Sara Westbrook
Addiction Defined
Addiction
is when a person has compulsive, often
uncontrollable drug use in spite of
negative consequences
NO SINGLE FACTOR DETERMINES WHETHER A PERSON
WILL BECOME ADDICTED TO DRUGS
All drugs are potentially harmful and may have life threatening
consequences. Everyone has different sensitivity to different drugs. One
person can use a drug once or many times and not suffer from the
effects as much as the next person who may use and become
dependent soon after their first use.
Risk Factors for Addiction?
As a teenager, brain development is still happening. One area of the
brain still maturing involves decision making, motivation, learning,
judgment and controlling behaviours. So, introducing drugs during this
brain development can disrupt the brain function of the areas still
maturing and put you at greater risk.
More risk factors that may make you more vulnerable:
 Increased stress
 Unstable family or peer relationships
 Peer/social pressures
 Mental health issues
 Exposure to abuse (physical, emotional/verbal,
sexual)
 Using substances at an early age
Detox
If you hear someone say that they are “going to detox”
they are talking about going somewhere safe where they
can be monitored as they stop using their substance of
choice.
Example: The Centre of Hope in
London provides detox services
where you can stay overnight for up
to a week and be monitored by staff
as you withdrawal from the
substance you have taken.
Nightmares
Anxiety and stress are two of the most common causes of
nightmares. However, sometimes use of substances can
cause nightmares. Also, nightmares can be a symptom of
withdrawal from substances.
Example: antidepressants/sleeping pills or the
“Using Dreams” are when a person has a (usually vivid) dream
excessive
of oralcohol.
about using drugs,
looking foruse
drugs,
watching someone else use
They are sometimes so real that the person wakes up and is sick
because they feel so high
“Day Dreams” are what I call them, but these are vivid memories
which some people get when thinking about their past – can be
memory of them using, of the things they did to get their drugs or
some other traumatic event can last for a few seconds, minutes or
hours. Usually they are accompanied by extreme feelings of guilt
and shame.
Withdrawal
What does withdrawal
feel like and how long
does it last?
Happens when a person has developed
dependency to a substance and doesn’t keep
a certain dose of that substance within their
bodies.
Withdrawls feel different depending on what drug you are
addicted to
 Typically the withdrawls are the opposite of what the drug does to
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your system
The extreme physical withdrawls last about one week (everyone is
different though – this varies based on the person and the drug(s)
they used)
PAWS is the emotional and mental “pain” (depression, anxiety,
mood swings, irritability, tiredness etc.) the length that it lasts
varies (some report a few months, others say it lasts up to two
years)
You can go to a detoxification center to go through withdrawals in a
safe environment where you won’t be able to go use
You can also go to a treatment or rehab center where you can work
through a lot of the feelings that accompany PAWS
Withdrawal
Specific substances and their
withdrawal symptoms:
 Alcohol: headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shakiness. Withdrawal
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can begin as early as 6-12 hours after last drink and can last up to 7 days.
Cocaine: exhaustion, restless sleep, irritability, depression, suicidal
thoughts, intense cravings
Amphetamines/Other stimulants: fatigue, restless sleep, irritability,
suicidal thoughts, depression, paranoia, episodes of violence
Cannabis: irritability, anxiety, depression, upset stomach, loss of
appetite, sweating, and disturbed sleep. Symptoms can last up to a week
– sleep disturbances can last longer
Benzodiazepines: headache, insomnia, sweating, difficulty
concentrating, fear, fatigue, paranoia, agitation, seizures
Prescription Opioids: uneasiness, yawning, abdominal cramps, aches
and pains, diarrhea, anxiety, trouble sleeping
Hallucinogens: stopping use doesn’t usually cause symptoms of
withdrawal. However, people can develop psychological dependence
(emotional/mental preoccupation with the substance) and may
experience mental or emotional distress when not using
Overdose
Signs of a drug overdose vary depending on the drug used.
NEVER, NEVER,
leave the person
alone or let them
“sleep it off.”
Some signs can include:
 Coma, unconsciousness
 Increased agitation, violent or aggressive behavior
 Convulsions
 Paranoid behavior
 Difficulty breathing
 Extreme drowsiness
 Staggering
 Sweating or extremely dry, hot or pale skin
If overdose is suspected, contact 911 right away and if you can
help the person into the recovery position while you wait for
medical attention.
