Info
RxSubstance Use and Abuse
Individuals suffering from substance abuse have a pattern of repeated usage despite knowing the physical, social, mental, family, and/or occupational problems which result from using such substances.
Web Content
Albertan Information
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Alberta Health Services - Addiction & Mental Health
AHS provides information about addiction and mental health for Albertans of various ages. This page also provides information about getting Help in Tough Times.
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MyHealth.Alberta - Alcohol and Drug Use in Young People
To learn about alcohol and drug use in young people visit myhealth.alberta.ca, a health information website provided by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services.
myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwId=tp17749
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Help4Me
Hosted on the MyHealth.Alberta website, this page provides information about addiction and mental health for young people, parents, and educators. It also provides information about programs and services available in Alberta.
General Information
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HeretoHelp
A project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, HeretoHelp provides information to prevent and manage mental health and substance abuse problems.
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CAMH
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health offers information about addiction and substance abuse.
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Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
The CCSA aims to educate Canadians about the harms and impact of alcohol and other drugs on society. L'information est également disponible en français.
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Substance Use - Government of Canada
Learn about the impact of substance abuse, get tips for talking to teens about drugs, and see where to get help.
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Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
These resources provide harm reduction messages for adults who use non-medical cannabis.
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Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
These resources provide harm reduction messages for adults who drink alcohol.
ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/2012-Canada-Low-Risk-Alcohol-Drinking-Guidelines-Brochure-en.pdf
Information for Families
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Drug Free Kids Canada
The Partnership for a Drug Free Canada educates everyone from children to grandparents about drugs and their effects. They provide tools to help parents navigate the conversation about prescription drugs, street drugs, and other substances. The PDFC also has various media campaigns to educate the public.
Information for Teens and Young Adults
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National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIDA shares drug facts and research so that people understand how various substances and addiction impact their lives and the lives of those around them. There is even information just for teens.
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Mouse Party
This interactive tool is designed to provide a small glimpse into the mechanisms in the brain that cause the drug user to feel high.
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Cannabis and Psychosis: Explore the Link
Cannabis and Psychosis: Explore the Link is a project of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. Featuring the latest scientific research and the insights and perspectives of young people with lived experience, the aim of the site is to provide comprehensive and accessible information to help young people better understand the issue so they can make informed decisions about cannabis use.
Video
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Alcohol - how much is too much?
Australian youth are surveyed about what they think safe alcohol limits are and gives varying answers.
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Under Construction: Alcohol and the Teenage Brain
This video shows the damage alcohol can do to a developing brain.
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Cannabis Information and Support -Effects of cannabis on the teenage brain NCPIC + Turning Point
A short animated video about the effects of cannabis on the brain. Brain development, adolescence and short and long-term effects of cannabis/weed/pot are explained in simple language.
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DocMikeEvans – A ReThink of the Way we Drink
Dr. Mike narrates this video that challenges people to consider the impact of drinking on their lives.
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Alberta Health Services - Simple Connections, Stronger Kids
Parents can help build their children's inner strength by building caring, supportive relationships with them.
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Alberta Family Wellness Initiative - How Brains Are Built: Core Story of Brain Development
The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative developed this video to introduce the Brain Story. “How Brains are Built” infuses core story concepts with energy in this accessible and engaging video.
albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/how-brains-are-built-core-story-of-brain-development
Book List
These resources are available to borrow at the Family & Community Resource Centre. You can also check with your local library or with The Alberta Library for the availability of these resources.
You can download, print, and share this list.
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What's Wrong With My Kid? : When Drugs or Alcohol Might Be a Problem and What to Do About It
Weaving professional and personal experience, the author helps parents and families learn how to help teens conquer the effects of substance abuse.
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How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid : The Straight Dope for Parents
Mixing facts and personal experiences, Califano has created a guide to help parents raise healthy and happy drug free children.
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100 Questions & Answers About Your Child's Substance Abuse
Aromin has written a straightforward Question and Answer book to help parents understand the impact of substance abuse in children.
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Everything Changes : Help for Families of Newly Recovering Addicts
Weaving her personal experience as a mother of a recovering addict and interviews from others affected by addiction, Conyers shares practical tools and advice for friends and family.
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Canadian novelist Susan Juby shares her experiences with drug and alcohol dependence as a teen and her journey to sobriety in her early twenties in this candid memoir. In addition, this book also includes interviews with recovering young adults.
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Substance Abuse : The Ultimate Teen Guide
This book was written specifically for high school students to educate about physical, social, emotional, and familial effects of the use of alcohol and drugs. The author has integrated facts with the personal stories of those who have abused substances.
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The Dragon Who Lives at Our House : A Story about Substance Abuse
Al the Dragon used to be someone who sometimes visited Dad but one day he takes over all of Dad's time and the house! Soon, Dad has to go to a place called 'treatment'.
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The Secret of Willow Ridge : Gabe's Dad Finds Recovery
Follow Gabe's journey in this easy to read chapter book as he and his family cope with his father's addiction.
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Wishes and Worries : Coping With a Parent Who Drinks Too Much Alcoho
Maggie's dad drinks too much. After his drinking ruins her birthday Maggie just wishes he would stop. Over the course of the year she connects with teachers and counsellors from whom she learns that her dad's struggles aren't her fault.
Contributors
Thank you to our friends from Youth Addiction Services for their contributions.
Current as of: January 26, 2024