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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.
Select a category:
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Housing
Housing insecurity and the substance use health (SUH) crisis continue to be some of the most pressing issues for the well-being of people living in Canada. We are working with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to help address these concerns.
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Lived and Living Experiences
The insights of people with lived and living experience of substance use are unique and vital. No one else can share so meaningfully about what their experience of substance use and addiction feels like and what effect this has on their lives and the lives of people around them.
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National Addictions Awareness Week
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.
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Sex- and Gender-based Analysis +
CCSA has committed to integrating sex-, gender- and equity-based analysis into all of our work. By reviewing the whole body of research available and refining the results, we’re able to identify research and resources relevant to specific populations.
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Stigma
Stigma is not only hurtful, but it also has real-life consequences. In the field of substance use health, stigma is a significant barrier for people with a substance use disorder or who have used substances in the past.
Get to know our team of experts
Sarah McIlwaine
Research and Innovation Specialist
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Shawna Meister, MA
Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice
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Justine Renard, PhD
Senior Research and Policy Analyst
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Adam Sherk, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
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Chandni Sondagar, MPH, PMP
Senior Knowledge Broker
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Sheena Taha, PhD
Associate Director, Quality and Accountability
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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.
