Drug Prevention
Problematic use of substances is associated with negative social, public safety and economic consequences for all Canadians. It may involve improper use of legal substances such as alcohol and prescription drugs as well as illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, the inhalation of gasoline or other solvents, or a combination of any of the above.
As part of the government of Canada's Drug Strategy, Health Canada provides leadership and coordination to the federal effort to prevent and reduce the harm associated with problematic use of alcohol and other drugs. A key component of this strategy is public and professional education and social marketing initiatives with a specific focus on vulnerable populations, particularly youth.
Resources
- Fact Sheets -- Canada's Drug Strategy
- Canada's Drug Strategy Publications
- Substance Use: Preventing and Addressing Problematic Use
- Get the facts - overview of the commonly used substances among youth, such as marijuana, Ecstasy, GHB and Methamphetamine.
- Straight Facts About Drugs and Drug Abuse - This report is a good resource for police services, educators, trainers, social service and health care providers - as well as senior high school, college and university students. It provides information on commonly used mood-altering or psychoactive drugs, as well as several new drug classes, and includes appendices on a variety of emerging alcohol and other drug-related issues.
- Straight Talk About Marijuana - This is an objective, fact-based booklet on marijuana use and abuse. It is intended to give parents and youth the information they need to discuss these issues and make healthy decisions. It has separate sections for both youth and parents, and examines current health issues, trends, social consequences and legal matters - and also proposes effective ways for parents and youth to communicate with one another on the subject of risky behaviour.
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