Substances
How old do you need to be to buy Nicotine, Alcohol or Cannabis products in BC?
19 years old in BC
18 in Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba
21 in the USA
TRUE or FALSE: words, name-calling, slang and jokes can make people feel negatively about themselves.
TRUE: language is a big part of stigma.
When it comes to substance use, words like junkie, addict, user, crack head can be quite judgmental, stigmatizing and negative.
TRUE or FALSE: People with a mental illness can "Snap out of it" if they wanted to.
FALSE. Mental Illness is a complex health issue involving the psychological, physical, emotional and neurological
True or False: Everyone who tries or experiments with substances will develop a substance use disorder.
Bonus* What are some risk factors of Substance Use Disorder (addiction)?
A: False - most are recreational - only 1/10 will develop of substance use disorder
A: childhood traumas, genetic risk factors, environment, family history of substance use, parent influences/parental monitoring, family rejection, peer associaction, lack of connections, low academic achievement, mental health issues.
There are lots of things we can do to help us cope. Can you name an activity to help us relax/chill out?
Art therapy, music, journaling, excersize, nature walks, reading, yoga, reaching out to a trusted person, etc..
Why might youth choose not to use substances at this age?
Not interested, parents rules, concerns about risks and consequences, sports and academic performance, values, religion, other coping strategies
What are some common "stigmas" or "stereotypes" that people believe when it comes to substances?
"Criminals", "homeless", "dangerous"
* In reality, we know many different types of people use substances for different reasons.
Name three emotions other than sad, mad, or happy.
Disgusted, jealous, nervous, fearful, excited, anxious, lonely, worried, vengeful, annoyed, hopeless, etc..
Of youth who have ever tried vaping, what do you think is the most common age that youth had first vaped?
13
What "drug" is used to reverse an opioid overdose?
Bonus* When is Naloxone not effective?
A: Naloxone
A: when Benzodiazepine is present, or in a stimulant or alcohol overdose, for example
Name 2 reasons why youth might try drugs and alcohol?
To cope (trauma, stress, or pain), mental or physical health issues (pain), Social norms, Mirroring (see parents or other adults, advertising - drinking alcohol, using cannabis or other drugs), glamourzing (social media, movies and television), pressure from peers, to experiment, curiosity, enhance (focus, physical appearance, confidence, etc..), to feel (good, pleasure, euphoria, relaxation)
What does stigma mean?
"a set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something"
What is the most common mental health illness?
Anxiety (1/10 Canadians) followed by Depression
How many people a day are dying from toxic drug poisoning in BC?
7 people per day
Name a form of harm reduction that is not related to substances.
hint: What are some things you do to "reduce the harm" of the risks you take?
Wearing a seatbelt, wearing a helmet while riding your bike, hard hats at a work site, parachutes for skydiving, condoms for sexual activity.
Name 2 categories of substances?
Hint: what category of substance is caffeine and cocaine?
Stimulant
Depressant
Hallucinogen
Opioids
How does stigma impact people who use substances?
Causes people to be less likely to reach out due to worries about judgment and criticism.
Causes people to use alone, which can be extremely risky.
Can cause low self esteem,
Can be disempowering
Creates barriers to access services
Dehumanizing.
What does it mean to have empathy towards someone?
The ability to understand how someone else is feeling.
Which job industry is impacted most by the toxic drug supply?
Construction and trades.
Where can you get a naloxone kit within the Tri-Cities?
Local health units, pharmacies, SHARE, other community agencies, online Red Cross course (nasal)
What are the signs that substance use may be a problem?
Changes in grades or attendane at school or work, changes in relationships (ex. fights with parents, friends), felt you should cut down (tried, but could not), needing to use more and more drugs or alcohol to attain the desired effects (tolerance), finding yourself lying about how much or how often, going through prescription medication at a faster rate, friends or family members expressed concern, negative self-thoughts (feeling bad, guilty, or ashamed), done or said things that you later regretted, troubles with the law .
What can we do to combat stigma related to substance use?
Change our language. ex. "addict or junkie" to "person who uses drugs"
Educate yourself!
Talk with peers, trusted adults, and educators about this topic.
Learn about how your community and government is responding to substance use.
Participate in community events that speak to issues around substance use /mental health.
Kids Help Phone: 686868
9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline
School: teachers, counsellors, youth worker, vice principals, support staff.
Safe adults at home.
Foundry Virtual Services
SHARE Family and Community Services
Child and Youth Mental Health
Family Doctor
Since the declaration of the overdose crisis - April 14, 2016, how British Columbians have we lost to the toxic drug supply?
Over 14,000 (updated April 2024)
Name a form of harm reduction that is related to substance use?
Naloxone, sterile supplies, drug checking, safe supply, low-risk drinking guidelines, low-risk cannabis guidelines.