A Dissemination & Train the Leaders Program by Parents, for Parents
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Drugs and Teen Use What Schools Can Do What Parents Can Do What Parent Volunteers Can Do What Parent Leaders Can Do |
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Youth Drug Use
Harms Associated with Problem Use
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Youth Drug Use – Alcohol Use The 1998-99 National Population Health Survey found that 78% of Canadians 15 years and older had consumed alcohol in the past year, 12.6% were former drinkers, and 9.5% were abstainers. Rates of past-year use have generally declined since the 1980s. Rates are highest among men, younger people and those with higher incomes and education. Rates of alcohol use also vary among the provinces, from a low of 59% in Newfoundland and Labrador to a high of 78% in Alberta. The 2000-01 Canadian Community Health Survey reports a significant gender difference in the prevalence of heavy drinking (i.e., drinking 5 or more drinks per occasion 12 or more times in the past year), with 29.0% of current male drinkers 15 years and over, and only 11.4% of their female counterparts drinking to this extent. Among high school students in Canada, rates of past-year use range from 48% to 65%, with rates increasing considerably with age (e.g., 80% in Grade 12 in Ontario). There is evidence that rates of binge drinking have increased among high school and university students through the past decade. It was estimated that 4% of Canadians were alcohol-dependent in 1994. Among Canadians 16 years and older who were current drinkers, 10% (about 1.5 million Canadians) had driven a vehicle after consuming "too much alcohol" by their own account. The age at which young people are allowed to drink in Canada is regulated by legislation and enforcement policy in each province and territory. Currently, in all provinces and territories with the exception of Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta (where the drinking age is 18 years), the drinking age is 19 years. The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Health Canada and the provincial/territorial addictions agencies have created a network that will be very helpful to parent organizations in prevention efforts. The Health, Education and Enforcement in Partnership can be reached through CCSA. The Organization of American States (includes Canada) has published an excellent set of guidelines on how the school can prevent substance abuse. Some other great organizations to contact are: - Alcohol Policy Network (APOLNET)
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Alcohol & Drug Program, Health Canada Health, Education and Enforcement in Partnership (CCSA, HC & PT Agencies) How does alcohol affect health? (Canadian Health Network) How much of a problem is alcohol use in Canada? (Canadian Health Network) What are the effects of alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy? (Canadian Health Network) (Canadian Health Network) Smashed: Information on Drinking and Driving (Transport Canada)
How
can I talk to my teen about drugs and alcohol? When a parent drinks too much alcohol ... what kids want to know (Centre on Addictions and Mental Health)
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