An Unofficial Guide to Caring for a Young Person Who Uses Substances
You Are Not Alone
Parents Like Us is a free, community-developed handbook for caregivers of young people who are navigating substance use challenges. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or someone who cares deeply about a young person, this handbook offers understanding, support, and practical strategies to help you through.
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If you’ve used this handbook, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts through the feedback survey. Your input will help us improve and inform future versions.
About
This handbook was adapted from the original Parents Like Us handbook written by parents in Victoria, BC. The adaptation was led by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s Substance Use Heath program and co-created locally with caregivers. Shaped by focus groups, storytelling, youth input, and art sessions, this resource reflects local experiences - including voices from Indigenous caregivers and youth.
What's Inside
- Real stories and reflections from local caregivers
- Guidance on how to talk with your youth
- Harm reduction strategies to support safety and reduce risk
- Self-care tips and mental health supports for caregivers
- Youth voices sharing what helped them most
- A systems navigation section and resources to find support
Get the Handbook
You can view or print the Parents Like Us digital version or check with your local health unit office to request a printed copy. www.tbdhu.com/contact
Community Partners
Youth and family-centered organizations and those working in substance use health, can receive up to 10 free copies of the Parents Like Us handbook. To request your 10 free copies or purchase additional copies, please fill out the order form.
Any questions can be directed to the Substance Use Health Program: (807) 625-5900 or e-mail: Substance@tbdhu.com.
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We acknowledge, with respect and gratitude, that this handbook was developed on the sacred land, originally known as Anemki Wequedong, now the Treaty Territory of the Fort William First Nation, signatories to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
The adapted handbook is the work of many.
We acknowledge the substantial work of parents in Victoria, BC in creating the original version of the Parents Like Us handbook, in collaboration with Foundry Victoria, Victoria Youth Clinic, Foundry Central Office, and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Their work was part of the Improving Treatment Together Project, which was funded by Health Canada. The original handbook illustrations and format were designed by Drawing Change. The original handbook can be found at: www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2025-03/Parents-Like-Us.pdf
This adapted handbook is shaped by the voices and creativity of both caregivers and youth with lived experience in Thunder Bay. Their insights, artwork, and advice offer a powerful reflection of resilience and shared learning for others navigating similar experiences. We are deeply grateful for their willingness to share their stories and perspectives, which form the heart of this handbook.
We would also like to acknowledge the many organizations that contributed to the development of this handbook. The project was led by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, with the support of the Thunder Bay Drug Awareness Committee. With appreciation to Sister Margaret Smith Centre, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, and Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board for reviewing this handbook.
We are grateful to have worked with various artists who bring not only their creativity, but also their personal connection to substance use, either as a person with lived experience or as someone who has supported others.
Caregivers worked with Stacey Hare Hodgins of Making Meaning to create a collective poem and share personal experiences through writing. Caregivers also connected through a watercolour activity led by Two-Spirit artist and elder Ma-Nee Chacaby, supported by Céline Mundinger of CreAction Collective.
Youth in a live-in treatment program created art and poetry with Caroline Kajorinne and Ardelle Sagutcheway of Mindful Makers Collective, exploring how they want to be supported. Youth with lived experience and allies took part in a community art session with Céline of CreAction Collective, reflecting on the people and supports that made a difference in their lives.
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Find Support
We encourage you to visit our Mental Health Supports page for information on services in Thunder Bay and in district communities.
For Further Information
Substance Use Health Program: (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630
Email: Substance@tbdhu.com