Drug Free Kids Canada

May 6, 2021

Had enough of this pandemic? You’re not alone. The stress and anxiety of life in a pandemic is having an impact on the mental wellness of people across the country.

Feeling stressed or anxious is a normal reaction to challenging times like these, and this pandemic has caused an increase in people turning to substances as a way of coping with things they can’t control.

However, coping with stress by increasing the use of alcohol cannabis, or nicotine can have serious consequences on a person’s overall physical and mental health.

Young people are especially vulnerable. It is important for parents to be aware that they may have increased their own substance use to deal with their stress, and as a consequence, their kids may consider that using substances is an appropriate way to cope with uncomfortable feelings.

While we’re living in these challenging times, it’s very helpful to remember the positive role that parents can play in protecting their children from using substances as a way to cope with their stress.

Drug Free Kids Canada educates, engages and empowers parents to prevent and reduce the harms of substance use on youth.

We encourage parents to model a healthy approach to using common substances like alcohol, cannabis and nicotine, and to keep having informed conversations with kids about the negative effects that excessive substance use can have on their physical and mental health.

Parents need to know that engaging with their kids about substance use can really make a positive difference to their overall physical and mental health. DFK is here to help families.

Please see DFK website for more information!