Sex & Drugs
When you do drugs do you mess up your sex life? What do you
Why do drugs increase your likeliness
Can drugs cause STIs? think?
of having unprotected sex?
You might not be able to talk to a partner about
condoms if you are high.
You may not be able to communicate your wishes
(like “I don’t want to have sex now”) to your
partner if you are high.
Being high can cloud your judgement and take away
your inhibitions resulting in you doing things you
normally wouldn’t.
Drugs don’t cause STI’s but using drugs
could lead to decreased inhibitions
which may cause an increase in casual
sex or unprotected sex.
Some forms of drug use (i.e. injection
or snorting) can lead to blood borne
infections like HIV/AIDS or Hep B
which are classified as STIs.
Can doing drugs make me not get an erection?
• Many drugs from alcohol, cigarettes to pot, opiates and crystal meth can have effects on
getting and keeping an erection, both while using and some may cause permanent damage.
Why? Certain drugs cause decreased blood flow
NOTE: Some drugs can also increase the ability to have an erection, however it is safer to talk to
your doctor about safe medications you can take to help achieve an erection, or assessing whether
it is a health condition that is causing you to not have an erection, or is it using drugs.
Date Rape Drugs
How do you know if
someone put a date rape
drug in your drink?
You don’t
.
 Date rape drugs are colourless, tasteless and odorless and can be
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dissolved into any alcoholic and non alcoholic drink (incl. Water!)
Symptoms you’ll experience: dilated pupils, sweating, and slurred
speech, and disorientation, low respiratory rate, and nausea, loss of
coordination, temporary amnesia, hallucinations, paranoia, coma,
and death.
You feel drunk and haven't drunk any alcohol — or, you feel like the
effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual.
You wake up feeling very hung over and disoriented or having no
memory of a period of time.
You remember having a drink, but cannot recall anything after that
What are Date Rape Drugs?
 Rohypnol (roh-HIP-nol) aka flunitrazepam (FLOO-neye-TRAZ-uh-
pam)
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sold as: alprazolam (marketed as Xanax) or clonazepam (marketed as Klonopin);
effects kick in after 20-30 mins and lasts for hours.
Causes memory blackouts that last 8-12 hours.
 GHB short for: gamma hydroxybutyric (GAM-muh heye-DROX-ee-
BYOO-tur-ihk) acid; slightly salty taste (very difficult to detect); causes
extreme fatigue
 Ketamine (KEET-uh-meen), effects kick in with in 5-10min and last for
about 30-60min (powder or liquid forms)
 Ecstasy – like alcohol makes a person feel "lovey-dovey" towards others.
It also can lower a person's ability to give reasoned consent. Once under
the drug's influence, a person is less able to sense danger or to resist a
sexual assault.
 ALCOHOL (most commonly used drug to commit sexual assaults)
Pregnancy & Drugs
If a woman is pregnant and smokes marijuana,
will it hurt the baby?
YES
Each drug has different effects on baby and mother. The types of
effects depend on the type, amount and frequency of drug
use.
Examples: Marijuana can cause babies to be born with low birth weight – which
has other health implications. Alcohol has very detrimental effects on the
developing fetus (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder)
PRIMA (Pregnancy Related Issues in the Management of Addictions) has a list of
effects that each drug has on mom and baby. (www.addictionpregnancy.ca)
How many drugs do you have to take in order for the drugs
to affect your baby while you are pregnant?
 Even small amounts of substances can effect a baby’s development.
 Alcohols’ effect on the baby is called “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder” because
there are a spectrum of problems that could occur depending on when the alcohol
was consumed and how much was consumed during pregnancy. Effects could
include anything from learning disorders to severe brain injury.
Pregnancy & Drugs
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Caffeine: Drinking more than 3 cups of coffee regularly increases your risk of miscarriage and
having a baby with low birth weight
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Tobacco: The more you smoke, the greater the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, still birth and
having a baby with low birth weight. When possible, avoid being exposed to second hand smoke.
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Alcohol: No safe level of drinking during pregnancy. Drinking at any point during pregnancy may
increase risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth, fetal alcohol syndrome.
