Alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among youth: Exploring Epidemiological trends and school-based drug prevention programs

The use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs is very common in British Columbia and in Canada. The burden of suffering associated with substance use problems is significant. This paper examines the epidemiological trends in use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among youth on the North Shore. I also present selected indicators of substance use issues and pr evention initiatives implemented by Vancouver Coastal Health to reduce the damage associated with the use of these substances. In addition, I explore empirical research, especially data generated from evaluation research in the implementation of school-based drug prevention programs. Attention is paid to assumptions and theories that underlie these educational interventions. The information presented here can be useful to inform Vancouver Coastal Health’s decisions with respect to prevention and policy approaches to identify and address substance use issues in the community.