Healthy Teens Magazine 2023

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JUST LIKE YOU Meet Teens & Hear Their Stories

RELATIONSHIPS How to Maintain Healthy Relationships with the People in your Life

SOCIAL MEDIA

Being Aware of the Impacts of your Online Presence & Understanding the Pros & Cons of Social Media

Compliments of

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Get to seeing your well-being

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Healthy Teens Magazine all rights reserved

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General Manager Melanie Smith

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For additional information on Healthy Teens Magazine, please visit www.healthyteens.ca

Hello, and thank-you for opening up this issue of Healthy Teens Magazine!

Maybe your teenage years are treating you well, or maybe you are struggling. Or, likely, every day is different. The author and creators of this magazine have spoken to dozens of young people to hear about what stresses you out, makes you happy, and gets you down.

Here’s what we’ve learned: there is a lot going on in your lives! Youth today deal with more complicated decisions and situations than ever before. We’ve taken what you’ve shared with us and set out to create a magazine that helps you to learn more about the issues that you’re already coping with.

Many people think that teenagers act like they don’t care. As a councillor working directly with teens, that’s not been my experience. The teens I’ve spoken with have shared with me some of the things they think about all of the time: • Drinking, smoking marijuana, and using other drugs - whether to do it or not, or wondering if it’s getting out of control • Worrying about what others think of you...and worrying about everything • Mood swings - waking up some mornings and not wanting to face the day • Loving social media, but hating how it sometimes makes you feel • Relationships: at school and at home and how they affect you.

We hope you enjoy reading! We’d love to hear what you think, and what you’d like to see more of.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR : Elana Sures is a registered clinical counsellor and freelance writer based in Vancouver, BC. Throughout her career she has provided therapy for youth and adults with mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as their affected family members. She has also given numerous public education presentations on these issues. Her website is www.elanasures.ca.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 10 Be Digitally Savvy 20 Covid Aftermath The digital age is upon us - it is more important than ever to understand social media, smart phones and some of the consquences of using both

8 Depression

In this article, we cover how to recognize depression and how to follow through with a successful recovery

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This article touches on the important topic of climate change and how you can keep yourself in the know, and more importantly, how you can help.

22 Concurrent

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Disorders

What is a concurrent disorder?

Find out what they are, how to recognize it and how to handle it

4 Just Like You

31 Flavoured Tobacco

6 Social Media

32 Marijuana

8 Depression

34 Cocaine & Crack

10 Be Digitally Savvy

35 Heroin

12 Friends & Substance

36 MDMA

Abuse

14 Teenage Friendship 16 Drug & Alcohol Use 20 Covid Aftermath 22 Concurrent Disorders 24 Why do people use drugs?

27 Substance Information 28 Nicotine-Cigarettes 30 E-Cigarettes

37 Hallucinogens 38 Inhalants 39 Oxycontin & Fentanyl 40 Crystal Meth 42 Alcohol & Alcohol Abuse 44 Video Game Addiction 46 Addiction 48 Resources for Parents

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JUST LIKE YOU We are very excited to introduce you to our youth contributors. These three teens are just like you!

You’ll be able to connect to their experiences throughout this book, helping you learn more about drugs, addiction, and mental health.

I am Samantha. I am in seventh grade, and I’m really feeling the pressure from my friends...

“ My name is Sam ” I don’t drink or use any drugs, but a lot of my friends do. All of my friends do it and there are times when I feel excluded if I’m not taking part. I see all of the fun they have when we’re together, but I just can’t bring myself to try that stuff just yet...it sort of scares me. I’m finding that I’m not getting invited to the parties on the weekends anymore, and sometimes I think this is because they think I’m a loser for not trying. It isn’t the best feeling...not getting included...and I’d really like to fit in with the cool groups at school. They seem to have way more fun and are always getting attention from other kids.

My mom and dad aren’t huge fans of my friends...I know I’m risking disappointing them...but I don’t want to be a loner.

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I’m 16. I don’t do drugs, I smoke weed.

“ Hey.

I’m Ethan ”

I like smoking weed – it’s the only way I don’t feel stressed or anxious.

I would come home from school and sleep until dinnertime. I would wake up, barely do my homework, and then go back to bed. I couldn’t function. I was so tired from worrying throughout the day that I just had to turn off my brain and those thoughts. I feel like my parents don’t get it. I don’t even know how to explain it. Weed helps me slow it all down and drown out the sound.

There’s times where I just can’t find the motivation to do things – I skip school sometimes and find it really hard to focus on my homework.

Weed just helps me forget about it all for a while.

I was kicked out of my last school because I was caught selling prescription drugs to my fellow classmates. I started taking them when I was just 10 or 11. It started with one or two every now again, but in eighth grade I realized that some of my friends wanted a different kind of high as well. After that I got invited to some bush parties on the weekends, which basically consisted of drinking and smoking weed with a bunch of other, mostly older, people.

I started finding that I needed some alcohol to get me through the week. After that, I felt unstoppable. I never thought twice about experimenting with whatever was put in front of me. It never seemed dangerous to me, and I didn’t understand the consequences. It was just fun and a break from the boredom of everyday life. I quickly learned which drugs could bring me up a few notches and which could help me relax. If you heard of it, I probably used it! I could almost create whatever mood I wanted to be in. But it got out of hand way faster than I’d have imagined. If I wasn’t using something, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I felt anxious and miserable when I was withdrawing from stuff, so I’d just keep using more.

I’m not using anymore. My mom sent me to a counselor, and the counselor referred me to youth detox, and then 8 weeks at a residential treatment centre. It was a long haul, but I’m slowly learning how to deal with life’s frustrations without using.

And I’m proud to say that I’m finishing my senior year out in an Outreach Program.

I’m 17 years old and am going to an outreach program for students who work better at their own pace.

“ I’m Austin ”

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being a teen in the age of

SOCIAL MEDIA & HYPERCONNECTION

If you are a teenager, chances are you likely fly into a panic when your phone goes missing. Given that it goes with you everywhere, though, it’s probably not far. That thin piece of metal contains hundreds of intimate conversations between you and your besties. It holds thousands of photos - everything from your lunch to your OOTD (that’s outfit of the day...but you probably already know that).

Last but not least, those precious square apps on your homepage transport you into the the lives of your friends and lets you know who is eating what, hanging with whom, and where you stand.

Gone are the days in which your friends would need to phone your family land line and ask your parents if they could speak to you (just ask your mom how her friends used to reach her). Now you can text, like, video message, and snapchat to your heart’s content, 24/7. This is the age of hyperconnection.

Hyperconnection or addiction?

A 2017 survey showed that you and your friends spend an average of 3.3 hours per day on social media. You visit your go-to sites (favourites are YouTube and Facebook) up to 50 times per day!

This same survey revealed that nearly 80% of teens use a mobile phone for no particular reason - just to kill time. These same people (are you one of them?) find themselves unable to spend less time on their phones.

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Scientists suggest that the reason we check our phones so often is that a chemical in our brain associated with feeling pleasure and control (dopamine, in case you are wondering) - releases every time we check our phone screen.

Chloe, a 15-year old teen I spoke to, admitted that she often interrupts her homework to check social media. “I want to see if anyone has liked my latest post, and what types of comments I’m getting.”

Chloe checks her phone, and smiles. Her latest Instagram photo - a shot of her and her best friend sipping out of the same milkshake - has received 172 hearts since she posted it a few hours ago.

Too much focus on image Teenagers have always cared about what their friends think of them. You want to be popular and come across as cool, as though life isn’t stressing you out. A caption on 13 year old Liam’s Instagram reads, “I can’t even!” He of course is referring to his math homework. In reality, Liam is failing math and panicked about it. On social media, he’s merely rolling his eyes and smirking. The filtered images make it look like everyone on social media is happy, confident, and good looking.

We constantly compare ourselves to others, but it’s not really a fair comparison when we are sizing ourselves up to the images posted on social media. In an effort to show that we’re just as cool/ funny/stylish, we then post the highlight reel of our own lives.

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Seventeen-year old Anya struggles with an eating disorder and depression, but you’d never know it looking at her social media feed. Her photos portray a confident and glowing version of herself, captioned with funny hashtags. Anya doesn’t think this is dishonest: “All of those photos are real life, too - I just don’t bother to post about stuff that’s a downer.” I ask Anya who she goes to, then, when she is feeling low. She admits that she finds it hard to open up to her friends. “I don’t want people feeling sorry for me,” she says.

If this seems surprising, then consider this statistic: rates of depression in teenagers have risen by 70% in the past 25 years.

Studies show that Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook are all associated with negative impacts on mental health. Rates of depression also rise with “cyberbullying” - a form of bullying in which exclusion, cruelty, and threatening behaviour plays out between people on social media. A quarter of teens report that they have experienced cyberbullying.

Cyber-connection Ben, aged sixteen, tells me that when he’s interested in a girl, he’ll engage in long, expressive Facebook messenger conversations with her, but that in person it is way harder to keep a conversation going. “It’s so much easier online,” he groans. You can think of something funny to say or find a perfect image to insert.

In person, there’s too much pressure. It’s stressful!”

The digital, emoji laden back and forth in which most teens engage doesn’t translate well to verbal chatting. This means that even making eye contact and having in-person convos can feel weird and uncomfortable.

How to avoid the negative impacts of social media Despite the concerns outlined above, most youth describe their overall experience with social media as positive. Social media is here to stay, and it can also be helpful and enjoyable. So how do we avoid becoming image obsessed smartphone addicts?

For starters, know when to put your phone away. One parent I spoke with requires that everyone in her family (grown-ups included) dock their phones between 6-8pm. Her very social teenaged kids protested, but it’s made dinnertime more engaged and homework is getting completed faster. Another teen I spoke with installed an app that tracked how many hours a day she was on her phone.

Horrified to see that it was almost 4 hours a day, she challenged herself to bring it down to two, which made her more aware of using her phone time mindfully rather than mindlessly.

And here’s a bold challenge: when you do post, consider that you don’t always need to look like you’re having the #best #day #ever. Dial down those filters and keep it real! Or better yet, pick up the phone and have an IRL (that’s in real life, for you parents reading this) encounter with someone. Call me old school, but nothing beats in person connection.

Despite the constant connection that References: http://compassforlife.org.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017social media provides teens, psychologist APS-Digital-Me-survey-report.pdf Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair is concerned https://theconversation.com/how-parents-and-teens-canreduce-the-impact-of-social-media-on-youth-well-being-87619 that in person communication is https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affectsbecoming more awkward, noting that teenagers/amp/ https://www.psycom.net/depression-teens-social-media by focusing on texting and online https://www.livescience.com/51294-cyberbullying-social-mediacommunicating as the main form of teen-depression.html http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/10/you-get-a-little-bit-high-every-timecommunication, kids are missing out on you-check-your-phone-6440216/ important social skills. healthyteens.ca 7

depression DEPRESSION IS MORE THAN JUST A BAD MOOD While it is normal to feel discouraged and frustrated during adolescence, when we are depressed, we feel trapped in our own minds.