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Cannabis: No known safe limit for use in pregnancy. Cannabis use may increase the risk of having
a baby with low birth weight. Avoid being in the same room with someone smoking cannabis to
avoid the second hand smoke.
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Opiates: No known safe limit for illicit use in pregnancy. If you are taking a prescribed dose from
your doctor with no signs of dependence, you should continue to take the medication.
 ** If you are taking methadone and being monitored: safe to use during pregnancy. Some babies do
experience withdrawal symptoms after birth but they can be managed with the help of your doctor.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING AND/OR CONTINUING METHADONE.
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Cocaine/Crack: Do not use during pregnancy – may cause miscarriage and premature delivery. The
baby may also have withdrawal symptoms at birth.
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Stimulants: It is best not to use stimulants that have not been prescribed to you. May increase your
risk of high blood pressure, miscarriage, premature delivery and having a baby with low birth weight.
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Inhalants and Solvents: Do not use during pregnancy – may cause early labour, baby may have
breathing problems, thinking and/or behavior problems
Health & Drugs
Can I get fat from doing drugs?
Will doing drugs make me lose weight?
 Weights could go up or down. It depends on a lot of factors. The more
important point is that any drug has significant health and social
impacts.
Do drugs have anything to do with acne?
 Using drugs can affect your stress levels, hormone levels and immune
system, so it may have a part causing or worsening acne
If you only do drugs on the weekend can it still hurt your body?
 Yes. See health effects above. In addition, occasional use of drugs can
sometimes progress into more regular use of the drug (dependence and
addiction).
How long does marijuana, coke, meth, oxy’s etc…stay in the user’s body?
 It depends on the drug, body composition, whether the person has a
healthy liver etc. Marijuana could stay in the body for 40 days or more
because it is stored in fat cells in the body.
The Law & Drugs
Can employers do a drug test on you before
hiring you?
Some employers might drug
test if you will be working in
what is considered a “safety
sensitive” position where
being impaired would pose a
significant risk to you or your
co-workers.
Example: fork lift driver in a
factory
The Law & Drugs
If you say no to someone who tries
to sell you drugs and he keeps
following you, what do you do?
Call police or go to the
nearest home, business.
What if I am holding drugs for a friend and I get searched by the police, will
I get into trouble?
Yes
you are in possession of drugs & drugs are
illegal
What happens if you are in a car with someone who is dealing drugs?
Will you get into trouble to?
Yes
it is referred to as
“party to the offence”.
It carries the same
consequences.
Home
Remedies?
Can drinking rubbing alcohol give me a buzz? No, it contains a different
kind of alcohol that is
poisonous if consumed.
• Beer, wine and other spirits
(hard liquor) are composed
of ethanol (ethyl-alcohol)
• Rubbing alcohol is
composed of isopropylalcohol
Does sniffing glue give you nose bleeds?
Yes, and it causes brain damage.
Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol
Could household cleaning
supplies be considered as drugs
since some teens sniff them?
What happens to you when you
abuse inhalants?
Yes. You lose brain cells, causes brain damage &
bleeding of the brain
Cough Medicine
DXM (Dextromethorphan):
Some of my friends drink a lot of cough medicine to get high…
Is that dangerous? Is it considered an addiction?
How big of an effect does cough medicine have on people that use it a lot to get high?
Effects of DXM include:
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DXM Overdose:
Confusion
• Central Nervous system depressant –
Dizziness, headache
respiratory depression. Basically, you
Double or blurred vision
can stop breathing.
Slurred speech
Addictive?
Impaired physical coordination
• Some sources suggest that people can
Abdominal pain
become dependent on DXM to feel
Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
‘normal’.
Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure
How big of an effect?
Drowsiness
• Depends on quantity, body type etc.
Numbness of fingers and toes
Causes hallucinations, loss of motor
Disorientation, loss of consciousness
control, and "out-of-body" sensations.
Hyperthermia (fever), rash, seizures
Steroids
I heard that men grow women
parts when they take anabolic
steroids, is that true?
Steroids can cause men’s testicles
(balls) to shrink, and breast tissue
to increase, but that is the only
things that have been documented.
If you take steroids what are the
effects on women?
