CCSA’s Issues of Substance conference 2023 is heading to Vancouver, B.C.!

It takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre from Nov. 20 to 22 as part of National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW).

The theme for CCSA’s Issues of Substance 2023 conference (and NAAW) is Inspiration, Innovation and Inclusion.

Substance use is a complex, far-reaching and consequential issue. It is associated with a staggering health impact and cost to society. In 2020, substance use in Canada cost $49.1 billion. It led to more than 270,000 hospitalizations and contributed to the loss of nearly 74,000 lives. The impacts on individuals, families and communities cannot be quantified.

The need for research and action is greater than ever. We have learned what is possible if we work together, that is takes a wide range of perspectives and collective efforts to drive needed change, and that new grassroots ideas can have significant effects. We have also witnessed immense opportunities for innovation through science and technology. Inspiration, Innovation and Inclusion: These are the key ingredients for a healthier Canadian society where all forms of evidence transform approaches to substance use.

CCSA’s Issues of Substance is one of the few conferences in Canada to bring together a wide range of people from across the country who hold valuable perspectives on substance use. Returning as an in-person event this fall, we hope to welcome between 600 and 800 delegates to the conference. The conference would be of interest to:

• Substance use specialists (e.g., health professionals, treatment providers, clinical staff, counsellors, social workers);
• Allied professionals (e.g., hospital staff, law enforcement personnel, correctional workers);
• Primary care and public health professionals (e.g., public health nurses, health promotion program staff);
• Medical professionals practising specialties (e.g., emergency medicine, cancer treatment, neurology, internal medicine);
• Policy and decision makers, program managers;
• Researchers;
• Knowledge brokers;
• Students;
• People with lived or living experience and their families and friends; and
• Private sector professionals.

Registration for the conference is now open. More conference information is available on the Issues of Substance conference website.