A substance is anything that can be taken which changes the way you act, think or feel. Human beings use substances such as drugs, alcohol and prescription medication for many reasons. Some individuals misuse substances in order to address feelings of stress, grief, anxiety, depression or simply out of curiosity. Peoples' patterns of use and frequency vary. Some people may use a substance several times and never again, while others have a far more complex relationship with substances, and struggle to control the regularity and frequency of their use. If an individual's desire to use is connected with complex mental health or socio-emotional issues, substance use can become particularly problematic.
Help is available
Student Substance Use Patterns
The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) is Canada's longest running survey monitoring student drug use, emerging drugs and other risky student behaviour. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) administers this anonymous survey every 2 years to grade 7-12 Ontario students.
Drug and Alcohol Continuum
The Drug and Alcohol Continuum is a tool that can be used to evaluate a person's level of use and the type of intervention or support that may be needed.
Where Do You See Yourself?
Misusing drugs and alcohol can be harmful.
| Not Using | Trying it Out | Using Sometimes | Problem Use | Dependent |
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