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Sept. 16, 2026, Ottawa, Ont. - To help health-care providers respond to prevalent youth substance use in Canada, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions (CCSA) created the first National Guidance to Support Youth Substance Use Health in Canadian Pediatric Hospitals. It equips service providers, clinical leaders, administrators and policymakers with evidence-informed tools to respond to youth substance use health needs to reduce risks, improve outcomes and save lives.
The most recent Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey found that 22% of students in grades 7–12 reported alcohol use, 15% reported vaping and 12% reported cannabis use in the past 30 days. Harms from substance use can be chronic and far-reaching to multiple facets of life, and every care interaction with youth, regardless of the presenting condition and even if brief, is an opportunity to support their health and wellness compassionately.
The guidance, launched during an event at CHEO in Ottawa, is designed for use in pediatric emergency rooms, outpatient and inpatient settings. It was developed in collaboration with the Canadian Advisory Group on Youth Substance Use — which brings together experts and clinicians from across Canada — and with youth, their families and caregivers.
“Every interaction a young person has with the healthcare system is an opportunity to make a difference. This first-of-its-kind national guidance gives healthcare providers practical, evidence-informed tools to recognize and respond to substance use with compassion, consistency and without judgment. By listening to youth and families and supporting providers, organizations and systems leaders with clear guidance, we can help ensure young people across Canada receive the quality care they need, wherever they enter the healthcare system,” said Dr. Alexander Caudarella, CEO, CCSA.
The guidance offers recommendations to enhance the quality, consistency and effectiveness of pediatric substance use healthcare and ultimately improve outcomes for youth and families across Canada.
The guidance includes information on screening and assessment; response options like withdrawal management and pharmacotherapy; key considerations for quality care; a care pathway to support clinical decision making; and tools and interventions.
“I think including [youth] in the decisions … [and] also taking into account their lifestyle and how prescriptions or medications would work ... and listening to what youth have to say, and also just being genuine and being empathetic… that would really help,” said a young person during a focus group discussion about the guidance.
The Canadian Advisory Group on Youth Substance Use includes experts from across Canada with representation from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Université de Sherbrooke, McMaster University, University of British Columbia, Western University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Toronto, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, Université Laval, Saint John Regional Hospital, Dalhousie University, CHEO, CCSA and more. For a full list of participants, please refer to the Acknowledgements section in the guidance.