Mental Health & Wellness Supports

​Drug and alcohol experimentation are fairly typical in the teen years. Risk taking, curiosity, and social acceptance are common reasons for substance use experimentation. Another factor is what is modelled in the home around substance use. Is it common for adults in the home to smoke, drink, use drugs? How often and how much use is normal in the home?

What are some signs that substance use is causing me/or my children problems?

If substances are interfering with daily life responsibilities, such as school, work, family interactions or other activities, this is a sign that things are a problem.

People who find that they need a substance to make them feel a certain way (help sleep, calm down, feel happy) are at a major risk of developing an addiction. An addiction occurs when a substance is used despite desires to stop, it interferes with responsibilities of life, there is physical or mental discomfort that comes with quitting, and more and more of the substance is needed to achieve the desired effect.

What can I do if I suspect my child is getting into trouble with substance use?

Express your concerns openly and honestly. Make many offers to connect with outside support, or give time to talk. Spend more time listening than talking; no one likes to be lectured. Be open about your own choices, mistakes, experiences growing up. Make space for open discussion (driving together, walking the dog, family meals). Set firm and fair rules and boundaries. Ask for help from helping professionals who work with children/teens. Remember that actions speak louder than words.

General Information on Substance Use and Addictions

https://foundrybc.ca/info-tools/substance-use

What is addiction? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVLpnMHHEPU&t=3s

Resources in your community

Prince George

Foundry Prince George
https://foundrybc.ca/princegeorge

School District 57 Substance Use Counsellors
Duchess Park/CLA/DP Todd: Miranda Grattan 778-764-1772
CHSS/Shas Ti Kelly Road/PGSS: Josh Van der Meer 778-764-1772

Northern Health Services
https://www.northernhealth.ca/services/mental-health-substance-use/programs-and-services#youth-community-outpatient-service-ycos-prince-george

http://www.pgnfc.com/programs_services.html

Valemount & McBride

Robson Valley Community Services
https://robsonvalleycommunityservices.org/

Northern Health
https://www.northernhealth.ca/services/mental-health-substance-use/services-by-community#valemount

https://www.northernhealth.ca/services/mental-health-substance-use/services-by-community#valemount#mcbride

Mackenzie

Mackenzie Counselling
https://www.mackenziecounselling.ca/