Alcohol is the substance most often used by Albertans. Build your understanding of youth alcohol use, with a focus on alcohol and caffeine interactions, the Low Risk Drinking Guidelines, the impact of alcohol on illness, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, alcohol overdose, prevalence and social and cultural norms.

Gain an enhanced understanding of the relationship between youth mental health and substance use disorders. Includes information on prevalence of concurrent disorders, common risk and protective factors, prevention approaches and available resources.

Canadian youth have the highest prevalence of past-year cannabis use in the developed world. Early onset and/or regular cannabis use can have negative effects on cognition and behaviour, and can lead to future substance use struggles and mental health concerns. Examine the impacts of cannabis on youth and cannabis legalization.

HeartMath is an approach to stress management that uses tools and techniques based on breathing and self-generated positive emotional shifts. Training incorporates use of a biofeedback tool to enhance understanding. Sessions typically are 3.5 hours but can be modified to fit your schedule.

Mental Health Literacy provides individuals working with youth as well as parents/guardians an understanding of mental health, and the mental disorders that commonly onset during the child and adolescent years. Includes available resources. Sessions typically range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours but can be modified to fit your schedule.

This course equips learners in developing a personal understanding of the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief on others, with emphasis on self-care and personal protection. 

Given e-cigarette popularity amongst young Canadians there are concerns about the possible adverse health effect, renormalization of smoking and tobacco uptake among youth, and other unforeseen consequences of their use. Gain knowledge about e-cigarette and tobacco rates, impacts of nicotine on the developing brain and legalization.

Enhance your knowledge of youth substance use, misuse and abuse. Identify substance use trends in Canada, the effects of different substances and signs of problematic use. Strengthen your awareness of teen brain development and the impact on substance. Learn strategies for engaging with youth in conversations about substance use.

Increase your comprehension of video gaming culture, including popularity of play in Canada, pros and cons of play and signs of problematic use. Identify strategies to open up communication at home, your organization or classroom so you can help young people make informed decisions.