DID YOU KNOW....

  • Over 18,000 Ottawa youth are considered at high risk of drug and alcohol abuse
  • 283,000 Ontario students’ grades 9-12 reported using an illicit drug in the past year
  • Youth who are involved with substance use come from both affluent and struggling neighborhoods
  • The average age of first use of cannabis is 13.7 years
  • It is estimated that alcohol or drug use is involved in more that 60% of all teen suicides
  • Youth who abuse drugs and alcohol are much more likely to be in conflict with the law
  • Youth who abuse drugs are at increased risk of physical and/or sexual assault, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s)
  • Street drugs do not come with instructions and are often not sold as advertised – thus increasing the risk of overdose
  • Youth who are involved with substance abuse have an increased risk of dropping out of high school
  • Drugs are stronger and more available than ever before
  • With support from the Ottawa Food Bank, the Meal program served over 350 meals, plus additional snacks served during group sessions.  Furthermore, over 25 bags of groceries were provided to clients and families in need.