It's pretty obvious that today's youth are growing up in unprecedented times and facing unique obstacles. Not only are they navigating school and college during the height of social media, but the popularity of vaping and access to other substances present more challenges.
According to the 2023 Ontario Drug Use and Health Survey, 21.6% of Ontario youth reported spending more than seven hours a day on recreational screen time.
The same survey found that among students in grades 7 to 12, 13.4% reported vaping or using e-cigarettes, 35.6% reported drinking alcohol, and 17.6% had used cannabis in the past year.
To help Ontario youth aged 12 to 21 who are struggling with vaping, substance use, or excessive tech use, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has launched the free and confidential Youth Vaping, Alcohol, Substance Use, and Technology Dependence Program (Youth-VAST).
Addiction issues are impacting teens. Courtesy of CAMH
If you are or look after someone aged 12-21 who wants help managing their substance and technology use, you can reach out to Youth-VAST and be connected with team-based care in person or virtually.
Youth can join the program via referral by anyone concerned about them or by booking an appointment directly on the CAMH website. Once assessed and accepted to the program, participants are assigned a care coach for six to eight weeks to help build confidence and change behaviours.
Each participant receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their situation, with support focused on building resilience and reducing the risk of relapse.
In addition to helping youth develop their own healthy coping strategies in group workshop settings, Youth-VAST also provides one-on-one sessions to meet the their unique situations and needs.
As Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, CAMH is a world leader in care and treatment. From clinical care to research, education, policy development and health promotion, CAMH's work makes a huge difference for Ontarians facing mental health struggles and addiction.
To learn more about Youth-VAST or book an appointment, visit WeHearYou.ca
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.