Additional STOMP FAQs

No. The STOMP program focuses on building healthy habits and breaking the cycle associated with consuming commercial tobacco and other substances, not just tobacco cessation. Every student who participates will be able to take something away from the program to apply in their own life. 

A: In the context of tobacco and vape use (as examples), harm reduction is an approach or series of interventions that are designed to be more effective by working with you rather than against you. An example of a harm reduction strategy for students who smoke is to have productive conversations about how to stop smoking and establishing a common understanding of steps to take to change smoking behaviours versus giving the student a detention for smoking as a way to deter them from doing it again. Being in a healthy school is a protective factor, which, when combined with other protective factors such as belonging and education, can help insulate students from risky, often harmful substance use.

A: Refer to our resource library and specifically our STOMP glossary to learn more about substance use.

A: Start small and think big. Starting small could be as simple as smoking one less cigarette or vaping one less time a day, or changing a few small things in your day that can remove the trigger to use substances altogether. Each day, try adding a small new change. Small changes over time can create great results and give us space to rethink substance use patterns.

Note: If you are struggling with substance use dependence, we encourage you to check out CAMH.ca for additional resources and support.

A: No. Vaping is different than smoking but vaping products typically contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals also commonly found in cigarettes. Although smoking and vaping are different, their negative health outcomes are similar among youth, impacting healthy brain development and having psyiological effects on the body, impacting a students' ability to learn. Somtimes vaping products can contain cannabis, which, when consumed over time, can lead to a cannabis use disorder.

A: Not necessarily. All commercial cigarettes in Canada have to be approved for sale through a regulator. However, products and how they are packaged can change as can the ingredients inside. 

A: It depends. When used in ceremonial contexts, sacred tobacco has an important cultural component, builds a sense of belonging, and is not associated with negative health outcomes as the smoke is not inhaled, rather it is sent upwards to the Creator and across the four directions. For more information on sacred tobacco, click here: Respecting Tobacco: Traditional vs. Commercial Use