SUBSTANCE SNAPSHOTS
Overview
Substance Snapshots provide easy-to-understand information about different substances. Each snapshot outlines what the substance is, how it’s consumed, its possible effects, when to seek emergency help, and strategies to stay safer.
These resources should only be shared with youth if deemed developmentally appropriate.
Cannabinoids can be stimulating, hallucinogenic, or cause drowsiness. The main chemicals in Cannabinoids are THC (psychoactive) and CBD (calming). They are naturally produced from the cannabis plant.
Cannabinoid infographics:
External Resources
Additional information is available through these resources from other organizations.
This article provides provincial legislation and regulations concerning legal cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cannabis & Mental Health – Mentor Guide
The guide is for educators, program leaders, and mentors working with youth ages 12-18. The activities in the guide offer fun ways to help youth build resilience and skills to stay balanced and thrive, now and in the future. These skills include the ability to understand and manage stress, problem solve, think critically, communicate and collaborate with others.
This document created by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health offers valuable insights into safer approaches to cannabis consumption.
The Guiding Principles of Education
This is a toolkit created by the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and looks into the stigma associated with Cannabis Consumption.
Cannabis: What Educators Need to Know
This provides information on how to have an open conversation with youth, surrounding the recreational use of Cannabis.
Cannabis Extracts – Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
This resource by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction shares 7 Things You Need to Know about Cannabis Extracts.
Understanding Cannabis Vaping- CCSA
This video created by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction looks into vaping and cannabis use among youth, and how to best support youth who may be engaging with these substances.
A resource for informed cannabis consumption, developed by cannabis researchers and students at Humber College in Toronto, ON.
Cannabis Extracts – Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
This resource by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction shares 7 Things You Need to Know about Cannabis Extracts.
Cannabis Use by Teens – NOSMtv
This video shares educational information for youth about cannabis and harm reduction strategies.
Depressants are a group of substances that slow down processes in your body, like messages between your brain and body. They are used for their relaxing and euphoric effect.
Depressant infographics:
External Resources
Additional information is available through these resources from other organizations.
Understanding Alcohol- CCSA
This video created by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction dives into all components of alcohol consumption, including the impact on health.
To view this video, click here.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder NL (fasdNL)
fasdNL offers a range of alcohol-related resources.
You can view this information here.
Drinking less is better: Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health- Youth Version
Provides a youth-focused summary of the recommendations in Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health. Offers concise, image-based explanations of the risks and harms from alcohol consumption on an increasing scale. Includes information specifically for youth as well as tips to reduce alcohol-related risks.
You can find the pdf here.
Know Alcohol: Calculator
Created by the University of Victoria, this online calculator can help to visualize the health and financial impacts of alcohol consumption. Learn more here.
About Opioids – Government of Canada
This page explains what opioids are, their effects, risks, and potential for addiction, as well as information on overdose, health impacts, and where to get help.
This page explains what opioids are, their effects, risks, and potential for addiction, as well as information on overdose, health impacts, and where to get help.
Hallucinogens are also called psychedelics. They can cause changes in perception, mood, and thinking. They affect a person’s thinking, time, and emotions. cause hallucinations, creativity, and an “otherworldly” experience.
Additional information is available through these resources from other organizations.
Hallucinogen infographics:
External Resources
Additional information is available through these resources from other organizations.
Hallucinogens – Centre on Mental Health and Addictions (CAMH)
This resource from CAMH provides clear, evidence-based information about hallucinogens—their origins, effects, duration, potential for addiction, and associated risks. It also includes detailed sections on specific substances such as LSD, Ecstasy, and Ketamine.
Psilocybin and psilocin (Magic mushrooms) – Government of Canada
Provides information about Psilocybin and psilocin (Magic mushrooms).
Provides information about Salvia
Stimulants are a group of substances that speed up processes in your body, such as messages to your brain. People may use stimulants because they help them feel alert, confident, or euphoric.
Stimulant infographics:
External Resources
Additional information is available through these resources from other organizations.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco
This website offers information on vaping, including resources for parents, educators, and a Newsline to subscribe to for updates.
About Vaping – Government of Canada
The Government of Canada provides extensive information on vaping, and the potential harms, as well as various resources.
Vaping: What Educators Need to Know
This provides educators (and the general public) information on vaping, and how to facilitate healthy conversations with youth.
Vaping Resource Guide for NL Schools – NL Health Services
The purpose of this document is to provide tools and resources to school staff and others who are working to address the use of nicotine produces among youth. Key audiences that can utilize this document include principals, teachers, guidance counsellors, and public health nurses.
Youth, caregivers and teachers can find resources and helpful information created by the Government of NL and the NL Alliance for the Control of Tobacco.
Cocaine and Crack – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
This resource provides detailed information about cocaine and crack, including their origins, effects, duration, potential for addiction, and the risks associated with their use
Other important substances to note include:
Anabolic Steroids
Antihistamines
BathSalts
Household Items
Inhalants
Mixing Drugs
Poppers (alkyl nitrites)
Poppers (alkyl nitrites) slow down messages from your brain and body. Alkyl nitrites can be used medically to treat certain conditions, and non-medically to create euphoric and relaxed sensations to enhance sexual experiences. However, poppers or non-regulated alkyl nitrites can be extremely harmful to a person’s health.
External Resources
Additional information is available through these resources from other organizations.
Performance Enhancers Facts and Button Line – Anabolic Steroids – Government of Canada
This document, created by the Government of Canada, offers valuable information about Anabolic Steroids, such as what they are, who uses them, their effects and the potential dangers of using them
Balt Salts – Government of Canada
This document offers valuable information about Balt Salts, such as what they are, their effects on both the physical and mental body and potential dangers associated with their use
This document lists Poppers that are unauthorized for use in Canada, as well as briefly discussing the risks and why they are dangerous-
The dangers of mixing drugs – Céline Valéry – Ted-Ed
This video explores the dangers of mixing drugs with examples that we may see in day-to-day life.