PreventionSubstance use prevention is everyone's job. Communities, parents, schools, coaches and extended family all make a huge impact on a youth's decision to start using drugs or alcohol. The longer a person delays their first use, the less likely they will be to have an addiction problem in their life time.
Having positive and caring adults is the most significant protective factor for preventing early substance use. For more information on prevention, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has some great info for parents: www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/for_parents/Pages/default.aspx