Steroids can cause masculinization in
women, including:
 breast size and body fat reduction
 coarsening of the skin
 enlargement of the clitoris
 deepening of the voice
 excessive growth of body hair
 loss of scalp hair
 changes or cessation of the
menstrual cycle
Steroids can seem like a great way to
bulk up fast, but they are linked to
many health problems and are not
safe.
If you are looking to increase your
muscles mass (bulk up), talk to a
dietitian, doctor and personal
trainers, to find safe ways to
With long-term use, some of these
increase the size of your muscles
effects may be permanent.
through diet and exercise versus
harmful drugs. (Source: CAMH, Do You Know… Anabolic Steroids)
Steroids
Are steroids really bad for your body?
YES!
Taking high doses of steroids increases risk of:
 enlargement and abnormalities of the heart, blood clots, high
blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Steroid-related heart
failure has occurred in athletes younger than 30.
 aggression and violence (“roid rage”), negative personality change,
mania and depression, which may lead to suicide.
** Depression may persist for a year after drug use is stopped.
 hepatitis, liver enlargement and liver cancer
 reduced fertility in both women and men
 tendon ruptures, cessation of growth in adolescents
 hepatitis or HIV if steroids are injected using shared needles, and
infections if steroids are injected with dirty needles.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that generally increase alertness,
attention and energy.
Are stimulants
addictive?
Yes
Examples of Stimulants:
Caffine: mild stimulant
Cocaine: very strong stimulant
Ecstasy: has stimulant-like features
Prescribed stimulants are typically prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and
some forms of depression.
The most common prescribed and abused stimulants are
Ritalin and Adderall.
Depressants
Depressants are a class of drugs that generally decrease alertness,
relieve anxiety and tension.
Are depressants addictive?
Yes
Examples of Depressants:
especially
if
misused
 Prescription depressants have similar effects to that of alcohol.
• Alcohol (ethyl-alcohol)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
 Typically used to treat anxiety disorders and short-term sleep disorders
 Can be addictive, especially if misused. Discontinuing use of a prescribed depressant after prolonged use can
lead to withdrawal and seizures. Someone thinking about ending their use of a prescribed depressant or has
misused and is suffering withdrawal symptoms should speak with a physician and seek medical treatment.
Cocaine
Where does cocaine come from?
 Coca plants from warm climates.
 Colombia remains the world’s largest cultivator of the coca bush; followed by Peru; and
Bolivia.
 Approximately 90% of detected cocaine shipments were transiting through the MexicoCentral America Corridor
What is crack cocaine?
 Cocaine that is cooked with chemicals (dissolved in ammonia or baking soda and water).
 It comes in the form of a rock crystal that can be heated and its vapors are smoked.
 The term ‘crack’ comes from the crackling sound heard when it is cooked.
Interesting fact: 90% of U.S paper currency circulating in
U.S cities contains trace amounts of cocaine
(source: www.streetdrugs.org)
Cocaine
Cocaine
Crack Cocaine
Coca leaf
Ecstasy (MDMA)
What is ecstasy and what does it feel like?
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug with both stimulant
and hallucinogenic qualities. Known as the
‘hug drug’ or ‘feel good drug’.
• Often mixed with other substances like GHB,
Ketamine, or methamphetamines. Ecstasy is
rarely ever pure. & Ecstasy cocktails (mixture of
drugs) is very dangerous and has caused many
deaths
• May cause loss of brain function and brain
damage; depression and suicide
• Users feel safe and that they are in control but
often sexual assaults or unsafe sex and driving
while under the influence causes immediate
problems
• Even with occasional or weekend use, users can
become addicted
Symptoms of use:
 Intense euphoria
 Peacefulness
 Empathy
 Sympathy
 Acceptances
 Dilated pupils
 Reduces inhibitions
 Eliminates anxiety
 Suppressed need to
eat, drink or sleep
(Source: www.streetdrugs.org)
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Meth (Methamphetamine)
What is in meth?
IN SHORT: All things you would find under
the kitchen sink or in your garage!
3 kinds:
1. l-methamphetamine: produced
commercially and found in over-thecounter products sold in the US.
No substantial addictive qualities.
