Alcohol and other drugs

Alcohol and other drugs are psychoactive substances (PAS), meaning they affect the central nervous system (including the brain), altering thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and mood. Alcohol is the most widely consumed PAS in Québec.

PAS can be legal or illegal. Legal substances include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Cannabis

Certain prescription medications are also considered PAS.

PAS are classified into three categories based on their effects on the central nervous system. Tel-jeunes defines them as:

• Depressants: “Numb the brain and slow down the body’s functioning,” e.g., alcohol, heroin, GHB, glue
• Stimulants: “Cause excitation or agitation,” e.g., caffeine, nicotine, cocaine
• Hallucinogens: “Cause disorientation and change how sight and touch work,” e.g., cannabis, magic mushrooms (psilocybin), LSD, ecstasy (MDMA)

Adolescence is a time of exploration. Teens may try substances for various reasons, including:

• For fun
• To fit in with others
• Out of curiosity
• To get a “buzz”
• To relax
• To defy the rules
• For various other reasons

Teens who use substances to manage difficulties are at a higher risk for negative consequences.

Most teens do not use substances regularly or develop problematic patterns. They may try different substances, but most stay at the experimentation stage.

However, substance use can become risky if you notice any of these signs in your teen:

• Regular use
• Changes in behaviour at school or home (e.g., sleep issues, isolation, new friend groups, sadness)
• Risky behaviours
• Difficulty controlling substance use (e.g., difficulty cutting back or stopping)

Teens with these patterns are more likely to develop physical or mental health challenges. Substance use could also affect academic success and make it harder to maintain healthy relationships or hold a job. Regular or heavy PAS use can also impact brain development and increase the risk of addiction.

PAS use can pose serious risks, including:

• Dizziness, vomiting, or other physical symptoms
• Unsafe situations
• Photos or videos posted on social media without consent
• Accidents or injuries
• Non-consensual or unprotected sex

Drinking games and binge drinking can also lead to intoxication.

Regardless of age, using PAS carries health and safety risks, except when medications are taken as prescribed. This is especially true in people who use PAS daily or weekly. Binge drinking and mixing substances heighten these dangers.

The use of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol or drugs, is a subject that concerns many parents. Dr. David-Martin Milot, physician specialized in public health, explains how to address this issue with your child. Watch our video on this subject.

You can also visit the Tel-jeunes parents or Drugs: Help and Referral websites.

• Choose the right time to have a conversation, when both you and your teen are calm and open to listening. If you’re upset or anxious, hold off on the discussion. PAS use is a sensitive topic, and it’s normal to have strong reactions. To help you prepare, watch this video for parents.
• Talk to your teen about why they might be interested in using substances or why they already do. Ask them what need the substance fulfills. Encourage your teen to share their views on alcohol and other drugs.
• Help your teen explore their passions and goals, which could reduce the likelihood of substance use.
• Guide your teen toward healthy ways to relax and have fun without alcohol or other drugs. For ideas, check out our fact sheet on stress and anxiety.
• Encourage your teen to postpone trying substances as long as possible, and explain why you prefer they avoid them altogether.
• If your teen decides to experiment, emphasize these essential safety rules:

• • Never use substances alone—always stay with at least one other person
  • Never drive after using
  • Never get into a car with a driver who has consumed substances
  • Avoid mixing substances
  • Know their limits and stay within them
  • Keep you informed of their whereabouts

• Arrange alternative transportation if their designated driver has used substances. You can also offer to pick them up.
• Restrict access to alcohol, drugs, and medications at home by keeping them out of sight.
• Take the opportunity to think about your own substance use. Consider any improvements you could make to your own health. Remember, you are your teen’s first role model!

The importance of consent and saying no

• Remind your teen that no one is obligated to use substances. Talk about ways to refuse while acknowledging that peer pressure can make it tough. Help them feel confident in their choices in various situations. Let them know you are available if they need support.
• Talk to your teen about sexual health, focusing on sexual desire, consent, and protection. Substance use can impair judgment, making it harder to give informed consent. Make it clear that consent must be given for each sexual activity and can be withdrawn at any time. Stress the importance of making sure both partners are willing participants.

Throughout the Montérégie region, there are organizations that specialize in addiction prevention. Contact your local support services for guidance.

• Drogues et adolescence. Réponses aux questions des parents. (French only)
• Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, many resources and tools have been published on www.encadrementcannabis.gouv.qc.ca, including a tool for parents (PDF).
• For more information about substances, click here.

Institut national de santé publique du Québec. (2024, 10 juin). Consommation d’alcool chez la population générale.

Institut national de santé publique du Québec. (2022). Risques pour la santé d’une consommation régulière de cannabis à long terme.

Tel-Jeunes. (s.d.). Quelle drogue, quels effets?

This fact sheet was created in collaboration with the Satellite and Liberté de choisir addiction prevention organizations.

Latest updates : april 2025