Depression in youth is more difficult to identify, because, as a teenager, you are already going through so many changes - and the social, academic and family pressures that teens go through can make a low mood seem justified.

If you are wondering if you might be experiencing depression, here are 8

5 things to look for:

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You feel lower than you have felt before, and the feelings are sticking around.

Emotions such as guilt, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, loneliness, and shame are typical in depressed people. Unlike “bad moods,” which can come and go, these feelings persist beyond two weeks.

You feel numb.

Many people who experience depression do not find their emotions to be intense rather, they feel numb, flat and foggy. Their most noticeable depression symptoms are lack of motivation and no energy.

Your body feels different.

You may experience headaches or general aches and pains that you can’t explain. You may feel tired all the time or have problems eating or sleeping. You may unexpectedly gain or lose weight.

Your thoughts are harsh.

It seems like there is a running commentary in your head of self-criticism. You might find that you think negatively about many things and people. Additionally, you may have a hard time concentrating. Depressed people find themselves saying: “why bother?” and “what’s the point?” When things become really bad, you might even have suicidal thoughts.

Your behaviour has changed.

You might be withdrawing from others, crying easily, or showing less interest in sports, games, or other fun activities that you normally enjoy. You might over-react and have sudden outbursts of anger or tears over minor issues. Do any of these sound familiar? You’re not alone: at least one out of eight teenagers struggles with depression. Sometimes, the cause of depression is a mystery, while other times it can be linked to something going on in a teenager’s life. Family conflict, bullying, social politics, pressures in school and shame about sexual orientation are all known contributors to depression in youth.

Teens who struggle with depression can experience other serious problems, such as poor grades, skipping classes, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Depression is treatable.

However, it might not go away on its own.

When you feel helpless and powerless, keep in mind that these are a few things that you can do.

Ask for help!

Maybe you’re holding out to see if you start to feel better without any help. The fact is that an untreated episode of depression can stick around for months. Talk to an adult that you trust. A parent, a teacher, a school counselor, coach, or your doctor.

Tell them how you’ve been feeling, and let them know that you think you might be depressed. Depression can be treated, and treatment such as medication or counselling is often effective. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help right away. Suicidal thoughts are usually associated with problems that can be treated, believe it or not. Reach out to someone you trust to let them know that you need help - and if you don’t feel comfortable telling someone you know, you can always contact your local crisis centre.

Don’t believe everything you think.

When we’re depressed, our thoughts are harsh. We call ourselves names (loser, failure, ugly, stupid…). We find faults in everyone and everything. These thoughts seem accurate, but in fact, depression distorts our perceptions. Thoughts ≠ truths.

Exercise.

Any type of movement that gets your heart pumping can help your mood. Walking, dancing, really anything! If you’re finding it hard to motivate yourself, try the 5-minute experiment. Aim to exercise for 5 minutes!

If you decide to prolong it, great - but if not, even 5 minutes is helpful! When we are feeling depressed, we sometimes assume that we are beyond help. If you feel this way, we encourage you to reach out. You are worth it!

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BE DIGITALLY

SAVVY

These days, most of your communication with your friends takes place over text, DMs, and social media.

You’re so used to this way of ‘talking’ that you might not filter a lot of what you type - your thoughts go straight from brain to thumbs to screen.

Why is this a problem, you ask?

Consider this text exchange between two friends, Alexa and Sienna.

A: “Did you see what Sophie was wearing today?

Sooo trashy <puke emoji> She is so thirsty lol. TBH nobody in her squad even likes her.”

S: “Omg, ur harsh! Lol.” A: “Hey keep that low key, K?” Beyond the fact that someone is being meanly discussed, Alexa has now left a permanent record of her judgments. She thought she was safe expressing this to Sienna, who is one of her BFFs A few weeks later, though, Alexa and Sienna have a falling out. This brief text exchange is no longer on her radar, until she sees Sienna and Sophie hanging over lunch one day at school. Anxiously, she scrolls back on the text exchange and silently freaks out. What if Sienna shares this? Alexa never wanted to humiliate Sophie, she was just engaging in some ‘harmless gossip’ with her friend..

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The text exchange above is a minor example of how easy it is to get carried away in the digital space - and how quickly our screens can turn against us. But it gets worse when you consider that sexual photos, videos, and conversations now take place across the digital medium (known as sexting). Research shows that 15% of teens say they send sexts and 27% receive them. But here’s the kicker: a new study shows that although most people who engage in sexting expect their messages to remain private, nearly one in four people are sharing the sexual messages they receive.

Assume that anything sent via text is documented forever—including photos! Anything that gets sent to someone else can be shared, forwarded or screenshot. Once you click send, you have officially lost control over your message.

Public Safety Canada recommends that when using the internet, ask yourself: Is it legal?

Is it hurtful or embarrassing to someone else?

Is it harmful to my or someone else’s reputation?

Does it put personal information at risk?

By asking ourselves these questions, we can avoid hurting others, humiliating ourselves, and exposing our private information to the wrong people.

References

• www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/indepth/teen-texting/art-20046833

• www.iphonelife.com/content/texting-tips-kids-5-rules-keeping-yourkids-safe-drama-free

• www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/teen-angst/201103/sexting-teens • www.time.com/5172906/sexting-messages-teens/

• www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160804141036.htm

• www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/cmpgns/cmpgn-02/index-en.aspx

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Suicidal feelings are not easy to talk about...

40%

of youth have felt very depressed.

Depression affects people of all ages and is the second most serious health concern in the world.

Symptoms of Depression can last from 6 months to 2 years depending on how long a person has used drugs, & how much stress is in his or her life healthyteens.ca

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Your Friend’s

Substance Abuse:

THE RISKS AT HAND When you approach a friend with your concerns, you will want to come across as supportive and non-judgmental.

When a friend develops a problem with drinking or drug use, it can be upsetting and confusing. The person who you thought you knew so well seems different. Her moods might be less predictable, and she may seem more irritable. She could be treating you differently than she’s used to, or may even be pushing you away.

If you are worried about a friend’s substance use, you may have thought about bringing it up, but you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. That’s understandable - you don’t want to risk losing the friendship!

When you approach a friend with your concerns, you will want to come across as supportive and non-judgmental. Your friend might or might not be ready to change. He might not even be ready to admit that he has a substance abuse problem! But if you approach these conversations with sensitivity, he will start to see you as a person whom he can trust and open up to. Keep in mind these essential tips for talking to friends about their drug and alcohol use.

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1

Approach her when she is sober. Not only will she remember the conversation

better, but she will also be in a better headspace to reflect and absorb the concerns you are expressing.

2

You’re not trying to convince him that he has a problem. If you relentlessly

3

Don’t make assumptions. You might think you know why your friend is using, and you

4

Emphasize specific consequences - with compassion. Alcohol and drug use

5

Understand that change is dependent on readiness. When you raise your

point out to your friend all of the evidence that he has an addiction, you will almost certainly put him on the defence. A better approach is to share an observation - for example, “it seems like every time you drink lately you black out.” Follow this up with an expression of concern, such as, “Are things going all right?” may even be onto something. But it is your friend - not you - who is the real expert on her life. Treat her that way! For more insight into why your friend smokes weed everyday before school, you might ask her: “what do you like about it?” or “how does it help you?” This helps her to see that you are trying to understand her problem from her perspective, and makes it more likely that she will open up to you. come with consequences. Share with your friend what consequences you’ve noticed. Be specific, but gentle. You may notice that your friend has failed a class or gotten into a fight at a party, and ask if this is due to his substance use. Prefacing these observations with “I’m worried that…” or “I wonder…” helps remind your friend that you are bringing this up because you care.

concerns with your friend, it will start to become clear if she shares your concern about her problem - and if she is ready to do something about it. If your friend is ready to act, you can offer to help her find the help that she needs - counselling or other resources. If she does not see her use as a problem, you can continue to relay the message that while you see her substance use as a problem, you care about her. This way, if and when she is ready to seek help, she knows that she can come to you for support.

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t e e n a g e FRIENDSHIP

Triangles. Frenemies. Toxic friendships. Exclusion.The social politics of adolescence are not for the faint of heart. Does any teenager get through their adolescence without spending a significant amount of time preoccupied with how to hang out with the right people, how to avoid the wrong people, and wondering what others are thinking about them?

It seems unfair that friendships are so complicated during the time of life in which people tend to feel the most awkward. And while social media has certainly made these dynamics more in our faces, research shows us that cliques, bullying, and gossip existed in the earliest forms of society, and take place in different cultures around the world. So if you’re tired of feeling passed up, take heart: you’re stuck in a complex social hierarchy that peaks in adolescence and spares nobody. The good news? Once we leave adolescence behind it starts to matter less.

What you might not know about popularity Around the age of eleven, our brain goes through a lot of changes. One thing that happens as a result of these changes is that we really start to care about being liked by our peers (we also start to care less about what our parents think of us).

This helps explain why we suck up to the queen bee, or become really fired up about getting ‘likes’ on social media. This also helps us understand peer pressure: we will talk and perform in ways that are likely to impress our peers - even this means we are putting ourselves at risk or being harsh towards another person.

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Psychologist Mitch Prinstein, author of the book Popular, identifies two different kinds of popularity. One type is based on how well known, influential, and enviable a person is. This is the kind of popularity that is referred to as status. More often than not, this type of popularity is associated with insensitivity to the feelings of others - and can include teasing, gossip, and exclusion.

I bet you can name three of these ‘high status’ populars by the time you finish reading this sentence. If you’ve seen the movie Mean Girls, you’ll be familiar with this type of popularity right away. High status people usually command a team of followers, who may adopt some of the cruel behaviours of their mentors. The truth is, the followers are often quite anxious about their own status.

You might be surprised by this: research studies suggest that teenagers with high status don’t do so well once they grow up. In one study, teens were followed by researchers for over a decade after high school. The kids who had the highest status grew up more likely to suffer from relationship problems, addictions, anxiety, and depression. It seems that the most popular teens remain fixated on popularity long after high school is over, which leads them to make some poor choices.

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Kindness Rules The second form of popularity identified by psychologists is ‘likability.’ This refers to how kind, friendly, and trustworthy people find us. It turns out that these are the qualities that make people want to spend more time with us and get to know us. Likability and popularity sometimes overlap - but usually they don’t. Those most likable as teens grow up to have better quality relationships with friends and romantic partners. They are more successful in their careers, make more money, and are healthier than those who have status.

Good news again: pretty much anybody can cultivate qualities of kindness, compassion and honesty. While these qualities might seem underrated, it turns out that they are actually highly valued and liked - by others.

How to survive high school without becoming obsessed with your social life So you still need to get through high school, and you might not want your soul to be crushed in the meantime. Here are some tips for surviving the next few years, and perhaps building a satisfying social life in the meantime.

