Substance Use and Addictions Supports

Limestone Learning Foundation

Cannabis 

Cannabis is not a harmless drug, and it is important to be aware of the health risks of using it. Daily cannabis use is linked to increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis. A person may feel different each time they use cannabis.


Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances by teens. In 2019, 42% of students in grades 7 to 12 reported using alcohol in the past year and drinking rates increase with grade.


Opioids

Opioids are used primary to treat pain. Opioids can also induce euphoria (feeling high), which gives them the potential to be used improperly. Opioids can cause dangerously slow breathing that may lead to overdose and death.


Stimulants

Stimulant drugs make people feel energetic, talkative, alert, and euphoric. These drugs may also be easily mixed with fentanyl. Always carry a naloxone kit, avoid using alone, and use new supplies when using stimulants.


Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are often used as sedatives or anti-anxiety medication.  When used appropriately, benzodiazepines are safe and effective drugs. They do, however, still have potential for abuse and substance use disorder associated with them.


Process Addictions

Process addiction, also called behavioural addiction, is an addiction to activities or actions like gambling or excessive internet use. They may result in  difficulty managing stress and performing day-to-day activities, as well as increased feelings of loneliness and isolation.


Vaping
Vaping products such as electronic cigarettes (also known as vapes, mods, vape pens) are battery-powered devices designed to mimic the experience of smoking cigarettes. Unlike cigarettes, they do not burn tobacco. Instead, they heat and vaporize a liquid mixture of chemicals (often called e-juice) to produce an aerosol. When the aerosol is inhaled, this is often called vaping. E-cigarette devices can also be used to deliver cannabis and other drugs. For more information visit KFL&A Public Health's website.


Substance Use Support at School

Kairos is a counselling service which specializes in treatment for youth who are experiencing any level of substance use/misuse, personally or with a family member. Their service is available as an outreach program in all elementary and secondary schools within KFL&A, as well as alternative education sites.  

Kairos staff work with youth based on a harm reduction approach. Staff assist students to identify and set their own treatment goals in the areas that may be having a negative impact on their lives. Assessment services can be accessed through their program to assist students who are interested and may require residential treatment services.

Students may self-refer to the Kairos worker in their school, or be referred through a member of the in-school team.

Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose caused by opioid drugs and other drugs contaminated with opioids. It is easily administered by a spray into the nose. Common opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (e.g., Percocet), hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid), heroin, and fentanyl. All secondary schools are equipped with Naloxone kits. Naloxone kits are available free of charge through Public Health, many local pharmacies, or a number of community organizations, including Street Health Centre, One Roof Kingston, Resolve Counselling and Napanee and Area Community Health Centre

This training video from the Ontario Harm Reduction Network is an excellent overview of overdose response and naloxone. Please get in touch with your local Harm Reduction Program or KFL&A Public Health to find complete overdose prevention, recognition and response training.


General Substance Use and Addictions Resources 


The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.