2. dl-methamphetamine: produced with
chemicals phenyl-2-propanone (P2P),
aluminum, methylamine, and mercuric
chloride. Associated with bike gangs
3. d-methamphetamine: produced using
chemicals ephedrine/pseudoephedrine,
hydriodic acid, red phosphorus, iodine,
hypo-phosphorous acid, anhydrous
ammonia, and sodium or lithium metal.
Highly addictive, and widely abused.
Results of use:
• inflammation of the heart lining
• damaged blood vessels and skin
abscesses (scarring of the face)
• Psychotic symptoms (paranoia,
delusions, mood disturbances)
** can persist for months or years
after use has ceased.
• symptoms like those of
Parkinson’s disease (severe
movement disorder)
• lead poisoning (lead is
sometimes used to produce the
meth (any errors in production
will result in contamination and
lead poisoning)
(Source: www.streetdrugs.org)
Meth (Methamphetamine)
Prescription Drugs
Is it safe to use someone else’s prescribed medications?
Why can’t I use prescription drugs to get high
If others use them for their problems?
• Drugs are prescribed for specific reasons. Prescription drugs are
prescribed to people who have extreme medical issues to offset pain.
• Doctors prescribe medications after they have done an assessment
and know that the drug is appropriate for an individual.
• You may have an allergy to a drug, or may be taking other
medications that should not be mixed.
• Doctors and pharmacists will also educate an individual on how to
appropriately use a medication (dose, frequency of use specifically for
you).
• If you have not talked to a Doctor or Pharmacist about how to use
appropriately for you then you become at risk for addiction, injury,
overdose and death.
Prescription Drugs
How addictive are prescription drugs?
Some prescription drugs are very addictive. Opioid pain relievers like oxycontin, Tylenol 3,
and percocet are very addictive, have significant withdrawal symptoms, and overdose can be
fatal.
What is the difference between prescription drugs and
illegal substances?
Illegal substances like cocaine, marijuana, and MDMA (Ecstasy) are not
regulated by law and are very harmful substances.
Prescription drugs are specifically prescribed to people who have ailments by
Doctors. They are tested and regulated to contain appropriate amounts of
approved substances to help people deal with illness or pain.
** If someone uses a prescribed medication improperly (ie; uses more than they should
or have not been assessed by a Doctor for use) that person is considered misusing the
drug; which can lead to serious harmful side effects.**
OxyContin
How many oxy-contins do you need to take before
you would overdose?
It depends on the person, how much oxycontin they use, and
the method of use.
 OxyContin comes in different doses (10mg, 20mg, 40mg, 80mg of
Oxycondone).
 If a person has been using 10mg tablets of OxyContin, and their
body is used to this dosage, increasing the dose can put you at risk
of overdose.
 OxyContin is considered a slow-release form of Oxycodone. If a
person generally swallows their OxyContin, the Oxycodone is
released slowly into the system. If the they then decides to crush
and snort it, or crush and inject it, there is a risk of overdose
because the slow release coating is removed and all of the oxycodone
is released at once.
Marijuana
Is Marijuana Addictive?
 Some people develop psychological
or physical dependence.
 They may feel they need the drug,
and get anxious when they don’t
have any.
 Some people who use a lot of
marijuana every day and then quit
suddenly may have problems
sleeping. They may get anxious,
irritable or nervous without the
drug. Or they may have an upset
stomach or lose their appetite.
These symptoms may last a week
but sleep disturbances can last
longer.
Yes, it can be.
Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?
Some people consider marijuana a
“gateway drug” because people start
using marijuana first and then move
onto other substances like cocaine.
However, this is not always the case –
some people only use marijuana and
never try other substances. And,
other people start with other drugs
first.
Does marijuana cause lung cancer?
Yes, among other health concerns. Marijuana doesn’t have a filter and it is
significantly stronger and more potent on your lungs than cigarettes.
Marijuana
Natural Drug?
A lot of natural things are poisonous, like some plants and
snake venom.
 Other drugs come from natural sources as well – ex. Heroin
comes from the opium in poppy seeds, and Cocaine comes
from the leaves of the coca plant. Though these come from
natural sources, it does not mean they are safe to use.
 When you smoke marijuana, it releases harmful chemicals
into your lungs as marijuana is modified and grown under
special conditions.
 Just like other illicit drugs, marijuana can be laced with
other substances (ex. Crystal meth).
