Canada has introduced its first national guidance to support youth substance-use health in Canadian pediatric hospitals, aiming to help health-care providers respond more consistently to young people experiencing substance-use concerns.

The guidance was created by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and launched at CHEO in Ottawa on September 16. It provides evidence-informed tools for health-care providers, clinical leaders, hospital administrators and policymakers.

The recommendations are intended for use across pediatric emergency departments, outpatient services and inpatient hospital settings. Development involved Canadian clinical experts as well as youth, parents and caregivers.

Recent Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey data cited by CHEO found that 22% of students in Grades 7–12 reported alcohol use, 15% reported vaping and 12% reported cannabis use during the previous 30 days.

The new national framework is designed to help make youth substance-use care more compassionate, evidence-informed and consistent, while supporting earlier identification of health needs and reducing potential harms.