References:

Pay attention to how you feel around your friends. If you feel energized and at ease, you’re with the right people. Stressed and self conscious? You might be with your friends for the wrong reasons. Notice how stress feels like in your body - do you feel tense or sick to your stomach? These are signs of anxiety that may have something to do with your friendships.

Aim for friendships with people in various social groups, rather than becoming overidentified with one crowd. By diversifying your friends and focusing on one-on-one friendships, you are more likely to choose people based on values and true connection.

Know when to walk away from a friendship. Distance yourself from people who don’t value you or who make fun of you. Do your friends put you down, but hide the insults in jokes? This is disrespectful, and you deserve better.

Are you struggling to find people with whom you click? Do you feel isolated and lonely? Is carrying on a conversation anxiety provoking for you? You’re not alone. Many people feel this way. Talk to a counselor - either at your school or in your community - about these struggles. There is support out there for these struggles.

www.raisingchildren.net.au/articles/frenemies.html • www.teenvogue.com/story/why-not-being-popular-is-good www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/navigating-the-rocky-road-of-girls-friendships/

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the different stages

&

OF DRUG

ALCOHOL USE

Nobody wakes up one day and discovers he or she is addicted to drugs.

Drugs become a part of our lives through a slow process. Each time you move from one stage of drug use to the next, you are doing so for one reason: because you choose to do it. Not because school is a drag, your friends made you do it, or your parents are making life difficult. Here, we will describe in detail all of the different stages of drug use. As you will see, drug use can become so gradually out of control that eventually you don’t even know it is happening.

1

2

They are people who don’t use any drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. Their reasons include:

This is the stage when someone is trying drugs for the first time. It could be at a party, or at a friend’s house. It is almost always with other people. The “experimental stage” is very brief, and is characterized by:

NON-USERS

EXPERIMENTAL USE

• Health reasons • Religious beliefs • Athletic ability • Bad experiences in the past with drugs and alcohol • Lack of interest

“Before I knew it, I was struggling through the day until I could smoke weed.”

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• Curiosity about drugs • A belief that doing a given drug won’t lead to any harm • A social atmosphere After experimenting with a drug, a person makes a decision about whether or not to use it again. If the decision is not to, the person will go back to non-use. If the decision is to use it again, the person moves on to…

Sam: Yep. My friends pretty much fit every one of those types. Interesting – I wonder how much further they’ll go.

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3

4

REGULAR USE

BINGE USE

Occurs when drugs and alcohol start to show up more and more often. Or when you notice that you’re thinking about drugs and alcohol and talking about ‘getting high’ or ‘getting drunk’ a lot. Or when you realize that most of your friends are using.

Refers to heavy and excessive drinking or drugging on a sporadic basis, with periods of little or no use in between. Problems associated with binge use include:

Ethan: I never planned on using

drugs as much as I do now. Actually, when I first started using, I totally thought I would just use ‘once in a while,’ but so much for that! What I didn’t realize is how easy it is to get sucked in. Once a week becomes three times a week, ‘only after school’ turns into ‘only during lunch, breaks, and after school,’ and before I knew it, I was struggling through the day until I could smoke some weed.

“Occasional” use? Good luck!

Other qualities of regular use include: • Using automatically, or without thinking about it • Starting to find it difficult to enjoy social situations without using drugs and alcohol • Some areas of life are becoming affected (e.g. school, family, money)

• Higher levels of aggression • Fighting and violence • Getting into serious trouble when on a binge, such as sexual assault, verbal fights, and domestic violence • Alcohol poisoning or drug overdose, leading to medical treatment • Increased risk of accidents (e.g. impaired driving) Binge use is unpredictable and scary for both the user and friends and family members.

5

ADDICTION This is the most frightening stage of drug and alcohol use. The user experiences an utter sense of desperation to continue using, despite repeated attempts to cut back and despite extremely negative consequences. At this stage:

• Drug or alcohol use is the most important thing in the person’s life; other things that were once important: school, family, sports, & other interests become less important • The person using often has been ‘cut off’ by important people in his or her life; others feel increasingly frustrated and helpless • It is almost impossible to remain committed to school work and family; the user surrounds I wish I could tell you that it ends there, him or herself with other users that replace but unfortunately, it gets even worse. former family and friends Coming up is the final stage of drug use, A person’s emotional and physical health is and the most desperate: addiction. very affected; depression, mood swings, and serious health problems often emerge. healthyteens.ca 17 Can you imagine needing to use drugs or alcohol just to get through the day, or even the hour? I guess you can understand now what Austin meant when he said that drugs started to have more control over him than he had over them.

If it’s so horrible,

WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP USING? The most important factor in determining drug use is your decision to use or not.

WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO MAKING US USE?

a

b

PERSONAL FACTORS

INCREASE RISK OF DRUG USE • Family history of drug use • Depression • Age (teenagers are more likely to use drugs than other age groups) • Low self-esteem • ADD or ADHD • Learning disabilities • Personality style (e.g. impulsive, risk- taking, highly sensitive/emotional, etc.)

• Excessive Anxiety

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INCREASE RISK OF DRUG USE • Unstable family environment • Highly controlling family environment • Drug / alcohol use in family members • Lack of strong attachment to adult figures • High stress • Having friends who use drugs • Struggling with school • Having problems fitting in with peers

Look at some of the reasons people stay “stuck” on drugs, even when it’s no longer fun: • Drug use provides an instant group of “friends” • Drugs give us an excuse to avoid responsibilities • As people grow more and more dependent, reality becomes harder to deal with; drugs offer an escape • It’s a way to numb oneself from painful events • To prove to parents they have no power • Acting out of self-hate • Powerful cravings that only subside with drug use

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HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUBSTANCE ABUSE?

a WAYS OF ABUSING

OVERUSE OF SUBSTANCES • Taking too much of a drug/alcohol at one time (i.e. binging) or taking smaller doses more often • Taking a prescribed drug after it is no longer needed (like sleeping pills or pain killers) • Taking a drug that has been prescribed to somebody else (e.g. Ritalin, often prescribed for ADD and ADHD, has a stimulating effect on people who do not suffer from those conditions and is therefore abused quite often.)

• Taking a drug to cope with everyday stress • Combining drugs

c

b

FORMS OF ABUSE

OTHER FORMS OF ADDICTION People can become addicted to things other than drugs and alcohol. Both illegal and legal drugs can be abused and harmful. Let’s take a look at some other addictions: • Sex • Shopping • Food

• Dangerous sports

• Dieting

• Social Media

• Gambling

• Video games

• Exercise

• Television

HOW SUBSTANCES AFFECT YOU

MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY

• Substances such as Psychoactive drugs will change feelings, thoughts and behaviour (ie. marijuana, alcohol, heroin, meth, cocaine, and mushrooms) • Appropriate use of prescribed medication will affect you physically and mentally, such as taking away the pain of illness or injury, or managing a mental illness.

• Even substances considered ‘natural’ that come from plants (ie. marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and tobacco) will affect your thoughts and behaviour healthyteens.ca 19

COVID aftermath It’s well into 2022, and 14-year old Maya is wondering why she is still feeling so anxious. For the first time in over two years, life is feeling like it might finally be getting back to normal. School is in person, sports and activities have resumed, she is back to hanging out with her friends and she just got tickets to see Billie Eilish.

So why does she still find herself overthinking?

“What if this gets cancelled? What if soccer doesn’t happen? Am I being selfish by doing this?

What if I can’t go to camp this summer?” The future is now on her mind all the time, with a giant “what if?” at the beginning of everything she’s ever been excited about.

“Back in 8th grade, it was the second (and then third) wave, and the only way I could see my friends was to be outside with them. But some people’s parents were stricter than others, so there were some friends I hardly got to see at all.

So I got into the habit of not asking anyone to do anything, because I hate being rejected,” Maya said with a little laugh. “Now, most of my friends are allowed to hang out indoors again, but this habit of not making plans has stuck with me. And I’m constantly worrying that I’m being left behind.”

And then there’s the screen time.

“I could not have made it through the pandemic without my phone!” 13-year old Nio exclaims.

Nio says that his phone is how he connected with the outside world when he wasn’t in school.

Texting his friends was his social life. TikTok was where he went for entertainment and inspiration.

SnapChat was how he connected with people at his school that he wanted to get to know. And the games… all the games. Even now that things are returning tomorrow, Nio admits that his phone use isn’t going down. Sometimes he is up until midnight scrolling on his phone, and his screen time easily reaches more than 6 hours a day.

The pandemic has changed the way we spend our time and interact with people, but teens have felt the impact in some unique ways. Teenagers are driven to become more independent, experiment, and be with their friends (all. the. time.). Covid altered each of these natural instincts. Could anything be more unnatural to a teen than staying at home??

Maya feels a bit embarrassed about her lingering anxiety, but she’s not alone. According to a large 2021 study of Canadian teens’ challenges during the pandemic, significant numbers of teens reported struggling with worry about their future, social isolation, and grieving missed experiences and milestones due to pandemic restrictions.

As a teenager, your friends are often your go to people for talking about the things that stress you out and relieving tension. When friends are not available, many young people will i internalize their stress rather than open up to family members that they fear won’t understand them.

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“It was depressing,” says 15-year old Esme matter-of-factly. “I stayed in my room all the time, doing homework and chatting with my friends over Snapchat. I mean, I would have done all of those things without the pandemic, but at least I’d be going to friends’ houses, playing hockey, and my parents wouldn’t be around me every single minute.”

Now that pandemic restrictions are lifting, does that mean the anxiety, depression, and screen time will also go away?

“It’s way better,” Maya says, “but when I heard that the mask mandates were lifted, I was really stressed. I’ve been wearing a mask to school for over a year. What if people judge my appearance now that they can see my full face?”

After two years of mask wearing, obsessing over every symptom, and avoiding being around too many people, it’s unrealistic to expect that pandemic anxiety will vanish. Teens have developed many of their social skills under a blanket of worry and cautiousness, so the confidence that comes from trying new things and meeting more people has also become stunted. “I can talk to people online, no problem, Nio says with a smirk, “but I’m not so sure about my in person social skills anymore. I’ve been in a bubble. It’s been forever since I talked to new people.”

It will take time to build confidence in a postpandemic world, but some gentle challenges and good coping skills can help jump start this confidence even more.

Instead of logging screen time, log in person time We are used to our phones calculating the minutes and hours of our screen time. Now it is time to think in reverse: how much face to face time have you had today? Have you spoken to anyone new at school?

Had dinner with your parents? Even replaced a text chat with a voice call or Facetime? The more we can expose ourselves to interacting in person with people, the less awkward it will become.

Challenge your “what if” thinking Uncertainty has become the new normal, and with uncertainty, the control centre in our brains likes to try to predict everything. “What iffing” is our brain's way of making sure we are paying attention. Some what-iffing can help us plan and problem solve, but people prone to worrying can live in a constant state of what ifs, which can take us away from the present and lead to anxiety.

