Substance use is when someone uses tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, street drugs or other substances. Substance abuse is when someone is addicted to using one or more of these substances. Both substance use and abuse can negatively affect a person's life.
It is a good idea to talk to your child about substance use and safety. It is important to ask your child what she knows about drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Many middle years children look up to older siblings or peers who may be experimenting with substance use so it is important that middle years children have the facts. They may also be exposed to conflicting messages about substance use from home, friends, and the media. Make sure your child is aware of the legal, social, physical and mental problems that can come from substance use and abuse.
Some middle years children may try drugs, drink alcohol or smoke because they feel pressured to fit in with peers. Some may use substances to rebel or escape from their lives. Others may be drawn by curiosity. Whatever the reason, it is important to talk to your child about the effects of substance use. When talking to your child, stay calm and listen. For children who are using substances, it may be necessary to seek help outside of your family, such as an addictions counsellor, to get to the source of the problem.
The use of substances by children in the middle years is a serious cause for concern. For information about substance use and how to identify if there is a problem, follow the links below.
Tobacco
- Preventing Teen Smoking
- Second Hand Smoke Fact Sheet
- Talking to Your Kids About Tobacco
Parent's Guide - Tobacco Education for Manitoba Students
- Tobacco: Quit For Life
Alcohol & Drugs
- Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
- Be the Influence: Why Should I Talk to My Child About Alcohol?
- Inhalant Abuse: What You Should Know
- National Anti-Drug Strategy
- Substance Abuse/Addictions
Find out about causes of substance abuse/addictions and signs that there may be a substance abuse problem. - Substance Use, Directory of Youth Addiction Services
- Talking with Your Kids About Drugs – Crystal Meth
This resource will help you talk to your teen about this dangerous and highly addictive drug. - Youth Addictions
Frequently Asked Questions - Youth Drug Prevention for Parents
A comprehensive resource for parents that includes information about how to talk with your child about drugs, some of the "street" language for drugs and what they are, and behaviour by your child that should cause concern. - Youth Drug Stabilization Act Information
This act allows parents to seek involuntary detention for a child who has a severe addiction problem.