking…
Marijuana Legalization in Canada On October 17th, 2018, Canada became the second country to legalize recreational marijuana use. The government is still working to measure the immediate impact of marijuana legalization in Canada on the populace. Every three months, the Canadian government tracks marijuana-related behaviours with the voluntary National Cannabis Survey (NCS). For parents of…