One strategy for countering “what if '' thinking is to remind yourself that nothing is guaranteed, pandemic or no pandemic. Rather than trying to plan for everything that might happen, remind yourself how capable you’ve become at coping with life’s curve balls.

We are built to adapt, and when we need to figure things out, we tend to do a pretty good job at it!

So rather than worrying (which doesn't actually improve our problem solving abilities), consider trusting yourself (fun fact: the word confidence in Latin means “with trust”).

Clarify your values, and act with intention What matters to you in life? Friendship?

Achievement? Fun? Compassion?

With so many people making choices for us all over the course of the pandemic, it’s been easy to lose touch with what we value the most. Because the emphasis has rightfully been on protecting ourselves and other people from the virus, it has made it difficult to make choices and take actions that lead us closer to what matters most to us in life. For months at a time, our thoughts, conversation, and energy have been centred around the pandemic.

We still need to have some degree of caution of course, but we can also invite ourselves to reflect on what makes us feel more connected to ourselves and others, and consider what actions we can take to get us there.

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CONCURRENT DISORDERS

A I first heard about concurrent disorders a few months ago from my doctor when I went to

see him because I couldn’t sleep and had basically no energy. All I wanted to do was stay in bed, because I didn’t see a point to getting up. My doctor asked me a bunch of questions about my appetite, my motivation, and my moods. It was tough for me to talk about…but when he diagnosed me with depression, even I had to admit it made sense. Concurrent Disorder is just a really medical way of explaining what happens when you are using drugs or drinking heavily AND have depression, anxiety, or some other type of concern.

S Why do they use the term Concurrent Disorder?

A My doctor knows that I recently quit using crystal meth. He is not sure if my sleeping problems,

lack of energy, constant worrying, and depression are symptoms of withdrawal from crystal meth or signs of another issue that may be surfacing, like depression or anxiety. My doctor says the symptoms of withdrawal look very similar to the onset of a psychological issue, making it difficult to decide what behaviour is related to what cause – especially when they show-up together.

That’s when I learned “not being able to sleep” could be a sign of something else, like depression.

E Does this mean withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and other drug use, or signs of a mental health issues are connected?

A You can never really know unless you go see a counselor or a doctor. My doctor told me

because I have a family background of addictions, I am more at-risk of developing a mental health issue.

S Really? What makes your doctor think you are at-risk of developing a mental health problem because of your family’s background?

A My doctor knows that 90% of the time the addiction problems show up first. See, many people

who experience something like depression, anxiety, or delusions will try to cope with it by using drugs, because sometimes the effects of drug use help to hide some of its unpleasant symptoms.

E Maybe I should go and talk to someone…Sometimes I think about going, but the thought feels

overwhelming… I’m scared to tell my parents. What do you think about being labeled as someone experiencing depression?

A Well, first of all, my doctor has reassured me I am normal and okay. Most people will

be depressed at some time in their lives as a normal reaction to high levels of stress, disappointments, loss, changes in relationships or home situations, or withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs.

S What are the signs of clinical depression?

A It’s normal to feel bummed out once in a while, but when you feel really crappy and it won’t

pass after a couple of weeks, it becomes really hard to get through the day, let alone go to school, have fun with friends, and talk to your parents. Anything that requires energy becomes a real challenge. For me, I just wanted to stay in bed all day, and sometimes for no apparent reason I’d feel like crying. I knew it wasn’t just an average bad mood when I realized I had stopped getting enjoyment out of anything.

E I completely understand…

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S What are you doing to help with your depression?

A My doctor has prescribed an anti-depressant

for the short-term to stabilize me emotionally, since I was feeling so depressed I was becoming suicidal.

S You didn’t tell us about that before.

A I know. Feeling suicidal is not easy to talk about.

S I’m glad you told us. Are the antidepressants helping you to feel better?

A Taking anti-depressants has been an important first step for my healing. I know taking medication is not necessarily right for everyone, but it is for me right now. I hope that one day I am able to feel okay and manage stress without them. I see a counselor once a week to talk things out and work on how I cope with stress. I am also drinking lots of water, eating healthy, exercising, learning relaxation techniques, and have reduced my school work load.

E Do your teachers know you have a Concurrent Disorder? How are they responding?

A Yes, my teachers know I have a Concurrent

Disorder. My doctor has given me some information on Concurrent Disorders to share with them. This has helped my teachers to understand that when someone has been using alcohol and other drugs, it may be difficult to determine what has caused the depression a person is experiencing. They now realize symptoms of depression can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on how long a person has used the drugs, and how much stress is in his or her life.

E Is there a different type of treatment for depression depending on the cause?

A No, treatment for depression is the same

whether it is caused by withdrawal symptoms, related to alcohol, or other drug use or a mental health issue.

E I guess when you’re going through withdrawal,

it’s tough to tell whether the symptoms you’re experiencing are because of the drugs or because of the depression. How do you know?

A You don’t know until you see your doctor. Be on the lookout for some of the symptoms we’ve been talking about, especially if you come from a family with mental health or addiction concerns.

S I wonder how many people out there using drugs know about concurrent disorders?

A I bet not that many. It’s hard enough to be

honest about drug use, let alone things like depression and anxiety. It seems like we need to have conversations like this more often, and with more people.

Depression: an emotional state characterized by feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy and sadness that persist for longer than two weeks Anxiety: a state of feeling uneasy, apprehensive or worried about what might happen, often to an excessive and irrational degree Delusion: a false, persistent, belief that is not confirmed by fact or reality Insomnia: a chronic inability to sleep Anti-depressant: prescription medication used to treat depression by effecting neurotransmitters in the brain Dopamine: thought to be the main chemical messenger in the reward centres of the brain, which promotes the experience of pleasure; dopamine production in the brain is increased by various drugs Serotonin: a neurotransmitter than can be produced naturally by the brain, or synthetically through drugs, that regulates mood and produces feelings of well-being Schizophrenia: a mental illness characterized by various symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behaviour, or paranoia Substance-induced psychosis: hallucinations or delusions that occur during withdrawal or acute intoxication; usually it is brief, but early recognition is very important

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why

DO PEOPLE Before we go on about the effects of drugs on your

body, brain, and behaviour,

let’s talk for a little while about why people would even use them in the first place.

We’ve heard some people say that only stupid people use drugs, while others use drugs to look like a rebel.

We think that it’s not that simple.

People use drugs for a whole variety of reasons. If we could pinpoint one common theme running through most drug use, it would probably be this: people use drugs because they think it helps them deal with some of the more difficult parts of life. If that doesn’t make sense to you yet, it will. Keep reading: we’ve tried to answer some of the most common questions kids ask about drugs.

S I guess I just to want to know how I’ll feel if I start using drugs like my friends do...

The mystery of drugs and how they can transform people’s feelings, moods, and behaviors is pretty interesting. Being curious is natural, and some people are willing to take great risks to satisfy their curiosity.

The problem with satisfying your curiosity by trying drugs is that drugs are very unpredictable; you just never know what to expect from them.

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S My friends are drinking and

using drugs, and at times I feel left

Unfortunately, many out. I ‘m feeling pressured to join them. young people who We all want to feel accepted by don’t plan on getting our friends, and sometimes we want to impress people who aren’t themselves into even our friends. trouble by using drugs This is especially true when we’re Between the ages of 12 and often find themselves young.

19, friends and fitting in are a huge knee deep in it. part of who we are. Suddenly, we

S So, it’s okay to be curious?

Curiosity is natural, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of it. We believe that the best way to satisfy your curiosity about drugs is by learning about them instead of trying them. Most people who get really involved with drugs haven’t bothered to learn about them first, and we really don’t want that to happen to you. Please learn about all the risks and effects involved with using drugs before trying them. It could make all the difference.

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might find ourselves doing things that are harmful or risky just to avoid standing out from our friends.

S Am I supposed to just ditch all of my friends?

By refusing to join in your friends drug-use, you are sending a powerful message: that you are confident enough not to be a follower, and that you respect your health and well-being. You don’t need to ditch your friends or even criticize them to make this point.

You are allowed to make your own decisions about what you put into your body.

USE DRUGS? S = SAM E = ETHAN A = AUSTIN

E It’s hard to explain how I feel... E Drugs seem okay to me. I mean, Drugs had me cornered when I but I feel kind of depressed, like things will never get better, and I feel incapable of being happy.

When I use drugs, it helps improve my mood.

Growing up can be really hard.

Have you ever felt really down, when you just can’t seem to shake feelings of sadness or loneliness?

What about being really angry at some of the people in your life, like your parents or teachers? When people first try drugs, one thing they experience is a change in mood. All of a sudden, drugs seem like the answer to many of life’s problems!

Unfortunately, our feelings are much too complicated to be fixed with a dose of drugs. When we take drugs to avoid unpleasant feelings, what usually happens is that the feelings return after the drugs wear off – only now they are even worse.

This is what often leads people to become addicted; when the drugs wear off, people sometimes keep using more to avoid dealing with their true feelings.

E Does this mean that I

should just walk around feeling depressed and lonely then?

Absolutely not! There are far more constructive and positive ways to deal with sadness, anger, anxiety, depression, and loneliness than by using drugs. The truth is, everyone experiences these feelings from time to time, but when these feelings are seriously hard to deal with, it’s important to reach out to others who can help you.

people don’t use them because they make them feel bad; they use them to feel good - don’t they?

Very good point! Drugs do seem to be a lot of fun, especially when you see drunk and stoned people laugh, party, and carry on like they don’t have a worry in the world. The reason why this happens is that all drugs contain chemicals that, upon entering your body, work their way into the brain. Once they get there, these chemicals change your brain’s natural balance, causing you to experience really extreme feelings: hyper activity, power, happiness, attractive-ness, and relaxation, to name a few.

E So, what’s the problem then?

Well, the problem occurs when your brain realizes its natural chemistry has been tamperedwith. In order to get back to normal, the brain will change its chemical activity, preventing you from experiencing all of these great feelings naturally in order to overcome the powerful effects of the drugs. When this happens, you’re no longer having fun.

A The question was about

fun, right? The truth is, drugs are sneaky. Drugs fool you into thinking they’re fun, and for a while they do a pretty good job of it. I remember being at parties, stoned out of my mind on drugs, thinking life couldn’t get much sweeter.

After a couple of weeks of that, drugs were laughing in my face.

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could no longer work up the nerve to go to a party and socialize unless I had just used. They knew they had me when I was up all night, unable to get to sleep, while the drugs were wearing off. That was definitely not fun! Drugs show you a good time at first. Then, once you’re hooked, they just get you to use them – over and over and over.

“d r u g s had me cornered when I could no longer work up the nerve to go to a party and socialize unless I had just used. ”

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ADDICTION VS Abuse Another description for ‘drug addiction’ can also be referred to as ‘substance abuse’.

There is a very large variety of substances.

