Alcohol and Drug Use Among Adolescents
August 25, 2025 Addictions
Parents
Drug use, or the use of psychoactive substances, is part of life for many teenagers. It is imperative for parents to learn about the effects and risks associated with these substances so they can talk to their teens about consumption without causing unnecessary alarm.
The Different Categories of Drugs
There are many different substances, but they are generally grouped into three main categories.
| Categories | Effects | Substances |
| Stimulants |
Give a sense of alertness, energy, and enhanced performance. They stimulate the central nervous system.
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| Depressants | Act on the central nervous system by numbing the brain and slowing down the body’s functions.
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| Disruptors | Alter sensations and perceptions of reality. They disrupt our mental fonctions
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The Effects and the Risks of Mixing Different Substances
Young people may be tempted to take different drugs during the same evening. In fact, lack of knowledge, curiosity, peer pressure, a taste for risk, or trying to manage the effects of substances can all lead to mixing them. Here are the effects and risks associated with combining substances.
| Mixing Substances | The Effects and the Risks |
| Depressant with stimulant
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Depressants slow down the system, while stimulants speed it up. When combined, there's a risk of heart palpitations or respiratory failure.
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| Disruptor with stimulant
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When perceptions are altered by a disruptor and the system is sped up by stimulants, it can lead to feelings of stress or paranoia.
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| Disruptor with depressant
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Disruptors are known to amplify the effects of depressants. Special attention should be paid to dosage when mixing these substances.
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| Stimulant with stimulant
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Using multiple stimulants can significantly increase heart rate and metabolism. It’s important not to push the body beyond its limits, as it could lead to cardiac arrest.
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| Depressant with depressant
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Unlike stimulants, combining multiple depressants can severely slow down the system. Consciousness becomes more impaired, increasing the risk of dangerous decisions.
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| Disruptor and disruptor
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Mixing multiple disruptors can cause anxiety, hallucinations, or a bad trip.
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| Depressant, stimulant and disruptor
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The risk depends on the specific substances and quantities taken. Any of the symptoms listed above can occur simultaneously.
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Alcohol and cannabis, especially in the form of wax pens, are two popular substances among young people that are often mixed—and this combination carries risks.
Alcohol Consumption
53% of youth aged 12 to 17 consumed alcohol in the past 12 months—53% of boys and 54% of girls—according to the 2019 Quebec Survey on Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs and Gambling among High School Students. This percentage increases significantly with grade level, rising from 21% in Secondary 1 to 80% in Secondary 5.
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in Quebec. Despite its widespread social presence, abusing this substance carries several risks.
| Reasons for Use | Possible Risks |
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It is important to inform teens about the risks associated with alcohol use, as well as the strategies available to reduce its negative effects.
While abstinence is encouraged—given the legal age requirement for purchasing alcohol—it’s not always the path chosen by those under 18.
That’s why it’s much more helpful to have open conversations with young people about alcohol or drug use, rather than ignoring it altogether.
Beyond excessive use, alcohol consumption can become more problematic when mixed with other substances. The most common combination is alcohol and cannabis.
Despite the popularity of these substances, negative psychological health effects can occur, especially with regular use. It's particularly important not to underestimate the level of THC (a substance that alters mental function and perception of reality) in this equation.
Cannabis Use in the Form of Wax Pens
Cannabis is the second most commonly used psychoactive substance in our society. Wax pens are a method of cannabis use that has become extremely popular among teens and young adults in recent years.
They are vaping devices that use a highly concentrated THC liquid—typically between 70% and 95%. They may also contain CBD, a substance with depressant effects. In addition, they often include chemical elements that can affect physical health.
Why Are Wax Pens So Popular?
Because the effect is fast and intense. They are also easy to hide, simple to use, odorless, and painless to inhale. On top of that, they're socially valued and associated with popularity.
However, using wax pens comes with legal risks as well as risks to both physical and mental health. In fact, wax pens are currently illegal in Quebec! That said, they might soon be legalized for those aged 21 and over at the SQDC. Devices would be limited to 30% THC, with no flavors or flashy packaging.
Still, their use may carry lung health risks, even if the medium- and long-term effects are not yet fully known. There’s also a risk of THC overdose due to the extremely high concentration. Such an overdose can result in a "bad trip" or toxic psychosis, which can lead to risky behavior.
More frequent use can impact motivation, sleep, anxiety, depression, and lead to social isolation. That’s why it’s so important to talk about mental health with young people and to seek outside help—for yourself or for them—if needed.
References (in French)
CATIE, le blender
