Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit

Tips For Parents of Teens Regarding Drug Use

Today’s teenagers have tough choices to make. Drug and alcohol use is widespread among youth. In 2009, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health did a survey of drug use among Ontario students in grades 7-12. The survey found that in the past year:

61 per cent had used alcohol (28 percent of Grade 7 and up to 83 percent of Grade 12)
29.5 per cent had used cannabis (by Grade 12 the percentage increases to 45.6%)
12 per cent had smoked cigarettes
5.5 per cent had used hallucinogens
5.8 per cent had used solvents
3.5 per cent had used ecstasy

“Parents are the single most important influence on children’s decisions to smoke, drink or use drugs, yet many parents do not fully understand the extent of their influence.”
- The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. 2001.

Parents should be aware that many teenagers will experiment with smoking, marijuana, drinking or other illegal drugs – and then choose to never use them again. However, we must also recognize that there are serious risks associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs. These risks are there whether it is the first time the drug is used or not.

Knowledge and communication are key. Below are two resources that may assist you in dealing with alcohol or drug related issues with your teen.

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