Substances & Substance Use Health

Non-use is avoiding the use of substances (abstinence). For example, not using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.

Beneficial use is use that can have positive health, social, or spiritual effects. For example, taking medication as prescribed, ceremonial or religious use of substances.

Lower-risk use is use that reduces potential harms to health and does not have any beneficial health or social effects. It has minimal impact if any on a person, their family, friends, and others.

For example:

• following Canada’s New Guidance on Alcohol and Health (CCSA) when drinking
• using cannabis according to Canada’s Lower-risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (Health Canada).

Higher-risk use is use that happens more frequently or regularly and has a harmful and negative impact on a person’s health and well-being. Higher-risk substance use can lead to or may already be causing negative impacts on personal relationships or work.

For example:

• impaired driving
• using substances when they should be avoided (for example, during working hours)
• increasing quantity used
• increasing frequency of use
• combining multiple substances

Substance use disorder (addiction) occurs when substance use has evolved into a chronic condition/disease where substance use is regular and problematic with negative impacts on overall health, relationships, work, and finances. This is a formal medical diagnosis and a treatable medical condition that affects the brain and involves compulsive and continuous use despite negative impacts on a person, their family, friends, and others.

For example:

• Someone cannot stop using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol even if they want to
• Someone needs to use drugs daily

Someone needs to use drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms

Drugs, tobacco, and alcohol have different effects on a person depending on factors such as,³

• sex
• age
• weight
• tolerance
• underlying health conditions
• the substance(s) being used

The best way to avoid any harms from substance use is to avoid use. However, many people use substances without causing significant harm to themselves or others. In some cases, substances have a serious risk of harm at any level of use.

Children and young adults are especially vulnerable to the effects of substances because of their impacts on their development. In some cases, there may be no level of beneficial use or lower-risk use.

The path to recovery from a substance use disorder is possible but it looks different for everyone. Some people may benefit from non-use (abstinence). Others may need different supports, which could include,³

• counselling
• medication
• withdrawal management
• wrap-around services, such as employment and housing to support longer-term wellness

Support and services are available for people who use drugs. With the right supports, a person can improve their health across the spectrum.² For assistance finding services in your area visit ConnexOntario.

Prescription medications

Prescription medications might be in your home—on your counter, in your medicine cabinet, or at your bedside. They can be lifesaving, but if they are used the wrong way, they can be deadly. Use them only as directed and safely dispose of expired or unused medications.²

Over-the-counter drugs

Over-the-counter drugs are useful for minor ailments and injuries but need to be used as directed. They can interact with your prescription medications resulting in unintended consequences. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider before taking over-the-counter medications if you are unsure.

Herbal remedies

Herbal remedies may have effects that are similar to prescription medication, or they may interfere with the normal actions of prescribed medications. Check with your pharmacist before taking any herbal remedy if you are also taking a prescription medication.

Drugs that have been prescribed to treat a medical condition, or ones that are sold over the counter, may not be safe for everyone and should only be used by the person they are prescribed to. Safe disposal of expired and unused medications helps ensure they do not end up in the wrong hands.⁴

To prevent others from accessing medication not prescribed to them, safely dispose of old and unused medications (PDF) by dropping them off at a local pharmacy (Health Products Stewardship Association).

As a parent or caregiver, you can impact your child’s decisions and attitudes about substances. Though it may not always seem like it, young people pay attention to what their parents and caregivers do. This observation starts early in a child’s life and influences their values and behaviours as they get older, including how they interact with substances.

As a caregiver, you can

• Talk to your child early and often about substances in age-appropriate ways.
• Avoid fear or abstinence-only based information. Educate yourself and stick to the facts.
• Always model healthy and responsible consumption if you choose to use substances.
• Keep substance use related supplies locked up and safe.
• Avoid sharing substances like alcohol or cannabis to anyone underage. It’s illegal.
• Keep your prescribed medication to yourself. Prescription medications should only be used by the person for whom they are prescribed.

There are resources with evidence and fact-based information available to help you talk to youth about substances. Drug Free Kids Canada has many resources available to help adults talk with young people about substances such as a guide to help you prepare yourself to talk effectively, and drug spotlights to help you have informed safety talks with your kids.

For more specific information on alcohol and youth visit our webpage on Alcohol: Parents and caregivers of youth.

For more specific information on cannabis and youth visit our webpage on Cannabis: Parents and caregivers of youth.