The voices of people with lived and living experience are unique and vital; no one else can speak so meaningfully to what their experience of substance use and addiction feels like and what effect this has on their lives and the lives of those around them.
The participation of people with lived or living experience in the planning, delivery and evaluation of programs, policies, services, and supports can help make sure the system is taking a person-centred approach and better serving the needs of those individuals, as well as their families and friends.
"Nothing about us without us" is a powerful message from individuals who believe that they have the right to be involved in discussions and decisions that impact the policies, strategies and services they could need.
CCSA is committed to working with these groups, who can provide advice on priorities, strategies, research approaches and knowledge-exchange, help to reduce the stigma associated with substance use and creat long-term collaborative partnerships.
What is Lived and Living Experience?
Lived experience refers to people who have used one or more substances and who are currently in recovery. Living experiences refers to people who are currently using one or more substances. Recovery is a complex multi-faceted process of moving towards improved health, well-being and quality of life. Recovery involves changes in lifestyle and behaviours to address the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of addiction. The process of recovery can include harm reduction, stopping uncontrolled substance use and might or might not involve abstinence.
Featured Resource
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Guidelines for Partnering with People with Lived and Living Experience of Substance Use and Their Families and Friends
People with lived and living experience of substance use and their families and friends (LLEAFF) are experts in the field of substance use. It is key to partner with them whenever possible to ensure that research is relevant and that services designed for people from LLEAFF groups meet their needs.
Get to know our team of experts
Miguel Andres Hernandez-Basurto, MPH
Senior Knowledge Broker
Area of Expertise:
Katarina Kane, MSc
Research and Policy Analyst
Area of Expertise:
Pam Kent, PhD
Director, Research and Emerging Trends
Area of Expertise:
Samantha King, PhD
Research and Policy Analyst
Area of Expertise:
Christine Levesque, PhD
Research and Policy Analyst
Area of Expertise:
Raadiya Malam, MPH
Research and Policy Analyst
Area of Expertise:
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Latest CCSA Updates
Canada Gets its First National Guidance on AI for Mental and Substance Use Health
Ottawa (October 14, 2025): In a first-of-its-kind initiative, national guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the mental and substance use health field is being…
Ottawa (October 14, 2025): In a first-of-its-kind initiative, national guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the mental and substance use health field is being…
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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 six categories below:
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Substances
Delve into key resources on commonly used substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants and psychedelics. Learn about their effects, usage patterns, associated health and social consequences, and harm reduction considerations
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Personal and Societal Impacts
Get insights on the personal and societal impacts of substance use and addiction , including gambling and impaired driving, and their effects on health, safety, and social well-being. Learn about effective prevention and harm-reduction strategies in various sectors.
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Communities
Communities share common interests, values or goals, and interact with one another to build relationships and help networks. These materials support more inclusive, equitable, and community-informed responses to substance use and addiction. Dive into resources highlighting people with lived and living experience, stigma, sex- and gender-based analysis, Indigenous Peoples, and housing.
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Treatment and Prevention
Explore medical, psychological, and social approaches aimed at helping individuals avoid or recover from substance use disorders. Get the facts on public health topics and learn about collaborative efforts to reduce stigma and promote more equitable, inclusive responses to substance use.
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Youth
Learn about factors influencing substance use in young people, including childhood trauma and brain development, and get tools to support adult allies in leading meaningful, evidence-informed conversations with youth. Content promotes early prevention, harm reduction and supportive environments for youth up to age 25.
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Substance Use and the Workplace
Substance use has a significant impact on the workplace, potentially affecting safety, productivity and employee well-being. Explore research on substance use in various industries. Resources support workplace leaders in building more supportive, stigma-free environments through practical strategies, improved approaches and initiative-taking education.
