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Substance

90% of people living with addiction began using substances in adolescence.1

Adolescence is when most lifelong patterns begin—including substance use. At Substance, we believe parents and caring adults can change that trajectory. By providing trusted, evidence-based information and compassionate support, we help families talk with their kids early, often, and without judgment—reducing the harms associated with youth substance use.

Our Vision

We envision a future where all young people are able to live their lives free from problematic substance use and addiction.

What We Believe
Parents and trusted adults are the most influential people in young people’s lives. When adults are informed, confident, and supported, they can strengthen connection, build protective factors, and positively impact a child’s mental health and overall well-being.

Tracking surveys consistently show that one of the main reasons young people choose not to use substances is not wanting to disappoint their parents—reinforcing the power of engagement and meaningful conversations at home.

What We Do

Substance is a national organization dedicated to helping families prevent and reduce the harms associated with youth substance use. We support parents, guardians, caregivers, educators, and health care professionals across Canada by providing education, prevention tools, and direct support.

Staying informed and engaged in young people’s lives is more important than ever—especially as substance use and mental health challenges continue to rise among youth.

Learn About It
Substance’s website and educational programming offer:

  • Up-to-date, evidence-based information on substances and youth
  • Practical resources and tools for families
  • Guidance to support more effective, age-appropriate family conversations

Talk About It
Many parents understand the risks of substance use but feel unsure how to begin—or continue—the conversation. We help normalize these discussions and reduce stigma, empowering parents to talk with their kids in ways that build trust, understanding, and resilience.

Education & Prevention Programs

Let’s Talk Drugs Webinars

Our Let’s Talk Drugs webinar series is a cornerstone of our education work. These ground-breaking sessions can be tailored for parents, educators, and health care professionals working with young people.

These webinars feature trusted experts who:

  • Share current research, trends, and statistics
  • Explain how substances affect the developing brain
  • Help adults recognize early warning signs
  • Offer practical, real-world prevention strategies

By creating a safe and non-judgmental learning space, Let’s Talk Drugs webinars help break stigma and builds confidence for meaningful conversations.

E-Learning Modules

Our interactive e-learning modules are based on real-life scenarios families and professionals commonly face. They are designed to build understanding, empathy, and practical decision-making skills.

Youth-Facing Videos

We’ve also created MindBlowing! – a series of engaging, shareable videos designed to spark conversations between parents and kids—helping families learn together.

Support for Families

Concerned about your child’s use of substances? You are not alone.

Parent Support Hub

The Parent Support Hub is a free, confidential phone and online chat service available 24/7 for families across Canada. Through the Hub, parents and caregivers can:

  • Speak with trained care representatives
  • Receive guidance and trusted resources
  • Get referrals to mental health professionals for immediate support—for parents, youth, or both.

The Parent Support Hub is powered by TELUS Health and is available 24/7, at no cost, whenever support is needed.

Our Impact

Prevention works.

A 2020 Social Return on Investment study found that the lifetime societal cost of youth addiction is approximately $490,000 per individual. Substance’s prevention and harm reduction efforts contribute to:

  • An estimated 1,400 fewer youth experiencing substance-related harms each year
  • More than $680 million in annual savings to society.

Source: DFK’s Social Return on Investment, Anna-Maria Bukowiec, DeGroote School of Business 

Early engagement matters:

  • Average age of experimentation with alcohol – 13.4 years.
  • Average age of experimentation with cannabis -14 years.
  • 60% of illicit drug users are between 15 and 24 years old 2
  • 36% of teens have been offered substances at a party, and nearly half are unsure how to refuse. 3

Our Commitment

We are building a movement that informs, supports, and empowers families. By helping parents talk about substances with their kids—early, often, and without judgment—we work toward a healthier, more resilient generation of young people.

Working together with families, educators, health professionals, and community partners, we are committed to protecting youth mental wellness, reducing stigma, and strengthening connection.

Footnotes

1 – National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse, CASA

2 – Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction – A Drug Prevention Strategy for Canada’s Youth.

3 – Substance (formerly DFKC) Tracking Study 2020

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