Around 2% of Canadians consumed cocaine in some form, including freebase and crack, during the past year in 2017. Despite this low prevalence of use, the relative health and social costs of cocaine are high. Understanding the impacts of cocaine distribution and consumption is essential to minimizing the risks and harms associated with this substance. For that reason, CCSA synthesizes the evidence to better support decisions about related policy and practice.

      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.

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      National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada Substance use is an issue of such magnitude and complexity, touching all sectors of society, that individual organizations and sectors cannot address it by themselves.

      About 22% of Canadians over the age of 15 years old use psychoactive prescription drugs in some form according to the 2017 Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey. There is an urgent challenge to reduce the related harms of prescription drugs while ensuring timely and appropriate access to them for medical applications. This challenge is particularly pressing for opioids, but also for stimulants and sedatives.

      The Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (CCENDU) is a nation-wide network of community partners that informs Canadians about emerging drug use trends and associated issues. By coordinating community partners and assembling the information they report, CCSA helps CCENDU by communicating topics of immediate concern and by informing communities on lessons learned in response to local drug issues.

      Ottawa, January 17, 2023 — According to the new Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, 3–6 standard drinks a week represents a moderate risk to your health. After that, the more you drink, the more you increase your risk of seven types of cancer, most types of cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and violence. The guidance recommends no more than 2 drinks a day (per occasion).

      CCSA is pleased to help promote upcoming events and conferences in the substance use and addiction field. However, we do not endorse or authorize any event that receives promotion in our events calendar. We are also not responsible for the translation or accuracy of the information presented for the events in the calendar.

      Youth is a time of significant growth and change. It is often when risky behaviours take place and substance use begins. These behaviours can result in consequences such as injuries, car crashes, school difficulties and relationship problems. Understanding youth’s needs is essential for providing them with guidance and support. For these reasons, CCSA conducts research, shares knowledge and provides targeted materials to support evidence-based decisions and actions for addressing youth and substance use. Further information about youth: