The substance use profile of Canadian youth: Exploring the prevalence of alcohol, drug and tobacco use by gender and grade

The current study examined the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and drug use and comorbid use of these substances among 45,425 students in grades 7 to 12 as part of the 2008–09 Canadian Youth Smoking Survey. The results of this paper suggest that alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and illicit drugs are currently used by a substantial number of youth in Canada, and that comorbid use is also very widespread among users. Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used by youth and it was rare to find youth who had used tobacco or drugs without also currently using alcohol. By grade 12, the majority of students were current users of alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Future research should consider developing a better understanding of how to prevent substance use among this population.

► We examined the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and drug use among Canadian youth.
► Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used by Canadian youth.
► Comorbid substance use is also very widespread among Canadian youth.
► By grade 12, most students were current users of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
► It was rare to find youth who use tobacco or drugs without also using alcohol.