What Is Alcohol?
Alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a legal substance known for its psychoactive properties. It is produced by fermenting or distilling produce or grains. Fermented beverages include beer, cider, wine and flavoured purified alcohol, which range from 0.5% to 20% alcohol by volume (ABV). Distilled beverages, often called spirits, include products such as vodka and whisky, which usually are 25% ABV and higher.
Many social gatherings feature alcoholic beverages. Nevertheless, the consumption of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its intoxicating, toxic and dependence-producing properties. To avoid harms, people in Canada who choose to drink should follow Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health which replaced Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.
Get to know our team of experts
Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)
CEO
Area of Expertise:
Karen Cumberland, MPA
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach
François Gagnon, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
- More Area of Expertise
Pam Kent, PhD
Director, Research and Emerging Trends
Area of Expertise:
Shawna Meister, MA
Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice
Area of Expertise:
Adam Sherk, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
Sheena Taha, PhD
Associate Director, Quality and Accountability
Area of Expertise:
John Weekes, PhD
Director, Knowledge Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships
Area of Expertise:
Heading
Contact an Expert
Latest CCSA Updates
Harnessing the Power of Community to Tackle the Toxic Drug Crisis
The toxic drug crisis is gripping every part of our country.
The toxic drug crisis is gripping every part of our country.
Heading
Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the categories below to learn more:
Heading
Substances
CCSA produces a variety of substance use- and addiction-related publications for researchers, policy makers and health service providers. We provide guidance to decision makers through harnessing the power of research, collecting and organizing knowledge, and bringing together diverse perspectives.
Heading
Health and Public Safety
CCSA conducts research, develops tools and resources, and produces targeted materials to support evidence-based decisions and public policy. Review our key resources on health and public safety in relation to substance use health and addiction issues.
Heading
People and Communities
CCSA is dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, focusing on the impact of substance use across the lifespan, the perspectives of people with lived experience, and the roles of stigma, sex and gender, and educators in substance use health.
