When it comes to alcohol and other drugs, students, like educators, want the facts. Young people across Canada tell us that when it comes to substance use health, they want to make informed decisions. Many young people have questions about cannabis, such as:
- Can regular or heavy use of cannabis impair adolescent brain development? (Yes)
- Does cannabis help you to focus? (No)
- Is cannabis less dangerous than other drugs because it is derived from plants? (No)
- Is cannabis-impaired driving dangerous? (Yes, very)
They are going online with their questions. Too often, the Internet is giving them the wrong answers.
Who Are Educators?
Educators are part of a group that CCSA defines as youth allies — the people students can turn to with important questions. We develop evidence-based resources, such as Understanding Substance Use: Educators Guide, as valuable tools for youth allies to help answer the questions educators and young people are asking.
Visit the Youth and Emerging Adults section of our website for information on what youth need to know about the consequences of drug and alcohol use.
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Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the categories below to learn more:
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Substances
CCSA produces a variety of substance use- and addiction-related publications for researchers, policy makers and health service providers. We provide guidance to decision makers through harnessing the power of research, collecting and organizing knowledge, and bringing together diverse perspectives.
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Health and Public Safety
CCSA conducts research, develops tools and resources, and produces targeted materials to support evidence-based decisions and public policy. Review our key resources on health and public safety in relation to substance use health and addiction issues.
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People and Communities
CCSA is dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, focusing on the impact of substance use across the lifespan, the perspectives of people with lived experience, and the roles of stigma, sex and gender, and educators in substance use health.
