Today, youth between the ages of 12 and 21, are using substances and developing addictions – from nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and yes, even excessive gaming and social media usage.

Dr. Amit Rotem, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Deputy Chief at the Child, Youth and Family Services with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), notes, “While some level of experimentation is expected during adolescence, it’s crucial for both youth and their parents to recognize the line between occasional use and addiction.”

In 2019, 1 in 4 students – nearly 23 per cent – surveyed by CAMH said they’d vaped in the past year, more than double the rate in 2017 at 11 per cent.

“In Ontario, we have observed the increasing impact of youth vaping, especially among high school students,” says Dr. Trish Tulloch, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent addiction medicine. “The impact of vaping on youth is made worse by the accessibility and addictive nature of nicotine found within these devices.”

It’s not just nicotine and other substances impacting youth. With the prevalent usage of technology in our day-to-day, and a rampant dependency on second screen media that makes it easier than ever to remain tethered to devices, recent data shows that 94 per cent of students spend five hours or more a day scrolling through social platforms.

“The use of technology as a substitute for human interaction has become increasingly normalized, often at the cost of our mental health,” says Dr. Daniela Lobo, an addiction psychiatrist specializing in gaming and gambling disorders at CAMH.

So, what can families and youth do? Youth-VAST (Vaping, Alcohol, Substance Use, and Technology) Dependence Program, a new service, by CAMH offers free and confidential treatment to youth in Ontario. The first of its kind in Canada, the program is designed to address many different types of addiction youth are facing including substance use (alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, vaping, and nicotine), and overuse of technology.

Available in English or French to Ontario residents between the ages of 12 to 21 years old, this team-based care program provides confidential, non-judgmental support anywhere in Ontario, virtually or in-person.

“Youth-VAST is here to support young people, wherever they are in Ontario. We help them explore the why and how to live healthier and full lives,” says Rotem.

Every participant in the program is assigned a care coach for six to eight weeks and will receive personalized treatment based on their assessment. Care coaches will help them build their self-confidence and resilience, change behaviours, develop healthy coping strategies to manage cravings and address triggers, and collaborate with each participant’s circle of care such as family members, health care providers, and teachers.

Carole-Anne Chiasson, Clinical Director of the Child, Youth and Emerging Adult Program at CAMH says, “Youth-VAST is more than just a program, it’s a health system and community built to foster connection, understanding, and recovery for youth navigating substance use and overuse of technology challenges.”

If you or someone close to you is dealing with challenges related to vaping, nicotine, alcohol, substance use, or excessive technology use, CAMH Youth-VAST is ready to listen and help.

Visit WeHearYou.ca to learn more or to get started.