Medical Marijuana?
 “Patients report that it reduces pain, improves sleep and relieves nausea and vomiting
resulting from chemotherapy and other treatments.” (Canadian Nurse, 2010)
 Medical use of marijuana is granted to the following patients: end-of-life care, multiple
sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, spinal cord disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, severe
arthritis and other debilitating symptoms.
 Negative health effects remain the same despite it’s use for medical reasons. The key
is that in these patients, the negative effects of marijuana are small when compared to
the debilitating symptoms of their disease… and in some cases the patient won’t live
long enough to get lung cancer etc.
For healthy people, the risks associated with marijuana use are a concern.
Marijuana
Have most teens used marijuana in their life?
No
Only 29.5% of Ontario students report that they have ever used
marijuana. This statistic includes those who have tried it
once, to those who use marijuana daily. (OSUDUS:2009)
How does marijuana affect driving?
Just like alcohol, it impairs your judgment and gives you a false sense of security.
If marijuana is so bad for you, then why had there been no
reported deaths of the substance alone?
There have been reported deaths of marijuana use.
What is the most popular drug right now and why?
Alcohol is still the leading drug used by youth. 61% of
youth have used alcohol at some point in
their life and 58% of them have
used
alcohol within the past.
year
(OSDUS: 2009)
Marijuana
Does marijuana affect school,
sports, or other activities?
Yes, marijuana – and any other drug – affect school,
sports, family life, work, social life, and more
 Effects of smoking marijuana are different for everyone
 Begin to loose interest, getting high becomes more important
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than anything else
Short term memory is affected, grades start to slip, begin
forgetting simple things
All your old friends “Don’t know who you are any more” and
want nothing to do with you
You have a lack of enthusiasm, may begin to feel depressed
when you wake up (doesn’t go away until you get high)
Marijuana is a “Gateway” drug – it leads to harder, more
addictive drugs
Why do People do drugs?
If my parents are okay with me doing drugs
why shouldn’t I?
You are your own person, and just because someone says it’s ok
doesn’t mean you have to do it. Look at the information for yourself
and make an educated decision.
There’s lots of reasons why people shouldn’t do drugs. Just to name a few…
Drugs are against the law. If you are caught you could end up in jail or get
a criminal record
 Drugs have negative short and long term effects on your health and life
style
 You could die
 Drugs can trigger mental health disorders
 You lose good friends
Why do my friends do drugs?
#1 reason:
Pressure
from friends (not overt,
but silent pressure…ie;
hanging in a group and
you’re the only one not
using; seeing statistics or
hearing that well all youth
use drugs it’s normal)
Teens have a social need
to fit in with a certain
group of people and often
will misuse substances to
fit in with a group of
friends.
“So to be into a group like that (popular
kids)…you’ll be a somebody.”
Why do my friends do drugs?
#2 reason:
Stress
 family life, school, work,
relationships, physical
conditions, etc.
 Teens feel stressed out with
and use substances as a way
to take their minds off of
their problems for an escape.
 Sometime there are
underlying mental illnesses
that teens use substances to
mask. Learn how to deal with
stress and mental health at:
www.mindyourmind.ca
“It makes us focus and zone in on our
work”
Why do my friends do drugs?
#3 reason:
Boredom
 disconnected from
opportunities to do other
activities (ie; not being able
to participate in sports, or
other hobbies; being too
far away to come to teen
centers like TTC)
 Teens believe they have
little or nothing else to fill
there time with. Plan fun
activities in advance to “I’m not good at sports or anything, but I
avoid being bored.
am good at doing drugs!”
Why do my friends do drugs?
#4 reason:
Curiosity/Myths
 hear about some of the
advantages about using
substances, see others doing and
having seemingly no negative
effects.
 Teens often engage in risky
behaviours because their brains
are not fully developed in the part
where reason overrides emotion –
‘in the moment’ attitude.
 Find that they enjoy the way they “you always see stuff on TV and hear
stuff about it…so why not try it?”
feel when under the influence.
Helping someone
It is normal to worry about parents, family, or someone close to you
who may be misusing or abusing substances.
 It is important to remember that kids are not the cause of
parent’s issues, no matter what is going on at home.
Children cannot control or “cure” the problem.