Some can be obtained at a pharmacy and are legal. Some are harder to obtain and are illegal. Some are liquid, and some are powder. Some can be inhaled, and some can be ingested. There are many facts about all the different substances you see day-to-day, and the following pages will break down all these different substances for you. See how these drugs can affect you physically and emotionally, as well as how addictive some of them can be.

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SUBSTANCE

INFORMATION The next few pages will be your guide in regards to particular substances, and how they affect the human body and behaviours. Each substance will be discussed in detail; you may have heard of some of the following that will be covered:

inhalants

NARCOTICS

ALCOHOL

Cocaine

Prescription Pills

Hallucinogens healthyteens.ca

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SUBSTANCE INFO

1 . nicotine S You mean cigarettes are a drug?!

You bet they are. Not only that, but they are the most addictive drug, and cause more long term health problems than any other drug.

Interestingly, while adults are finally starting to smoke less, young people have been smoking more and more. In fact, the number of teenagers smoking has been steadily rising over the past ten years.

Why? Well, despite loads of convincing information telling us how harmful cigarettes are for our health, to most young people these risks seem too far off in the future to worry about now.

Unlike other drugs, the harm from nicotine shows up later on in life, making the need to quit seem much less urgent.

E So, I’ll quit later. When I’m older or something.

That’s the idea that a lot of young people have.

“I’ll quit before the wrinkles, the discoloured skin, the breathing problems and the lung cancer have a chance to set in.” The problem with that?

Nicotine is addictive, which means it is extremely difficult from a psychological aspect, though not impossible, to quit smoking. In fact, most addicted smokers began smoking as teenagers!

Basically, the younger you are when you start, the more ingrained the habit becomes and the harder it is to quit.

When a person smokes tobacco (by far and away the most common form of nicotine use), nicotine is absorbed very quickly into the blood through the lungs and passes within seconds to the brain. Therefore, very soon after having your first drag of a cigarette, you can feel its effects.

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Within ten minutes, there is a peak concentration of nicotine in the lungs, blood, and brain. Then, the nicotine starts to distribute itself to other body tissues and levels of nicotine in the brain decline. Thirty minutes later, the nicotine has left the brain, leaving the smoker ready for another cigarette. It happens very fast. Nicotine, as a powerfully addictive drug, causes three predictable behaviours in smokers: • It makes them want more. Because the desire to get more outweighs logic, people will continue to smoke despite knowing that it is harmful to their health. They will also spend increasing amounts of money on cigarettes – from hundreds to thousands of dollars a year per smoker.

There are a lot of different methods used for quitting smoking. The truth of the matter is, quitting smoking is painful and difficult no matter which way you slice it. Bearing the cravings and stress, especially at the beginning, is the most important and difficult step.

Quitting smoking is difficult for a couple of reasons. So far, we’ve been talking mainly about the physical aspects of the addiction. Quitting can be very difficult, for example, if you are used to having a cigarette after lunch, or in the smoke pit with your friends. Smoking can provide a way to socialize and connect with others, even if it’s only a surface connection. All of a sudden, you may not know what to do with your hands, or you may find yourself feeling really antsy in situations during which you would normally be smoking.

These are all common struggles experienced by people trying to quit, and it’s normal to be tempted.

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• Tolerance. If you were to smoke for the first time, you would likely experience dizziness and nausea. If you continued to smoke, these effects would go away within days. Tolerance to the other effects of nicotine develops even more rapidly, and smokers will increase their dosage and frequency of smoking in order to still feel the effects of nicotine. So if you started out just having drags of your friend’s cigarette, you would probably go on to having one all to yourself; first bumming one off another person, and then gradually buying your own. When a smoker stops smoking, he or she will quickly go into withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine are:

Cravings (i.e. powerful urges to use the drug) Irritability (i.e. everyone and everything is getting on your nerves) Preoccupation (i.e. you can’t stop thinking about how badly you need a smoke) It’s no wonder, then, that most people find it so difficult to stop.

Nicotine is the most addictive of all drugs, but not impossible to quit. healthyteens.ca

EFFECTS ON THE BODY, BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR • Adolescents who are smokers are twice as likely as non-smoking adolescents to suffer from an episode of major depression, and teens with long-term depression are more likely to be smokers than teens without depression • Smoking causes lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, like emphysema • Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, creating extra stress on the heart • Smoking effects circulation, making the skin of smokers thinner and more wrinkled • Smoking can delay the physical and mental development in the fetuses of pregnant women

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SUBSTANCE INFO

2 . e cigarettes / VAPING

Electronic cigarettes are battery powered devices that vapourize liquid nicotine, so that the user is inhaling a fine mist, not unlike the fog you see at some music concerts.

The devices look eerily similar to a cigarette, right down to the glowing tip. However, because no tobacco leaves are actually being burned in the process, there is no smoky smell, no ash, and in fact, no actual fire. Liquid nicotine contains fewer harmful chemicals than tobacco, and proponents of this method suggest that “vaping” e-cigarettes poses fewer harmful effects to the body than conventional cigarette smoking.

So, all of the cool factor and half the harm? It seems like a nobrainer! But, while this slim, misting, gadget may not require a match, it has generated a fiery controversy. On one hand, those already addicted to tobacco have a really hard time quitting and often relapse. At the same time this had led some people to view e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to typical tobacco smoking, and maybe even a way to gently quit. However, e-cigarettes still do contain nicotine – an addictive chemical substance – and the actual safety of this method is a bit, well, foggy. Equally foggy is the question of whether people who switch to e-cigarettes actually end up quitting.

Parents and youth need to know that nicotine can impact brain development in children and teens, regardless of whether it is smoked or vapourized. Furthermore, some e-cigarettes have candy flavouring, which may keep kids coming back for more. The bottom line is: if you don’t already smoke, there is no reason to start “vaping” e-cigs. If you do smoke and are struggling to quit, talk to your doctor before prescribing e-cigarettes to yourself.

The devices look eerily similar to a cigarette, right down to the glowing tip 30

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3 . flavoured tobacco Forbidden fruit?

It’s small, it’s minty, it’s sweet, and it is drawing controversy across Canada.

It could be in your pocket as you read this!

While your candy canes are still safe (phew!), flavoured tobacco cigarettes and cigarillos are now prohibited in the province of Ontario.

Other provinces in Canada have expressed alarm that tobacco is now being marketed to be more palatable to youth. After all, teenagers are picky eaters, so it makes sense that they’d be picky smokers, too.

Menthol cigarettes in particular are sought out by teenagers, as the minty taste masks the naturally acrid tobacco flavour.

While fruity tobacco may taste as harmless as bubble gum, don’t be fooled: the nicotine content in the cigarettes is the same as the unflavoured variety, with all of the same health risks.

Tobacco that comes in sweet and minty flavours make it that much easier for youth who are starting to smoke to enjoy the flavour, and then become hooked.

While it remains to be seen whether other provinces will follow Ontario’s lead in banning these cigarettes, it speaks to how important it is for young tobacco consumers to be aware and make informed choices.

In fact, a recent survey by Health Canada revealed that flavoured tobacco use amongst Alberta youth is extensive.

We can only rely on our own good sense when purchasing products and making choices about what to consume.

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SUBSTANCE INFO

4 . marijuana / CANNABIS

MARIJUANA & LEGALIZATION: Before legalization on October 17, 2018, Marijuana was the most common and mainstream of all the street drugs. It was, and still is, smoked by a wide range of people of different ages, backgrounds, and professions. It has also been used to aid in the management of many medical conditions and mental health disorders. However, It is still very important to speak with your doctor before choosing to manage any medical concerns with cannabis.

It is also still important to be aware of what legalization means for you and your friends substance use patterns, now that marijuana is widely available and marketed in different forms. You may be seeing it more around school, at parties, and even at the mall or sports games. Marijuana can be marketed most commonly through smoking, but also through gravity bongs, vapes, dabbing, baked goods & candies, sprays, tinctures, or even topically.

Although legalization of marijuana prohibits the use of those under age, changes in youth’s attitude toward the drug, age of initiation, and frequency of use can occur.

Research from the Oregon Research Institute indicated no significant change in the numbers of youth who tried marijuana for the first time yet found an increase in the frequency of use by youth who were already regularly using marijuana. It’s important to know that you probably see more marijuana use but that educating yourself and asking questions will help with the curiosity you may have in trying the drug. The legalization of the drug doesn’t make marijuana consumption less risky to teenagers.

Educating yourselves on the risks of using marijuana while your adolescent brains are still developing will help to discuss the drug honestly and openly. You might have some of the following questions: What are the laws against cannabis now that it is legal? What are the risks?

What does marijuana do to the brain? Have you ever tried it? Can people become addicted to it?

Will I be missing out on something if I don’t try it?

It’s important to be careful not to minimize the dangers of marijuana or other drugs. Educate yourselves on the risks and long-term consequences. Get the conversation started with people you trust like your parents, your counselor, or even your friends. Or go ahead and jump online to do some of your own research. You won’t be the only one to have questions!

Aside from THC (the active chemical in marijuana that gets you ‘high’) there are over 400 other chemicals, many of which are also found in tobacco smoke.

Prolonged use of marijuana has the same effect on the lungs as smoking cigarettes

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E Sometimes I feel like weed is my best friend.

Short Term Effects: • Increase in heart rate, possibly leading to anxiety & paranoia • Distorted concept of space & time •Decrease in concentration skills & short term memory capacity • Feeling tired after the high wears off • Increase in appetite and weight gain • Forgetfulness, losing one’s train of thought easily.

It calms me down. When I’m feeling lonely and discouraged, it gives me a boost. When I am feeling down on myself and critical, it helps me see the positive side. I like myself more when I’m a bit buzzed. But it’s like a friend who has kind of taken over my life. I feel awkward now when I go to basketball practice and see my old friends. It’s tempting to avoid it, because then I don’t have to deal with my coach who is always on my back for missing too many practices, but then I think about how much I used to love it and I feel guilty. And then there are my grades. I always seem to put off doing my homework, and I am now failing social studies because of not handing in assignments.

The downside to smoking weed is that I’m burnt out some of the time and can’t focus on school.

Long Term Effects: • Marijuana contains many of the same chemicals found in tobacco smoke. People who smoke marijuana over a long period of time often develop the same breathing problems as smokers do. Their risk of developing lung cance is significantly higher than non-marijuana smokers • THC can also damage the cells and tissues in the body that help protect people from disease • Lack of motivation • Difficulty processing new information

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Educating yourselves on the risks of using marijuana while your adolescent brains are still developing will help to discuss the drug honestly and openly. You might have some of the following questions: What are the laws against cannabis now that it is legal?

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SUBSTANCE INFO

5 . cocaine & crack A Cocaine, out of all the drugs I took, was the

most instantly transforming. One snort and I felt like a different person. I couldn’t sit still, I was talking a mile a minute, and I felt full of confidence and importance. Twenty minutes later, I landed back on earth with a crash. All I could think about was how I could get more so I could get that feeling back. I switched to crack after a while because it was cheaper and I could buy it right on the street. Later, when I started to use it all the time, I’d be really irritable and depressed when I came down. It took almost a year for the depression to go away after I stopped using.

