Evidence Brief
Alcohol Consumption and Adherence to Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health
Publication date:
2025
Author:
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Examines the average alcohol consumption of people in Canada and where it falls within the risk zones outlined in Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health (CGAH). The publication presents updated data on weekly drinking patterns by province, age, and sex, and assesses the extent to which people in Canada adhere to the CGAH guidelines. This report is intended to inform public health professionals, policy makers and researchers working to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Three Key Points You Will Find in the Document:
- People who drink alcohol in Canada consume an average of more than13 standard drinks per week, which far exceeds amounts associated with low risk.
- One in three people aged 15 and older in Canada has reported drinking at high-risk levels.
- Policy recommendations to reduce alcohol-related harms in Canada, such as pricing strategies, labelling and marketing restrictions.