Did you know that substance abuse costs Canadian taxpayers more than $40 billion every year?
Did you know that substance abuse contributes to cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease and diabetes?
November 18 to 24 is National Addictions Awareness Week, during which time organizations across Canada highlight these facts, as well as other issues related to alcohol- and drug-related harm.
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we understand how difficult it can sometimes be to get yourself out of a challenging situation. Our Youth Substance Abuse Program (YSAP) is here to help. We offer free, confidential and non-judgmental one-to-one counselling to help young people between the ages of 14 to 24 with their struggles with any and all substance abuse problems. YSAP also helps those who aren't sure that counselling is right for them by contacting their local YSAP office and speaking with a Youth Outreach Worker.
The Y also brings attention to another growing issue among youth: problem gambling.
Studies show that adolescents report significantly higher rates of problem gambling than adults. Gambling patterns start as early as 8 years of age and can be established before an adolescent reaches high school. Youth today are the first generation to grow up in a society where gambling is actively promoted, legalized and glamorized and participation in internet gambling has steadily increased among young adults.
The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is a free service offering educational prevention programs designed to raise youth awareness with regards to gambling, healthy/active living and making informed decisions, including:
1. Awareness Raising Activities:
2. Community Involvement:
Plan and implement events designed to promote community awareness and involvement in issues related to youth gambling
3. Youth Engagement:
Facilitate youth driven initiatives to promote youth expression and community action related to youth gambling.
Note to teachers and educators:
YGAP offers educational workshops/presentations including the new Health and Physical Education Curriculum.
Here are some signs of problem gambling:
Visit our website to learn more about YGAP.
Did you know that substance abuse contributes to cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease and diabetes?
November 18 to 24 is National Addictions Awareness Week, during which time organizations across Canada highlight these facts, as well as other issues related to alcohol- and drug-related harm.
At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we understand how difficult it can sometimes be to get yourself out of a challenging situation. Our Youth Substance Abuse Program (YSAP) is here to help. We offer free, confidential and non-judgmental one-to-one counselling to help young people between the ages of 14 to 24 with their struggles with any and all substance abuse problems. YSAP also helps those who aren't sure that counselling is right for them by contacting their local YSAP office and speaking with a Youth Outreach Worker.
The Y also brings attention to another growing issue among youth: problem gambling.
Studies show that adolescents report significantly higher rates of problem gambling than adults. Gambling patterns start as early as 8 years of age and can be established before an adolescent reaches high school. Youth today are the first generation to grow up in a society where gambling is actively promoted, legalized and glamorized and participation in internet gambling has steadily increased among young adults.
The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is a free service offering educational prevention programs designed to raise youth awareness with regards to gambling, healthy/active living and making informed decisions, including:
1. Awareness Raising Activities:
- Deliver interactive sessions for youth ages 8-24
- Referral to gambling treatment services
- Attend community fairs/events
2. Community Involvement:
Plan and implement events designed to promote community awareness and involvement in issues related to youth gambling
3. Youth Engagement:
Facilitate youth driven initiatives to promote youth expression and community action related to youth gambling.
Note to teachers and educators:
YGAP offers educational workshops/presentations including the new Health and Physical Education Curriculum.
Here are some signs of problem gambling:
- Letting school or work suffer due to preoccupation with gambling
- Spending more time or money than intended
- Losing interest in other activities
- Being criticized by others about gambling behaviour
- Borrowing, lying, or stealing to gamble or pay back debts
- Increased interest in internet gambling sites, sports results or TV poker
- Money appearing and disappearing
Visit our website to learn more about YGAP.