Psychological Effects: • Paranoia & Confusion • Cocaine Psychosis: losing touch with reality, loss of interest in friends and family, self-harm • Crashing: feeling tired after the high wears off • Increase in appetite and weight gain

Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the coca plant. “Coke” can be snorted, smoked, or injected. It is a stimulant with a very short high that lasts between 5-20 minutes. Crack is a smokable form of cocaine that is highly addictive even after only a few uses. Crack and cocaine are both extremely powerful drugs that take over all aspects of an addict’s life. Both drugs can become habit forming quite easily as well we physically and psychologically addictive.

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Use/abuse of cocaine and crack will cause:

Over time, and/or larger doses:

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate • Rapid breathing • Constriction of blood vessels • Decreased appetite • Sweating • Restlessness, insomnia • Paranoia, anxiety • Dilated pupils

• Aggressive, hostile, erratic behaviour • Hallucinations • Rapid and irregular heartbeat • Increased paranoia • Impotence • Depression

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6 . HEroin Heroin is either smoked or injected, and is extremely addictive. People who use heroin become dependent very quickly, as they are drawn to the rush of pleasure they experience when using. However, the withdrawal effects of heroin use are very painful (anyone see the movie Trainspotting?), making it a really difficult drug to quit. Once people become addicted to heroin, they continue to use–mostly to prevent themselves from feeling sick. Heroin is a depressant, and therefore slows down all the processes in the mind and body.

A Never did it… I was too scared I’d never get off it, like everyone else I know who tried it.

OVERDOSE

PHYSICAL EFFECTS

Because of the profound physical effects of using heroin, death by overdose is a major possibility. This happens because breathing slows down to the point where it stops altogether. This can happen with a single dose, meaning someone can die of a heroin overdose the very first time they use! Unfortunately, the composition of street heroin varies widely, and the purity of the drug is never known to the user.

Therefore, it is very possible for the user to receive a dose that is much higher than expected.

• Slower breathing • Flushed skin • Pinpoint pupils • Nausea and vomiting • Constipation • Nodding of the head (looks like nodding off to sleep) • Decreased ability to feel pain • Increased risk of contracting Hepatitis A and C, and HIV, through infected needles

WITHDRAWAL Withdrawal from heroin is miserable, but not life threatening. Physically, it feels like a very bad flu: fatigue, sweating, aching, and diarrhea. These symptoms go away after about a week.

MENTAL / EMOTIONAL EFFECTS • Dreamy, pleasant states • Psychologic addiction • User becomes preoccupied with how to get more heroin

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SUBSTANCE INFO

7 . MDMA Nicknamed the “love drug,” ecstasy is known for the feelings of warmth and empathy experienced while on the drug, as well as the sense of energy and alertness it produces in users.

Physical Effects: • Increased heart rate, hyperactivity, excess energy • Dehydration • Nausea and loss of appetite • Cleanching of jaw muscles

Negative Effects:

Mental Effects: • Mild distortions of perception • Psychological dependence • Withdrawal from ecstacy causes fatigue and depression

The reason ecstasy produces such a noticeable high is because it stimulates production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that controls mood. However, it doesn’t take the brain too long to figure out it is out of balance, so it reacts by preventing serotonin from being absorbed by the brain. Because serotonin is needed to keep our moods balanced, in its absence we feel down and depressed.

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Users often experience jitters and teeth clenching. Overdose can lead to hypertension and kidney failure.

Dangerous Combinations with Other Drugs:

MDMA can be dangerous if taken in conjunction with antidepressants that are MAO inhibitors. It also should not be taken with alcohol.

How MDMA Works in the Brain:

MDMA increases levels of serotonin and makes it more available to the brain, which leads to the notorious mood boosting properties of the drug. However, repeated use of ecstasy leads to possible serotonin loss, which feels like chronic depression.

Furthermore, ecstasy use – especially repeated use of high doses – has been responsible for a number of psychiatric/ psychological problems, such as panic attacks and paranoia.

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8 . hallucinogens Types of hallucinogens:

L S D (ACID) is one of the most common

hallucinogens. It is the longest-acting of the hallucinogens; the drug remains active in the body for up to 12 hours. The physical effects of LSD include numbness, muscle weakness, trembling, and often nausea. Slight bodily pain is also common. Despite widespread rumours, LSD is not stored in the spinal fluid for months, and does not remain hidden in any organ. It also does not cause long-term damage to the brain. Short-term side effects are tolerance and exhaustion. However, there are definite risks involved with taking LSD. People who are on acid experience things not as they really are, including visions, sounds, and feelings. Therefore, driving, swimming, and any other activity which requires a grasp on reality can be potentially hazardous and/or life threatening. Another unpleasant effect of taking LSD is the high state of anxiety and isolation one might develop while using (often called a “bad trip”).

PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP/ANGEL DUST)

& K E T A M I N E (SPECIAL K)

are frequently taken for the euphoria and stimulation they produce. At the same time, they also cause a drunken-like state in their users, characterized by poor coordination, slurred speech, and drowsiness. At higher doses, it leads to a detachment from one’s environment, often noticed as a consistent blank stare. PCP users frequently find themselves in trouble with the law as a result of their poor reflexes and judgement, and general state of agitation.

PSILOCYBIN

(MAGIC MUSHROOMS) has very similar, although slightly milder effects as those of LSD. As with LSD, the most negative effects caused by mushrooms are the intense feelings of anxiety and/or depression that sometimes develop while using.

HALLUCINATION: an experience

involving the apparent perception of something not present.

Hallucinogens are drugs that drastically alter one’s thought processes, mood, and perceptions. At high doses, these drugs cause users to perceive an experience as actually happening when, in fact, it is not. At lower doses, they cause milder distortions in perception, thought, and emotion, but not imagined events.

The experience is determined by the user’s previous drug experience, expectations, and the context in which the drug is taken, as well as the amount of the dose.

S I was at a party when a good friend of

mine took ketamine. At first she seemed kind of dizzy and disconnected, then really into the music and kind of in her own world, and then really anxious and seemingly weirded out. I think she might have taken too much because she said that she was really nauseous and was on the verge of throwing up. After it was over, she said she would never take it again; it was too powerful and strange.

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SUBSTANCE INFO

9 . inhalants

Some examples of inhalants: • Common household items, such as paint thinners, cleaning fluids, gasoline, glue, whiteout, and felt-tip markers • Aerosols, which are sprays that contain propellants and solvents and include spray paint, deodorant, vegetable oils, and fabric protector • Gases, such as nitrous oxide, butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers, and refrigerants • Nitrites, which relax the muscles and are sold on the street as “poppers” or “snappers” How are inhalants used: Inhalants are breathed in through the nose or mouth in a variety of ways, such as: • “Sniffing” or “snorting” fumes from containers • Spraying aerosols directly into the nose and mouth • “Bagging” – sniffing or inhaling fumes from substances sprayed into a paper or plastic bag • “Huffing” from an inhalant-soaked rag stuffed in the mouth • Inhaling from balloons filled with nitrous oxide

Signs of Inhalant Abuse • Chemical odours on the breath or clothing • Paint or other stains on face, hands, or clothes • Hidden empty spray or solvent containers and chemical-soaked rags • Drunk or disoriented appearance • Slurred speech • Nausea or loss of appetite • Inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression

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Who can use inhalants: Because inhalants are usually found in the household, they attract younger children (under age 12), or adults who cannot afford the price of alcohol or street drugs. Inhalant abuse reaches its peak during the seventh to ninth grades, and can be a gateway to abusing other kinds of drugs. Poverty, a history of child abuse, poor grades, and dropping out of school are all associated with inhalant abuse.

Risks of inhaling: Within minutes of inhalation, the user feels effects similar to those produced by alcohol, including lack of coordination, dizziness, euphoria, and difficulty speaking. Intoxication from inhalant use only lasts a few minutes, so abusers often try to keep the high going by continuing to inhale repeatedly over the course of several hours – which is very dangerous. With repeated inhalations, abusers can lose consciousness and even die.

Using inhalants can lead to uncontrollable use. Some of the symptoms that long-term users exhibit are weight loss, muscle weakness, disorientation, inattentiveness, lack of co-ordination, irritability, and depression.

Medical consequences of inhalant abuse: Inhalants are very dangerous, and in some situation can lead to brain damage, organ damage or death caused by choking.

Inhalants damage brain cells beyond repair, and therefore can lead to permanent abnormalities in thinking, learning, and memory. While inhalants may seem safe because they are found in household items that youdon’t have to buy on the street, they are in fact extremely harmful.

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10 . oxycontin & fentanyl Fentanyl is a serious medication.

When it is prescribed by doctors to help patients who have chronic pain, it is very closely monitored. but once it falls into the hands of drug dealers, there is no way of warning the user of its danger.

Even scarier, it is impossible for drug users to determine on their own if the drugs they have bought contain fentanyl.

Opioid analgesic medication is prescribed for people experiencing chronic and acute pain.

Any opiate-based narcotic can be extremely addictive. This means that somebody taking it needs to be carefully monitored by a doctor to prevent abuse and potentially debilitating withdrawal symptoms.

Over the last 15 years, Canada has been experiencing a prescription drug crisis. This started with OxyContin, which spawned the first wave of addiction and overdose deaths throughout Canada in the early 2000s, leading to Health Canada launching a review on the dangers of this drug in 2004. This led, in 2012, to OxyContin being removed from most public drug plans, making it much more difficult to obtain. The replacement medication was produced in a tamper-resistant form that made it more difficult to crush, chew or snort to get high. However, in the years that followed, the popularity of other opiates such as hydromorphone, fentanyl, and even heroin rose dramatically, leading to a prescription drug crisis in Canada.

In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged across Canada. People obtaining

prescription opiates and heroin to get high are sometimes unknowingly consuming fentanyl, sold as fake OxyContin pills or laced with other substances that people are buying. Because fentanyl is so powerful - it’s estimated to be 80 times as powerful as morphine and hundreds of times more powerful than heroin, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - the risk of accidental overdose is high. The consequences can be deadly, and across Canada there has been a sharp increase in overdose deaths due to fentanyl.

Equally as disturbing is that many of the people overdosing on fentanyl are recreational users experimenting with drugs, rather than hard core users or people with an established addiction. Their tolerance is lower, and their bodies and brains are completely unprepared for the powerful dose of opiates. In almost all cases, these users have no idea that they are taking fentanyl.

The only sure way to avoid fentanyl is to avoid all opiates that are not directly prescribed to you by your doctor. Buying drugs on the street means taking a risk, and there is no reliable way of knowing what they contain.

