FACTS OF USE
As reported by students in a Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) student drug use survey in 2015 (the most recent one available)
DRUG USE
36.9 per cent used drugs other than caffeine, tobacco and alcohol in 2015 21.3 per cent used marijuana in 2015 1 in 10 used prescription opioids recreationally in 2015, with 12 per cent reporting lifetime use
WHERE STUDENTS REPORT THEY WERE GETTING IT
28 per cent obtain marijuana through friends 6.1 per cent bought it from someone they heard about 3.2 per cent say it was given to them by a sibling 21.9 per cent reported they’ve seen someone selling drugs in their neighbourhood in 2015
IS DRUG USE ON THE RISE?
Following the release of the first CAMH student drug use survey in 1977, there was a reported decline in use. In the early 1990s, drug use spiked and continued to rise throughout the early 2000s. Today, drug use is back on the
decline. Ecstasy is the only illicit substance seeing increased use. Methamphetamine, LSD, heroin and cocaine are all seeing a significant decrease in reported use. However, drugs are becoming more dangerous. The emergence of lab-based designer drugs has brought to light the perils of drugs laced with harmful substances. Fentanyl is one of those dangers. Data on youth fentanyl use won’t be available until later this year. Nonetheless, reports of drugs — such as ecstasy and cocaine — being laced with fentanyl are a cause for serious concern.
ATTITUDES OF YOUTH
74 per cent of students in grades 7 to 8 strongly disapprove of regular marijuana use, compared to 42 per cent of students in grades 9 to 12 23 per cent of students in grades 7 to 8 strongly disapprove of binge drinking
30 per cent of Ontario students reported drug use in schools as a “big problem” in 2015
DRUGS AT SCHOOL
1 in 4 students report someone tried to sell them drugs in 2015 58 per cent of students (grades 9 to 12) say it is easy to obtain marijuana Roughly 17 per cent of students say they were offered drugs at school in 2015 Students in eastern Ontario are most likely to be offered drugs at school
COUGH SYRUP ABUSE
The non-medical use of cough and cold
medication was reported by 6.4 per cent of students. The availability of the medication makes it an attractive option for students looking to get high. The non-medical use of cough and cold medication has been called “robotripping” by youth, a term derived from the brand name Robitussin.
PRICES
Prices vary by region, depending on the availability of the substance and quantity a buyer wishes to purchase. Drugs are often sold by weight, with the starting point most commonly being one gram. RCMP illicit drug price list: MARIJUANA: $15 per gram HEROIN: $30 per dose (0.2 gram) COCAINE: $80-$100 per gram RITALIN: $5-$7 per pill OXYCONTIN: $20-$40 per pill ECSTASY (MDMA): $10-$20 per tablet KETAMINE: $70 per gram LSD: $3 per hit METHAMPHETAMINE: $100 per gram PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS: $10 per gram
DIGITAL DEALING
The Internet has brought a whole new world to the fingertips of youth, as well as a new set of dangers. Here are some common social media terms related to drug dealing and use:
Hashtags: A hashtag (#) is a term used to track topics and aid searches in social media. Some drug dealers have turned to social media to sell their wares. COMMON DRUG RELATED HASHTAGS: #420, #pills4sale, #kush4sale, #xannies, #MDMA, #EDM, #trippin and #ogkush
APPS
Free messaging apps have been used for digital drug dealing. Dealers often advertise on public profiles and refer potential customers to anonymous chat apps to finalize a deal. APPS USED TO SELL DRUGS: Kik, Instagram, Snapchat, Whisper, WhatsApp and Signal
SIGNS OF USE
Changes in social life: If a young person is hanging with a new group of friends, out late or frequently breaking curfew, this can be an early sign of substance use. It is important to open a line of healthy communication.
Self conscious over small details: If your teen has been acting self conscious around family or is noticeably more secretive (acting defensive over their room, covering up smells, regularly applying eye drops, etc.) he or she could be trying to hide substance use.
Stashes and paraphernalia: New ways of hiding drugs are being developed all the time. What may look like an unopened can of pop, could be a container to store drugs known as a “stash can.” CD cases can actually be hidden scales. What looks like a pack of gum could be flavoured rolling papers.
Presentation: Everything from how they dress to how they speak can be a window into a teens’ experiences with drugs. Drug-related clothing (items with marijuana leaves or the number 420), as well as a changes in appearance and hygiene, can be signs a teen is experimenting with drugs.
SOURCE: JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Take a moment: If you find out your teen is using drugs, it is important to handle the situation carefully. Stay calm if you’re suddenly made aware of drug use. Do not confront your teen if he or she is under the influence, as it can make the situation worse.
Communicate: Talk openly with your teen about the issue, but do not start an argument. It is important to understand how a young person feels about the situation, as there are many external factors that can contribute to drug use in the first place. Get them involved: Find out what your teen’s interests are and get him or her involved with clubs or extra curricular activities. A teen’s social surroundings play a large part in potential drug use and finding a positive outlet can make a difference. Be informed: There are many resources available online that can help you understand the realities of youth drug use. Know what your kids are doing and have a discussion with them.
SOURCE: JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY
PLACES TO FIND HELP
Alternatives for Youth, Hamilton 905-527-4469 or ay.on.ca Liberty for Youth, Hamilton 905-297-7929 or libertyforyouth.org Good Shepherd Centre, Hamilton 905-308-8401 or goodshepherdcentres.ca John Howard Society, Hamilton 905-522-4446 or johnhoward.on.ca
ADAPT Halton, Burlington 905-639-6537 or haltonadapt.org
INFORMATIONAL WEBSITES
Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health camh.ca Drug education for professionals streetdrugs.org Drug Free Kids Canada drugfreekidscanada.org Narcotics Anonymous nahamilton.org
NUMBERS TO CALL
Ontario Drug and Alcohol Helpline 1-800-565-8603 Partnership for drug-free kids parent helpline 855-378-4373 CAMH information centre 1-800-463-6273
As students look for ways to increase concentration while preparing for tests and exams, they might turn to drugs. The majority of study drugs are medications prescribed for the treatment of Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). When taken by individuals who don’t have ADHD, they can have similar affects to stimulants like cocaine. Illegally sold prescription pills make them easily available to both dealers and students. MOST COMMON STUDY DRUGS: Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin, Modafinil and Vyvanse
YOUTH DRUG DIVERSION PROGRAM (YDDP)
The YDDP is one of the ways teens can enter rehabilitation if they have been caught using substances at or near school. The process is centred on a harm reduction strategy aimed at helping both parents and teens.
YOUTH DRUG-RELATED CRIMES IN HAMILTON (2016)
219 youth: Arrested for drug-related crime 50: Criminally charged 55: Caught in school drug sweeps 51: Went through the YDDP
MORE ONLINE
See the complete gallery of street drug photographs: thespec.com