Youth and Substance Use

Geographic Level: Province

Province: AB

Because the choices young people face today are more complicated than ever—and so are the pressures, risks, and opportunities for support.

Topics

Trends in Youth Substance Use (2 discussions)
Current patterns in alcohol, vaping, cannabis, and other drugs.
Risk Factors for Youth Use (2 discussions)
Peer pressure, trauma, family dynamics, and mental health.
Protective Factors for Youth Resilience (2 discussions)
Supportive relationships, school engagement, and positive activities.
School-Based Prevention and Education (2 discussions)
Evidence-based approaches beyond “just say no.”
Social Media and Youth Substance Use (2 discussions)
Influence of online culture, marketing, and peer norms.
Youth Voices and Perspectives (3 discussions)
Giving young people agency in shaping prevention and recovery programs.
Family and Parenting Supports (2 discussions)
Helping caregivers recognize signs and have difficult conversations.
Youth Access to Services (2 discussions)
Barriers to age-appropriate treatment, counseling, and harm reduction.
Criminalization vs. Support Approaches for Youth (2 discussions)
Juvenile justice vs. community-based responses.
Future of Youth-Focused Prevention (2 discussions)
Innovative programs, mentorship, and culturally grounded models.