RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Autonomy, Belonging and Competencies are important protective factors that promote youth wellbeing and positive mental health. The ABCs increase resilience and prevent, delay and reduce substance-related harms.
AUTONOMY
Autonomy refers to an adolescent’s growing ability to think, feel, make decisions and act on their own while considering impacts on others.
BELONGING
Belonging is fostered when youth feel respected, cared for and connected - at home, in school, and to their community.
COMPETENCIES
Competencies refer to the knowledge, skills and confidence that youth need to manage their own well-being, and contribute to the health of their communities.
Does your current practice related to substance use increase youth autonomy?
Does it promote connection and foster a sense of belonging?
Does it build youth competencies to navigate a world full of substances?
The resources below show you ways to transform your practice to align with more promising approaches to address youth substance use.
Facilitating Learning in the Classroom
Facilitating Learning at Home
“They tell us to drink responsibly but don’t teach us how” - BC student
"Where is the boundary between recreational or occasional use compared to reliance or addiction, and how can I recognize that in myself or others?" - The ABCs Youth Advisor
Student Wellbeing at School
Bridging Youth to Substance Use Services and Supports
External Resources by Topic
Decriminalization of Personal Possession of Specific Drugs
Adults in B.C. are not subject to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Health Canada granted an exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to the Province of B.C. from January 31, 2023 until January 31, 2026.
The decriminalization of people who possess certain illegal drugs for personal use is a critical step in B.C.’s fight against the toxic drug crisis. It will help reduce the barriers and stigma that prevent people from accessing life-saving supports and services. Substance use is a public health matter, not a criminal justice issue.
The exemption does not apply to people under the age of 18.
Refer to the following sources for more information and resources:
Vaping Resources (shared in Digest issue 2)
Positive Practices in the Field - Vaping - FINAL.pdfVaping Information for Parents - BCLF.pdfVaping Products - Info for Teachers - BCLA - Aug2019.pdfVaping-Student-Resource-EN.pdfPP_What School Professionals Need to Know About Vaping.pdfTRU Nursing Vaping (KSA) 3.0.pdfNew resources will be added to this page periodically. Check back often, or subscribe to our mailing list to receive relevant information in your inbox every month.