Guidance, Tools and Resources

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Canada, and understanding its impacts is key to reducing risks. CCSA conducts research, shares knowledge, and develops resources to support evidence-based policies and practices.

Cannabis is the second most commonly used substance in Canada, legalized in October 2018. CCSA conducts research and provides resources to support evidence-based cannabis policies and practices.

Opioids exist in both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical forms, commonly used for pain treatment but also for non-medical purposes. Fentanyl and its analogues are the most widely available opioids in Canada's unregulated drug supply.

Cocaine use has high health and social costs, making it important to understand its impacts. CCSA synthesizes evidence to support informed policy and practice decisions.

Gambling is legal in Canada, but it carries potential risks for some individuals. CCSA conducts research and develops resources to help people make informed, responsible gambling choices, especially in high-risk situations.

Methamphetamine use is low in Canada, but its availability and associated harms have risen significantly since 2013. CCSA provides research and resources to support evidence-based policies and practices to reduce risks.

About 22 per cent of people in Canada aged 15 years and over use psychoactive prescription drugs, highlighting the need to reduce related harms while ensuring proper medical access. CCSA researches trends, provides resources, and supports prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts, especially for opioids, stimulants, and sedatives.

Adverse childhood experiences, like abuse and neglect, can increase the risk of substance use disorders and other health issues later in life. Understanding their impact on brain development helps identify risks and potential interventions to prevent or treat substance use.

Educators want factual information about alcohol and other drugs. CCSA creates evidence-based resources for youth allies, such as educators, to help students make informed decisions about substance use health.

Involving people with lived and living experience in planning and evaluating programs ensures a person-centred approach that better meets the needs of individuals and their families. CCSA collaborates with these groups to reduce stigma, exchange knowledge and build long-term partnerships.

National Addictions Awareness Week highlights solutions to help address alcohol- and other drug-related harms. It’s an opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about prevention and harm reduction, talk about treatment and recovery, and discuss solutions for change.

Substance use and its outcomes are influenced by intersecting identity factors such as sex, gender, race, ability, and income. CCSA integrates sex-, gender-, and equity-based analysis into its work to ensure research and policies are inclusive and relevant to diverse populations and to create a more comprehensive understanding of substance use and addiction in Canada.

Stigma surrounding substance use is a major barrier to treatment, often manifesting as discriminatory attitudes and language that shames individuals. Changing the way we speak can promote compassion and reduce stigma.

Youth is a time of growth and risk, often leading to substance use and its related consequences. CCSA conducts research and provides resources to support evidence-based approaches in guiding and addressing youth substance use.