Experimenting with drugs and alcohol in high school is a common experience that can very quickly become overwhelming. Whether you need help, or you know someone who needs help, there is no shame in seeking it out. Remember that there are resources and people out there who want to support you.
On this page:
The Truth about Vaping
- Does vaping cause second-hand smoke?
- Is vaping a gateway drug?
- What’s really in a vape cartridge?
- What should I do to stop vaping?
Watch this video to have your vaping questions addressed.
Truth #1:
Vaping is bad for your health and is NOT harmless
Truth #2:
Vaping is highly addictive
Truth #3:
Vaping is not an effective strategy to quit smoking
Truth #4:
Vaping is not harmless, yet young people are trying vaping products more than ever
Source: McMaster University Students, Sean Hui, Trisha Southall, Mali Tse & Katie Illman
Cannabis and Mental Health (canada.ca)
In order to protect you from the health effects of cannabis use, here are a few key facts to be aware of:
- You are more likely to experience harm from cannabis because your brain is still developing until around the age of 25
- Starting to use cannabis as a teen and using it regularly (weekly or more frequently) and over a long time (several months or years) makes you more likely to become addicted and to harm your mental health
- Using cannabis can affect important aspects of your thinking, like learning and memory. Some of these may never fully go away.
- Teens and young adults who start using early, and use often, have more difficulty studying and are more likely to drop out of high school or university.
Some of the harms may not be fully reversible.
Partying and Getting Drunk (camh.ca)
What we’re talking about here is drinking A LOT of alcohol quickly— on a night out with friends at a party or bar, in a drinking game or contest, or just drinking too much because you want to get drunk.
This is known as binge drinking.
What happens when you binge drink?
- Impaired judgement
- Changes in attitude, behaviour and reflexes
People do all kinds of things when they are drunk that they would never dream of doing when they are sober.
What are the signs of alcohol poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning, caused by too much alcohol, is extremely dangerous and can cause coma and death.
What do I do?
When someone is passed out from alcohol poisoning:
- Gently roll the person on his or her side
- Do not leave the person alone
- Call 911 if you cannot wake the person, especially if he or she is vomiting or has vomited.
How can I be safer when I drink?
When you know you will be drinking, plan ahead, stay in control and stay safe!
- Pace yourself by alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water
- Eat before while you drink.
- Know your limit. Keep below it. Don’t let others push you beyond it.
- Drink slowly. Don’t chug.
- Stop drinking before you feel drunk.
- Don’t mix alcohol with medicines, illegal drugs or energy drinks.
- Count your drinks. Ways to keep track include keeping your bottle caps in your pocket.
- Think about your reputation, your safety and the safety of others.
- Watch your drink so that no one can slip anything into it when you’re not looking.
- Plan ahead. If you drink any alcohol, do not drive.
What can I do if I want to stop drinking, but can’t?
If your drinking is causing problems in your life and you want to stop, but can’t, ask for help.
Tell your friends and family members you want to cut down or stop drinking, and ask them for their support. Ask them to help you organize activities that don’t involve drinking. If your drinking continues to cause problems for you, reach out to a professional for support.
Types of Drugs
The following are types of drugs that are commonly misused.
This is not a full list of drugs, effects, or risks. Visit Government of Canada to see more.
| Type of Drug | Examples | Effects | Risks |
| Stimulants | Cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine | – Temporarily enhanced self-esteem – Reduced need for food and sleep – Dizziness, nausea and vomiting, – Violent or aggressive behaviour, – Hallucinations, psychosis – Dilated pupils | – Addiction and dependence – Withdrawal & death – Overdose & death – Heart and/or brain damage – Depression, suicidal ideation |
| Opioids | Fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone | – Drowsiness, confusion – Nausea, vomiting – Euphoria – Slowed breathing – In and out of consciousness – Itching/hot sensations on skin – Small pupils | – Addiction and dependence – Overdose & death – Withdrawal & death – HIV, Hep B & C – Depression, suicidal ideation |
| Hallucinogens | Mushrooms, LSD | – Distorted sense of reality – Altered senses – Altered perception of time – Anxiety, paranoia, confusion, extreme mood changes – Increased heart rate – Muscle weakness, convulsions – Feelings of disconnection from body | – Psychosis – Depression – Flashbacks – Accidental death |
| Benzodiazepines | Xanax, ativan, valium | – Dizziness, drowsiness – Memory loss – Slurred speech – Muscle weakness – Loss of coordination Other possible: – Delusions, hallucinations – Agitation, aggression | – Addiction and dependence – Overdose |
From Controlled and illegal drugs – Government of Canada
Get Help
The Centre for Addiction & Mental Health
- Youth Addiction & Concurrent Disorders Service offers treatment for young people (14 – 24) with substance use challenges or concerns.
The City of Hamilton provides harm reduction services such as:
- Free naloxone kits
- Safe use supplies
- Self-help groups
- Treatment centres
- Methadone clinics
- Withdrawal management
St. Joseph’s Concurrent Disorders Capacity-Building Team supports youth (17-25 years old) who are looking to make changes to their substance use through the Young Adult Substance Use Program (YA-SUP). Find individual and group-based treatment targeted to the crucial “in-between” period of transitioning from youth to adulthood.
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre offers integrated services that connect clients who use drugs to primary care, treatment, and other health and social services. This program offers:
- Harm reduction education and supplies
- Supervised use space with nursing staff present
- Counselling
- Referrals to housing, employment, and mental health and addiction services
SOPEN (Substance Overdose Prevention and Education Network) is a community-based initiative organized by a group of students in Hamilton. SOPEN is committed to true community engagement and mutual aid. They encourage young people to make informed health decisions by sharing knowledge about harm reduction and overdose prevention, in a reciprocal way without judgement, in a brave space.
Alternatives for Youth (AY) is a substance use and addiction treatment services that engage and mobilize youth and their families.
Don’t treat your health like an experiment, but do check out the Not an Experiment interactive vaping awareness and prevention game. Navigate a high school to find and solve clues, uncovering an exciting mystery and important information that could help save your life.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) is a charitable, grassroots organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting victims/survivors.
De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre provides mental wellness services that are culturally safe for all members of the urban community who self identify as having Aboriginal ancestry.
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling.
Their system navigation and information service is live-answer 24/7, confidential, and free.
CYMHA (Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions) takes a unique approach to addressing substance use by highlighting concurrent disorders. Where mental health and substance use concerns intersect, complex challenges arise for those seeking help and looking to provide it. Learn more.