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SUBSTANCE INFO

11 . crystal meth

speed, meth, crank, crystal meth Physical Effects:

•Increased heart and respiratory rate •High blood pressure •Dizziness and blurred vision •Anxiety and restlessness •Decreased appetite

Mental & Emotional Effects:

•High energy when on the drug, extremely low energy when coming down from the drug •Depression and irritability when withdrawing •Powerful urges to use the drug and extreme difficulty resisting use •Exhaustion

Signs of Use:

•Excessive activity & movement •Talking a lot, arguing •Irritability, paranoia, nervousness •Noticable weight loss & sleeplessness •Euphoria

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A Crystal Meth can only be described as intense. The high itself made me full of energy and gave me a sense of confidence that lasted for hours and hours. But when I continued using it, I’d go into these rages. Everything irritated me, and I was really paranoid. Coming off that drug is brutal. I felt anxious and depressed – even suicidal. The people and places I encountered through using meth were really sketchy – in other words, not to be trusted and sometimes downright scary. I got myself into some risky situations. It took me a really long time to get my head straight after coming off meth after months of use.

Methamphetamines are stimulants that are similar to amphetamines and are becoming widely used by teenagers. Speed is one form of methamphetamine, and it can be swallowed in pill form, snorted or injected, and has a high that lasts from 2-4 hours. Crystal meth is sometimes injected, but it is usually snorted or smoked. Unlike speed, the high lasts from 4-14 hours and is highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. Crystal meth and speed are used to increase alertness, stay awake, feel stronger and more confident, and to create euphoric, “feel good,” effects.

Like Austin, Hayley and Lisa have had similar experiences with crystal meth. Let’s hear what both girls have to say about the drug that, at one point, took over their lives.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the interviewees in the following script.

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Hayley - “I’d never felt so happy, so powerful, and in control. I had a crazy sense of freedom and energy when I used. The best part was the sense of community and the feeling of being a part of one big happy family. Even once we moved to the street, I felt a sense of meaning and purpose. I felt amazingly good…until I started coming down.”

Hayley was in the eleventh grade at the time.

She had been doing ecstasy at raves, but was getting tired of some of ecstasy’s side effects, especially the depression and fatigue. She hadn’t really thought much about crystal meth, until one night when she was hanging out with friends and it was offered to her.

Hayley - “It was the first time I’d ever seen it, or heard about it. Since I’ve never been afraid to try anything, I took some. From then on, I used it every day. It was cheaper than anything else, the high lasted longer, and it was easy to get. I was hooked.”

Lisa, on the other hand, was in the eighth grade and living in a small town. She was smoking weed so much that she wasn’t getting stoned from it anymore. One day she saw her older sister and her boyfriend smoking crystal meth.

Lisa - “They were having a lot of fun… Grade eight was my worst year; I was having a really hard time. So, when I saw them happy…

I figured I had nothing to lose. Like Hayley, I had never seen crystal meth, and didn’t even know what it was. Getting it every day wasn’t difficult since every high school has a couple of dealers, and just a few bucks will get you high.”

Hayley – “At first crystal meth was wildly exciting. I felt free and untroubled. I felt like a different person when I was using – confident, sexy, and full of energy. But it wasn’t long until my love of meth took me to the streets of downtown Vancouver, since that’s where all the action was. Life on the streets meant no nagging parents, no homework and, most importantly, no boredom. But the fighting, stealing, and sexual assaults came along as part of the package, and by then I was already sucked into that scene. At the time, my parents were going through a divorce, and I couldn’t handle it anymore. So, I left. The street became my new home.”

Austin – What finally ended it for you?

Lisa - “The highs were becoming shorter and shorter and the lows were unbearable. I was anxious, depressed, and angry all the time. The only thing that could bring me out of it was more drugs. That was when I finally went to see a former teacher of mine who had expressed concern from the beginning. When I went to see her, I told her I was ready for her to help me. Shortly after that, I entered a residential treatment centre that helped me detox from the drug and stabilize. Afterwards, I moved to the city and started a day treatment program for youth who are overcoming substance abuse.”

Austin – How about you, Hayley?

Hayley – “Mine definitely felt more sudden. I got caught stealing and I spent five nights in the youth jail… That was the worst experience of my life. When I got out, I was set up with a probation officer who made drug and alcohol treatment a mandatory condition of my probation. I attended weekly counselling sessions and participated in the same day treatment program as Lisa. Through that I became aware of the destructive pattern of my drug use, and I decided to make some important changes in my life. At the same time, an important part of the counselling process has been family counselling. My parents and I had a lot of anger towards each other, and counselling has helped us work through that.

We’re starting to understand how we can relate to one another with more respect and tolerance, and we’re learning to communicate without becoming hostile or freaking out… I’ve always been really independent and a total risk- taker; I like that quality in myself. But I realize, now, that I can find healthier ways to be that way.”

Lisa – “Ultimately, I believe if I had known more about crystal meth and its powerful effects, I wouldn’t have been so quick to try it. What about you, Hayley?”

Hayley – “Totally. I feel as though it’s our mission to inform and support other young people who are at risk of becoming heavily involved with drugs.”

Lisa - “The best way to treat serious drug use is to stop it before it starts.”

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SUBSTANCE INFO

12 . alcohol & energy drinks

Mixing alcohol with energy drinks may seem like a great idea.

After all, even though alcohol initially helps you to feel outgoing and boisterous, there is that inevitable point when you crash, and feel tired and lethargic. The stimulating qualities of an energy drink can counteract the fatigue and help you party all through the night.

Sounds great!

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A trend amongst partying youth is to mix an alcoholic beverage (vodka, rum, gin, etc.) with a commercial energy drink. You’ve probably seen energy drinks before. Most energy drinks are carbonated, and contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar.

Some of the additional ingredients include B vitamins, amino acids such as taurine, and some include herbal stimulants such as guarana and ginseng. Energy drinks are marketed primarily to youth as a stimulant.

Effects on body & behaviour: •Can boost heart rate & blood pressure, causing palpitations and other cardiac rhythm problems increases risk of: •being hurt or injured •driving with an intoxicated driver •being taken advantage of another sexually

Alcohol, energy drinks and related heart problems: Combining alcohol and energy drinks can actually be dangerous and harmful. Energy drinks, either used as mixes or served on their own, initially feel like the perfect solution to perk up when that slow, sleepy, feeling sets in.

However, when an energy drink is consumed along with alcohol, the high levels of caffeine in these drinks can boost heart rate and blood pressure, causing palpitations, according to the National Institute of Health in the U.S.A. Mixing these drinks with alcohol further increases the risk of heart rhythm problems.

“Energy drinks have a lot of stimulants in them like ginseng and taurine, while alcohol is a depressant; by mixing the two you’re sending mixed messages to your nervous system which can cause cardiac related problems,” Steve Clarke, director of the College Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center, explains.

Non medical problems: One major study conducted by researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine showed that students who mixed alcohol and energy drinks had double the risk of being hurt or injured, requiring medical attention, driving with an intoxicated driver, being taken advantage of sexually, or taking advantage of another sexually.

“Students whose motor skills, visual reaction times, and judgment are impaired by alcohol may not perceive that they are intoxicated as readily when they’re also ingesting a stimulant,” describes Mary Claire O’Brien, lead researcher.

“Only the symptoms of drunkenness are reduced -- but not

the drunkenness. They can’t tell if they’re drunk; they can’t tell if someone else is drunk. So they get hurt, or they hurt someone else.” In other words, energy drinks can trick people into thinking they are more sober than they really are, when in actuality they are every bit as drunk - they just feel less drunk.

Sara, a popular 16-year old high school student who loves to party, described her experience mixing a popular energy drink that has a whopping 80 mg of caffeine, with vodka. “Not only did it make the drink go down easier due to the sweet taste, I also felt like I was able to keep going all night! I was dancing until 3 am without getting tired or feeling like I needed to take a break.”

Don’t see a problem with that? Well, listen to the rest of what Sara has to say. “Although it was fun at first, I actually ended up drinking way more than I did before I started mixing with Red Bull. So that meant worse hangovers, sometimes so bad that I spent the following next day in bed.”

Of course, we would prefer that you didn’t drink at all, as alcohol is an addictive substance that has many harmful physical and social consequences. However, if you must drink, avoid mixing alcohol with any caffeinated beverages or stimulants. Instead, alternate every alcoholic drink with water or Gatorade. Staying hydrated will prevent the ill effects of dehydration that result in those wicked hangovers you get from drinking to excess. Not only will you feel better the next day, but hydration actually prevents fatigue and burnout, leaving you with more energy. Not only will you feel better, but you are also far less likely to be the subject of the morning-after gossip!

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H C U M O TO GOOD THING? OF A

During the pandemic lockdown last spring, 15-year old Owen was bored out of his mind. With his soccer practices suspended and his classes now all online, he was really lonely (and his parents and sister weren’t cutting it). The only thing he looked forward to was his nightly games of Fortnite that he’d play with his friends. For three or four hours every night, Owen and his friends “hung out” over Fortnite: Battle Royale. While his parents worried about the amount of time Owen spent gaming, he was surprisingly still getting most of his homework done. What’s more, playing the game seemed to put him in a good mood because he was able to connect with his friends.

Gaming creates an alternate reality, complete with a moniker, avatar, and the pursuit of power and rewards. Video games (or the designers of games) sure know how to keep your brain wanting more and more. Games give you and your buddies something to do together other than just talking. They are visually epic! And they kill boredom, instantly. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: it’s complicated.

A huge number of adults and kids enjoy playing video games: 61 per cent of Canadians define themselves as a gamer, and more than 90 percent of teens play video games, according to a 2018 survey conducted by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. And the good news? The majority of gamers lead productive lives - they go to school, do their homework, play sports, shower, sleep, eat, and do all the things. Fun fact: some evidence shows that kids who play Minecraft, a virtual building game, get better marks in math than kids who don’t (Karsenti & Bugmann, 2018).

But…(yes, there is a but), some teens don’t fare quite as well as Owen. Some will give up extracurricular activities, stay up all night, and skip meals to game. These teens can spend between 8-10 hours a day gaming, and lose interest in pretty much anything that isn’t gaming. Their grades take a nosedive and they may even fail their classes.

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HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOUR GAMING HOBBY IS BECOMING A PROBLEM

If you’re thinking “this would never happen to me I’d never let it get that bad!” you may be right. Most gamers find that their lives are not consumed by their gaming hobby, but they probably spend too many hours a day playing, and may even be experiencing some negative consequences as a result of all the time spent on the game.

The three Cs are a helpful way to determine whether your gaming habit is veering toward becoming a problem, or even an addiction. When you are really hooked on something, you will engage in the behaviour compulsively, be unable to control yourself, and suffer many negative consequences. Let’s take a closer look at the 3 Cs:

1 Compulsiveness

A compulsion is an irresistible urge to engage in a particular activity or behaviour. The key here is that compulsion happens before indulging in your bad habit. Examples include: • Excessively talking about your favourite game • Daydreaming about gaming • Scheduling your day around gaming • The habit is done automatically, rather than as a choice “I can’t not do it” is how 14-year old Charlotte describes her relationship to her favourite phone game, Candy Crush. Charlotte often finds herself reaching for her phone to play without even thinking about it - “it’s like my thumbs have a mind of their own!” Sometimes, in the middle of doing homework she starts thinking about her game, and absentmindedly stops working to pull out her phone and play.