 Understand that you cannot make anyone stop using
substances; it would be like someone trying to tell you to
do something. Conversations with that person about
how you’re are feeling are sometimes very hard, if you
have a good relationship and feel comfortable doing that,
express your concerns and offer them your support in
seeking help. Sometimes it can help that someone just to
know that you are there for them.
 Remember to reach out to trusting adults in your life to
get support and help. Talk to guidance counselors,
teachers, school social workers for support. ADSTV
counsellor and website are good resources as well as the
Kids Help Phone.
If someone wants more information about treatment for themselves, they may call
DART (Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment) @ 1 800 565-8603
Case Example
My brother’s friends are trying to
get him to smoke and do drugs. He
tries to get away, but they do not
let him, and he tells people, and they
do not do anything. What should I
tell my brother?
•Do what you have to do to get out of the environment.
• Help your brother find a safe, confident person to help
… maybe a coach or teacher that you know?
• Look up some resources for your brother on how to get
help, where he can talk to someone? Go with your
brother if he doesn’t feel like going by himself to places
like the Police, the Health Unit, to see a counsellor, etc.
Case Example
My boyfriend smokes marijuana and I told him I didn’t care, but now
he does it a lot and it’s really starting to bug me. I don’t know what
to do because if I tell him to stop, he’ll just do it behind my back. I
won’t break up with him for that because I love him too much
Relationships are about trust and communication
 Important to be honest in relationships and to communicate




about how you both feel
Try to talk to him about how you feel, and why you changed
your mind about “not caring”
Try to make a compromise
If he won’t change, break up; obviously he doesn’t respect you
Find some one who has the same beliefs and values as you do
Refusal Tips
What do you do when other teens ask you to do drugs
and you don’t want to, but still want to be cool?
You have to look at a few things
1.
2.
3.
What do you think is cool?

Make your personal definition of cool – all that matters is that you fit it


Hang out with people who are interested in the same things as you
If some of your friends do drugs, try hanging out with them when they aren’t
using, go spend time with other friends when they are
Figure out who you share interests with
Find a few good “slogans” or things to say when you are asked to do drugs



No thanks, I don’t want to end up on Cops
No I don’t do drugs on days that end in “Y”
I can’t today, how is the 15th of Never?
These are all funny “one-liners”, but if you want to get someone off
your back for good you will need to talk to them and explain your
reasons for not wanting to use.
If they are your real friends they’ll understand and will lay off.
Refusal Tips
How do I say ‘no’ without being ‘uncool’?
 Excuses :
 got a sore throat
Mocktail:
If you’re handed a drink at a party
carry it around and dump it in a plant
 feeling kind of sick
or go to the washroom with it and
 blame someone: ‘my parents
dump it down the sink/toilet. Make
are going to ground me if I
yourself a mocktail instead and no one
come home stoned again;
will be the wiser.
Mr. Richards is going to
Two by Two:
suspend me if I come in
Be aware of who typically has the drugs
school again smelling of
and is the person that wants you to try
weed, etc)
some and avoid, go to the bath room,
or start a conversation with someone
else that you trust if you see that
 Be Savvy:
person approaching you, that way if
 Use the skills people
they ask, both of you can refuse at the
typically do to get you to use
same time making that person seem
drugs to refuse them.
rude for interrupting your
conversation.
Helpful Resources
Phone Contacts:
Websites:
 Heartspace at Addiction Services • Addiction Services of Thames Valley
www.adstv.on.ca
of Thames Valley
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
673-3242, extension 222
www.camh.net
• Street Drugs
 Motherisk Alcohol and
www.streetdrugs.org
Substance Use Helpline
• Safe Grad – Party planning tips
www.safegrad.com
1.877.327.4636
•Alcohol Policy Network
 Motherisk Home Line
www.apolnet.ca
•Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
1.416.813.6780
www.aadac.ca
•Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
 Elign St. Thomas Public
www.ccsa.ca
Health Unit
www.drugfreeworld.org
www.keepcontrol.ca
519.631.9900
www.mindyourmind.ca
 PIER Project of Addiction
www. whatswithweed.ca
www.dafacts.com
Services of Thames Valley
www.virtual-party.org
519.282.0662
www.not4me.ca