TYH: Substance use support group for youth

Jan 14, 2020 | 8:30 AM

Substance use continues to be prevalent among youth across Canada. For those looking at decreasing their substance use or looking for help with addiction, there is a local support group that can help.

I bumped into “Stronger Together” on Facebook events when I was looking for a To Your Health idea.

“Stronger together is a weekly group for young people here at Foundry ages 12-24 to come together, support each other in their substance-using journey–whether or not they are choosing to quit or reduce or maybe find some ways to reduce the harm of their substance-using,” said Toni Carlton, Manager of Foundry PG.

The group meets once a week on Tuesdays at Foundry BC from 3-4 p.m. “Substances could be defined as…cigarettes, tobacco, caffeine…also some of the harder stuff like marijuana and other drugs,” said Carlton.

According to information from the 2017 Canadian Tobacco Alcohol and Drugs Survey, alcohol ranks number one in substances used by students age 15-19. Followed by cannabis, cocaine/crack, hallucinogens and saliva (a hallucination inducing plant), and problematic prescription drugs. The Canadian Centre for Substance use and Addiction mentions in a report released in 2019 that regular cannabis use in early teens and young adults can have long-term cognitive deficits.

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“We are always non-judgemental and we are an open circle,” said Lacey Anderson a Peer Support Worker at Foundry BC who also helps lead group sessions.

While a group environment may not be appealing to some for fear of judgement or other anxieties, Carlton says that group support can truly be helpful for some.

“For a lot of people knowing that you have a safety net is really helpful. If we look at the history of addiction support and substance use support programs like…Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, those are really based on the idea that peer support is very integral to someone’s journey when it comes to changing behaviours.” – Toni Carlton, Manager of Foundry PG

Stronger Together is open to youth ages 12-24.

by Veronica Beltran

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TYH: Substance use support group for youth

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