What is The Brain Story?
CCSA is collaborating with the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI), the developer of the Brain Story. The Brain Story describes, for non-experts, the science and the relationships among ACEs, brain development and health outcomes, using five metaphors. Our goal is to expand the reach, accessibility and understanding of the Brain Story science to raise awareness of substance use as a public health issue, reduce stigma, and change policy and practice accordingly.
To achieve these goals through our partnership with AFWI, we have:
• Translated the Brain Story certification course into French;
• Promoted the Brain Story certification as a learning tool for professionals across sectors;
• Led the Brain Builders Lab, which supported participants in developing, implementing and evaluating community-based projects that move the Brain Story knowledge into action.
Register for the Brain Story certification course using the unique English or French links.
To learn more about the Brain Story science and CCSA’s involvement, please email BrainStory@ccsa.ca.
To see the change others have already created in their own communities, please view our Impact Videos.
We’re proud to foster the growing Brain Builders community.
Get to know our team of experts
Bryce Barker, PhD, CE
Senior Knowledge Broker
Area of Expertise:
Doug Beirness, MSc, PhD
Senior Research Associate
Area of Expertise:
Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)
CEO
Area of Expertise:
Karen Cumberland, MPA
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach
Area of Expertise:
Timothy Deloughery, CCAC, CCS-AC
Substance Use Health Specialist
Area of Expertise:
Robert Gabrys, PhD
Senior Research and Policy Analyst
Area of Expertise:
François Gagnon, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
- More Area of Expertise
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Latest CCSA Updates
Our Response: Why economists should like booze
As a research scientist in epidemiology and health economics, with a focus on alcohol and other substances, I found your article comparing alcohol non-users to free-riders to be light on fact and…
As a research scientist in epidemiology and health economics, with a focus on alcohol and other substances, I found your article comparing alcohol non-users to free-riders to be light on fact and…
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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.
