The Rate of Prescription Drug Abuse Among Ontario Teens Has Doubled Since 2019
According to a recent report, recreational prescription drug use among Ontario’s youth has nearly doubled in the last five years.
The report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) revealed that almost 22 percent of students in grades 7–12 admitted to using prescription painkillers for non-medical purposes last year. This is a significant increase from 11 percent in 2019 and 12.7 percent in 2021, representing a 71 percent surge in prescription drug use between 2021 and 2023.
The preferred prescription drugs included Percocet, Percodan, Tylenol #3, Demerol, Dilaudid, OxyNeo, and Codeine among others. The data was collected through a survey distributed by CAMH to over 200 schools in the province.
Female students were found to be “significantly more likely” than male students to engage in non-medical use of these drugs. 26 percent of female students reported using prescription painkillers to get high, compared to 18 percent of male students.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Aside from prescription drugs, the report also highlighted the increased use of over-the-counter cough or cold medication for recreational purposes.
In 2023, 9.6 percent of students reported using these medications to get high, marking a 6 percent increase from 2021.
The report noted that both male and female students admitted to abusing over-the-counter medications, with younger teens showing a higher prevalence. 13.4 percent of Grade 7 students and 13.6 percent of Grade 8 students confessed to using cough or cold medicine to get high.
Alcohol, Nicotine, and Marijuana
The survey observed a decrease in alcohol, nicotine products, and marijuana use between 2021 and 2023, with the prevalence increasing with age.
About 36 percent of students in grades 7–12 reported drinking alcohol in the past year, with usage rising to 61 percent by Grade 12.
Smoking rates among students decreased, with only 1 percent smoking daily. However, this figure rose to 7 percent among Grade 12 students.
Vaping was popular among one-in-eight students, but its overall popularity had waned since 2019. The prevalence of vaping increased significantly with grade, from 5 percent of Grade 8 students to 22 percent of 12th graders.
The perceived risk associated with smoking and vaping was higher than that of marijuana, which was considered less harmful. The use of marijuana ranged from 5 percent among Grade 8 students to 34 percent among Grade 12 students.
Access to alcohol, drugs, and other substances was perceived as “easy” by many students. Obtaining alcohol and vapes was seen as easier compared to cigarettes, marijuana, and prescription drugs.
Teen Opioid Use and Safer Supply
Experts have linked the increased opioid use among youth to safer supply programs, which provide prescribed medications to individuals at high risk of overdose.
Dr. Sharon Koivu, an addictions specialist, noted both positive and negative impacts of safer supply programs. She observed more addiction and younger people using opioids as part of the negative consequences.
Teen opioid use is a concern across multiple provinces, including British Columbia, where safer supply programs have raised objections due to potential risks, such as increased opioid access for youth.
Tara MacIsaac contributed to this report.
