Making Smart Choices
A student guide to substance use in BC — real information, no scare tactics, no judgment.
Why This Matters
Substance use is something many students will encounter — through friends, social situations, or curiosity. You are not alone in navigating this.
In BC, alcohol remains the most tried substance among youth, followed by cannabis and tobacco. At the same time, fewer young people are using substances compared to past decades — a meaningful shift driven by better information and stronger peer norms.
Key message: Most students are making safer or more informed choices than before. You are part of a generation that is changing the trend.
Understanding Risks
Not all substance use leads to harm — but risks increase depending on a combination of factors.
Age
Younger brains are still developing well into the mid-twenties. Substances can have stronger and longer-lasting effects the younger you start.
Frequency
Occasional, situational use is very different from regular or daily use. Patterns matter as much as the substance itself.
Type of Substance
Some substances carry far greater risk than others. The unregulated drug supply in BC means even familiar substances can contain dangerous additives.
Environment
Being alone vs. with trusted people makes a significant difference. Where, when, and with whom all shape the level of risk.
In BC right now: Drug overdoses are one of the leading causes of death among youth. Many serious harms are linked to unpredictable substances like fentanyl — which can appear in substances that don't look dangerous.
Key message: The biggest risk today is often not knowing what’s in a substance. Even one use of an unknowingly contaminated substance can be fatal.
Why Students Might Use Substances
There is no single reason. People come to substance use from many different places — and understanding that matters.
Important: These are human reasons — not personal failures. Understanding why people use substances is the foundation of effective support, not judgment.
What Actually Helps
Research in BC and across Canada shows the most effective prevention strategies aren’t lectures or scare tactics — they’re built on connection, information, and skills.
Strong Connections
Having at least one trusted adult — a parent, teacher, coach, or counsellor — is one of the most protective factors research has identified. Feeling genuinely supported reduces risk.
Good Information (Not Scare Tactics)
Knowing the real effects and risks of substances — including how they affect a developing brain — helps young people make genuinely informed decisions.
Skills, Not Just Rules
Saying "no" confidently, managing stress, and navigating social pressure are learnable skills. Rules without tools rarely work.
Research finding: School-based prevention programs in BC have shown they can reduce substance use and delay first use by up to 80% when they focus on skills and connection rather than fear.
Practical Tips for Students
Here’s what to actually do in situations you might actually face.
If You’re Feeling Pressure
- “I’m good for now” is a complete sentence — no explanation needed
- Suggest an alternative (food, a game, stepping outside)
- Surround yourself with people who respect your choices
- You never owe anyone an explanation for saying no
If You’re at a Party
- Never take substances you can’t identify — looks can be deceiving
- Don’t mix substances, especially alcohol with anything else
- Stay with at least one trusted friend you can check in with
- Have a safe ride plan sorted before you arrive
If Something Feels Wrong
- Trust your instincts — if it feels wrong, it probably is
- Call 911 immediately — it’s about safety, not punishment
- Stay with the person until help arrives
- BC’s Good Samaritan Act protects you when you call for help
If a Friend Is Struggling
- Listen without judging — just being there matters
- Gently encourage them to talk to a trusted adult or counsellor
- You don’t have to fix everything — support is enough
- Take care of your own wellbeing too — helping others is hard
Harm Reduction & Prevention
In BC, the public health approach focuses on keeping people safe first. Harm reduction recognizes that risks exist in real life — and aims to reduce serious harm and save lives.
✔ What Harm Reduction Means
- Helps prevent overdose and life-threatening situations
- Provides tools like naloxone (Narcan) that can reverse opioid overdoses
- Encourages people to seek help without fear of punishment
In Vancouver, services such as drug-checking and free naloxone are available to increase safety.
⚖️ Concerns Some People Raise
- May be misunderstood as “encouraging” substance use
- Could reduce focus on prevention or long-term change
- May send mixed messages to young people
These concerns highlight why clear education and guidance are essential alongside harm reduction tools.
Why Prevention & Education Come First
The most effective way to stay safe is still:
- Understanding risks before situations happen
- Building confidence to say no
- Learning healthy ways to manage stress and pressure
- Making informed decisions early
Harm reduction is a safety net, not the goal. Prevention and education are what help you avoid harm in the first place.
Mental Health & Substance Use
Substance use and mental health are closely connected — each can influence the other in ways that are important to understand.
Stress, anxiety, and low mood can increase the likelihood of turning to substances as a coping tool. And while substances may offer short-term relief, they can make underlying mental health challenges harder to manage over time.
This isn’t a reason to feel hopeless — it’s a reason to build tools that work.
Key message: Building healthy coping habits — movement, connection, creative outlets, rest — is one of the strongest forms of prevention available.
Even short bursts of movement significantly reduce stress hormones and improve mood.
Sharing what you’re going through with someone you trust reduces emotional weight.
Art, music, writing, building — creative expression is a genuine coping tool.
Sleep and consistent daily rhythms are underrated pillars of mental health.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know needs support — for substance use, mental health, or just someone to talk to — these resources are here for you. Asking for help is a strength.
Youth-focused mental health and substance use support across BC. Walk-in centres and online services available for ages 12–24.
foundrybc.ca ↗Free, confidential, 24/7 counselling by phone and text. Available in English and French. No appointment needed.
1-800-668-6868Your school counsellor is a trusted starting point. They can connect you with community supports and keep things confidential.
Talk to your counsellorFree, 24/7 mental health support line for anyone in BC. Talk to a trained counsellor whenever you need it.
1-800-661-4108BC’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people who call for help — you will not face drug charges for seeking emergency assistance.
You don’t have to be in a crisis to reach out. These supports exist for anyone who wants to talk — even if you’re just feeling stressed or unsure.
Key Takeaways
If you take nothing else from this guide, take these.
- ✓ Most students are making safer choices than you think — you’re not as alone as it might feel
- ✓ You always have the right to say no — and you never owe anyone an explanation
- ✓ The biggest risk today is unknown substances — the unregulated supply in BC can be fatal
- ✓ Looking out for your friends matters — call for help without hesitation if something goes wrong
- ✓ Support is always available — reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness
You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to stay informed, look out for yourself and others, and make choices that align with your future. Every small decision matters.