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3 consequences

This is the most important of the three Cs. A consequence is what happens as a result of your actions. In order for a bad habit to be considered an addiction, the consequence has to be negative and the bad habit must continue in spite of continued negative consequences. Examples include: • Continuing to game even when you are failing classes because you’re not studying or doing homework • Losing friends because all you do is game

• Not getting enough sleep and missing school or work • More conflict with family or teachers due to not meeting responsibilities or expectations

• Spending too much money on microtransactions (virtual products that you buy while playing the game)

2 control

Control refers to what happens after you start engaging in your bad habit. When you think about how in control you are when it comes to gaming, ask yourself the following questions: • When I set limits on the amount of time I spend gaming, do I often go beyond what I’ve told myself I would?

• Am I able to keep up with other commitments, such as hygiene, spending time with my family, going to bed on time, or showing up for class?

• Am I in control of the game, or is the game in control of me?

Owen, who we met at the beginning of this article, loves playing Fortnite, but when his parents tell him to quit, he usually does (sometimes accompanied by a dirty look).

His friend Ben, on the other hand, has a harder time stopping. He knows that he has a math test to study for, and that he really should go to bed, but he will continue to play until his eyes start blurring out of exhaustion and he falls asleep in his clothes without brushing his teeth. He has found ways to play ‘on the sly’ so that his mom doesn’t find out. Ben is losing control of his ability to stick to healthy limits.

13-year old Miles plays Among Us on his phone. He loves the game and can’t put it down (and he’s really good at it). He’s usually a decent student, but he loses track of time when he’s playing his game and doesn’t start his homework until late at night, when he isn’t at his sharpest. Now, Miles is not only getting poor grades in math, but he’s struggling to get out of bed in the morning because he is staying up so late gaming.

Are you concerned that you might be too hooked on a phone or video game? Are you wondering how you can get back on track, even though you really love gaming? Here are some strategies: • Start to track the number of hours you spend each day and each week gaming. Are you surprised?

• Try setting specific limits on how and when you game, like “I’ll only play games with friends” or “I can only play games on certain days of the week or after my homework is done.”

• Try a game detox week (or two), just to reset your brain. See what you do with all of the time you have on your hands!

• Remember that it takes at least two months on average to change habits - so if you are trying to cut down on gaming, be patient and consistent!

References: • www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-pandemic-rekindled-an-old-addiction-to-video-games/ • www.nytimes.com/2019/10/22/magazine/can-you-really-be-addicted-to-video-games.html • www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/august-17-2019-the-benefits-of-video-games-composting-corpses-brewing-ancient-beer-and-more-1.5155492/video-games-arentcorrupting-young-minds-they-may-be-building-them-1.5155505 • www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/addiction-test/ • www.addictioncenter.com/community/video-game-addiction/

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addiction: A FEW THOUGHTS FROM OUR TEENS.

There has been a lot of information presented so far, but we still need to understand what is driving continued drug use and what role the drugs play in your life. Let’s talk to our three experts again.

Hi guys. I want to point out that you guys seem to be approaching substance use from really different walks of life. Austin, you have the more stereotypical image of a “rough around the edges” drug user. Ethan, you look like any other popular high school guy, and Sam, even though you’re not using anything, you seem set on being in the right crowd – the “fun” crowd.

A Yeah. We probably won’t all be ending up at the same party anytime soon.

Austin, what did doing all of those drugs add to your life?

A Well, part of it was that I didn’t have much

structure to my life when I first started getting into using. I didn’t have any hobbies, my mom was always working, I barely saw my dad and have no siblings, so I was alone a lot. I was bored. I’ve always been drawn to risk, whether through skateboarding or pulling pranks on teachers, so I wasn’t scared to try anything.

Using all these drugs made life more interesting for a while. I felt good about myself, too. When I was high, all the constant buzzing in my head – the worries, the self-doubt, the negative thoughts – just stopped. I felt instantly better, for a few hours, anyway.

What made you keep using?

A I couldn’t get through the day without

using something. When I wasn’t using, I was miserable – the negativity and worries piled

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up way more than they had before. I wasn’t getting as much joy out of using, but at least I could put off reality for a bit longer.

Also, I think addiction runs in my family. My mom had a problem with pain killers for a long time, and my grandmother and uncle are both alcoholics. I definitely felt like there was addictive process that just took over. I never meant to get addicted, but it happened pretty fast.

It’s amazing that you were able to stop, given how far in you got.

A Yeah, well, it wasn’t easy. It’s a bit of a

blur, but when I got kicked out of school, my mother dragged me to see the counselor that had helped her through her addiction. The counselor really helped me to see that I still had choices, even though it would probably get worse before getting better. I ended up going to residential treatment for youth, because I really needed to get away from all the things in my life that made me want to use. When I was in treatment, I really connected the dots and saw all the underlying issues that made me want the drugs so badly.

What’s different now?

A I go to meetings with other teenagers who

have had drug problems. We can relate to each other. I see a counselor regularly.

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IT’S NOT THAT EASY I am learning how to cope with the things that used to make me want to escape through drugs: stress, loneliness, boredom. I found out I have ADHD and major depression, and am taking medication that helps me feel more balanced.

Wow. That’s quite the story, Austin. It’s really impressive, and inspiring, that you have managed to get to this point. Ethan, what about you? You seem like you’ve got it all. How does smoking weed factor in to your life?

E I don’t know…life seems so serious

sometimes! My parents are always on my back to get better grades; I guess I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect, too. Before I started smoking weed, I was a complete stress case! Since I was a kid I’ve always been really busy with sports: first hockey, which I quit when they wanted me to commit to five practices a week…I found that I was coming up with excuses to miss practice. Now basketball, which I love but is really time consuming, and it seems easier just to go home and go to sleep… For me, smoking weed was never about fitting in. It just makes me feel content and I find that my mind just goes quiet. My worries just fade away.

I can see why it’s tough for you to want to stop, then.

E I know, right? Except that I used to be a

decent enough student. I mean, I still had to work hard to get just a B, but at least I could pull it off. My grades are pretty bad now and my parents are really disappointed in me...

It doesn’t help that my two older sisters are both star athletes and students. It’s confusing, because I sometimes think I should stop or cut down so I can do better in school, but I just can’t handle life without weed. It’s too serious…I’d just rather not feel.

But aren’t there any other ways for you to relax or lighten up? Like having more balance in your life, for example? Finding other ways to have fun?

E Hmmm. That’s a good question. I’ve never had

balance in my life – I’ve always been all or nothing.

I need to think about that one!

Sam, what do you make of all this?

S I don’t know. It sounds like using drugs has

made things more complicated. I always thought that drinking was a safe bet. Everyone does it eventually, right? But I’m hearing that for Austin anyway it was basically his “on-ramp” to the rest of his drug use. But I just don’t want to be made fun of for turning it down if it’s offered to me. That can really brand you, you know? How do I not join in the fun and still be thought of as fun?

E Trust me, Samantha, there are plenty of good

and fun people who are not drinking or using drugs. Like most of my old friends, for example, who still don’t get why I’ve turned into such a chronic weed smoker. I’m no cooler than they are!

And I’m afraid they won’t understand why I feel the way that I do.

A I’ve used it all, and none of it made me cooler

or more fun. Okay, I’m not gonna lie – it did initially make me more comfortable socially, but that didn’t last. I needed to learn to be interesting and friendly without using before I found a good group of people to hang with. And, Ethan, it’s completely okay to go and seek help. Talking to someone about how I was feeling was such a relief!

Someone is always willing to listen. And take some time for yourself! Go out for walk or run around the block. Listen to music that makes you happy. Have lunch with a friend. Go out to a movie. Express yourself creatively, whether that is through art or writing. Do something spontaneous!

Thanks for the chat, all of you! Lets keep in touch!

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RESOURCES FOR PARENTS If you are a parent who has been flipping through this book in hopes that you will better understand teenage drug use, you’re definitely off to a good start When children are under the age of twelve, they look to their parents for security and guidance. In these years, parents have an enormous influence on their children – in the values they instill, in helping them make appropriate decisions, providing necessary nurturing and love, and modeling healthy behaviours and communication skills. As children grow older their developmental tasks shift from seeking security and acceptance from their parents to struggling for individuation and control over their own lives. More and more they look to their peers for acceptance and belonging.

Parents have good reason to be concerned about substance abuse in their teenagers. Drugs are extremely easy to obtain, and alcohol is present at many parties and social events. However, as a parent it is important to respond carefully to substance abuse concerns.

• Find someone other than your child to whom you may vent your feelings of anger, fear, and guilt. It’s important to identify and express these feelings before approaching your son or daughter.

• Learn the facts about drugs and alcohol use instead of relying on popular myths and assumptions (see the resources on our website www.healthyteens.com) • Prepare how you will approach your children with your concerns. The most important message you can convey to teenagers is that you care about them and that you are a person with whom they can discuss this sensitive topic.

• Treat your sons or daughters as though they are the experts on their own lives. They are. The term “I need you to help me understand this” can be very useful.

• Teenagers will often give convincing excuses to respond to your suspicions or concerns.

Saying “I would like to trust you enough to believe you” or “I’m not looking for an excuse, true or not true; I’m more concerned with the mixed messages I’m receiving” is a way to respond to the real issues rather than the excuses.

• Be clear on the fact that no matter how much you would like to, you cannot control your child’s choices. You can, however, learn to cope.

SOME COMMON TRAPS TO AVOID • Do not assume you know exactly what is happening with your child, or that you understand all of the reasons behind his or her drug use. Give your child the opportunity to tell his or her story.

• It is counterproductive to over-react by using scare tactics or threats. This simply sends the message that you don’t understand them, and that they need to hide everything they do from you. It is much more effective to engage them in a conversation about the pros and cons of experimenting with drugs.

• Loading on the guilt (i.e. “how could you do this to me; what did I do wrong?”) is almost always a mistake – it usually only creates brief changes in behaviour, and invokes resentment. The same goes for nagging.

• Don’t prevent your children from experiencing the natural consequences of their drug use; for example, calling school to excuse absence or to prevent suspension. “Rescuing” reduces the chance that your children will learn to take responsibility for their actions.

• Don’t blame yourself or other people for your child’s drug use. As you will learn, there are many factors that contribute to substance abuse. Learning how to cope more effectively with this problem and how to communicate your concerns is far more important than laying the blame on yourself or others.

• Lastly, don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can single-handedly change your child’s interest in drugs and alcohol. There is no magic formula for preventing teenagers from trying drugs: the best buffer is having honest discussions, exposing them to information, and letting them know that they are responsible for making choices about drugs, and that they are responsible for any consequences of their drug use.

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