Substance use refers to the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.[1] Children and youth are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of substances because their brains and bodies are still developing. These harmful effects may include physical injuries, psychological problems, relationship issues, cognitive impairment, and problems with the law.[2]
Data on substance use includes three indicators:
[1] Health Officers Council of British Columbia. (2005). A public health approach to drug control in Canada. Victoria, BC: Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy. Available at: http://www.cfdp.ca/bchoc.pdf
[2] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (2012). Addiction. Toronto, ON: Available at: https://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_information/drug-use-addiction/Pages/addiction.aspx