Health Canada is giving $16 million to a number of groups across the country, including several in the Maritimes that are trying to prevent drug abuse among youth.
A drug survey conducted in Nova Scotia in 2012 found that seven percent of Grade 7 students used marijuana and between 5 and 10 per cent of middle school students had tried some kind of illegal prescription drug.
Addiction Services Manager Lynda McAllister says there are many reasons why young people use and abuse drugs.
“They’re leaving childhood and they’re on their way to adulthood and they’re looking for ways to separate themselves from their childhood,” says McAllister.
On Friday, Ottawa announced $16 million in funding to help prevent prescription drug abuse among youth between the ages of 10 and 24.
The money will go to 34 drug prevention projects, including four in Nova Scotia. The idea is to give young people the knowledge and skills to avoid the drug trap.
“The sooner you can start the conversation, the sooner you can inform young people about the dangers of addiction, the better chance you have of helping them make good decisions,” says federal Justice Minister Peter MacKay.
Funding for a drug prevention program in Pictou County will cover 28 months. Once it’s complete, program co-ordinators plan to make their initiatives and results available to other communities across the province.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh
