Across Toronto and Canada, substance use among young people remains a public health focus—one that requires clarity, compassion, and coordinated action.
National Trends:
According to the most recent Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (2023–24), substance use patterns among students in grades 7–12 show that alcohol remains the most commonly used substance (22% past 30-day use), followed by vaping (15%) and cannabis (12%), with 7% reporting past year use of illegal drugs. Older students (Grade 12) show higher prevalence than younger students, and use varies by demographic group.
Data from the broader Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey highlights that among Canadian youth and young adults (ages 15–24), lifetime prevalence of substances such as alcohol and cannabis is substantial—reflecting widespread experimentation and social use in this age group.
While some trends offer encouraging decreases compared with past decades, harmful substance use continues to affect youth health and safety, especially when linked with mental health challenges and risk behaviours.
Local Context: Toronto
In Toronto, public health surveillance reports show that alcohol use among students and youth mirrors national patterns, with a notable proportion reporting consumption and heavy drinking. Meanwhile, street-involved youth in urban settings often face even higher levels of drug use and related harm—where substances can become intertwined with survival and street life.
These statistics paint an important picture: **youth substance use is not solely about experimentation, it’s about risk, coping, and community wellbeing.
Why It Matters: The Risks Behind the Numbers
Early substance use can intersect with a range of negative outcomes, including impacts on:
Mental health and coping skills
School performance and engagement
Family and social relationships
Safety, including risk of overdose or emergency hospital visits
Recognizing these links is critical: youth often use substances not only for recreation but also as a way to manage stress, trauma, or social pressures. ([SpringerLink][3])
SEADY’s Response: Turning Insight Into Impact
At SEADY, we believe that **knowledge should fuel action. Here’s how we’re stepping up to help young people, families, schools, and communities address substance use proactively:
1. Prevention Through Education
SEADY partners with schools and community groups to deliver evidence-based workshops and awareness sessions that help youth understand substance risks, build resilience, and make informed choices—before harm occurs.
2. Youth-Centered Support Services
Beyond awareness, SEADY provides safe spaces and peer support programs where young people can talk about pressures, stressors, and choices without judgment—focusing on positive coping skills and connection.
3. Community Collaboration
We work with public health agencies, local partners, and families to **broaden the safety net—from early detection to referral pathways for counselling and professional help.
4. Advocacy and Policy Engagement
SEADY amplifies youth voices and evidence to support community-level prevention strategies, harm reduction programs, and policies that prioritize young people’s well-being.
Looking Ahead: Building Healthier Futures
Statistics can inform us—but they need to inspire action. SEADY’s commitment is to ensure that every young person has access to education, support, and opportunities that steer them toward health, purpose, and success.
With ongoing research, community engagement, and compassionate intervention, we can work together to shift trends, reduce harms, and uplift youth across Toronto and Canada
For more resources, research, and how to get involved, visit SEADY’s newsroom and upcoming events page.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-student-tobacco-alcohol-drugs-survey/2023-2024-key-findings.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Alcohol and Drug Use among Students in Canada, 2023–24 - Canada.ca"
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-alcohol-drugs-survey/2023-summary.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CADS): summary of results for 2023 - Canada.ca"
https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13011-023-00516-3?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Lower-risk substance use guidelines accessible by youth | Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy | Full Text"
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/research-reports/public-health-significant-reports/health-surveillance-and-epidemiology-reports/toronto-health-status-report/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "T.O. Health Check: An Overview of Toronto’s Population Health Status (2019) – City of Toronto"
https://www.catie.ca/prevention-in-focus/street-involved-youth-in-canada?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Street-involved youth in Canada | CATIE - Canada's source for HIV and hepatitis C information"