National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) is November 16–22, 2025. NAAW highlights solutions that help address the harms related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. It provides an opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about prevention and harm reduction, talk about treatment and recovery, and discuss solutions for change.
Key NAAW Resources
CCSA is developing materials for partners and the public to use to help us promote NAAW. These resources will also help forge and strengthen connections among individuals, organizations, families and communities. By coming together, we can improve the lives of people who use substances in Canada.
We hope to have key resources posted to this page for use in early November 2025.
NAAW 2025 Theme: Anchoring Hope
The theme for NAAW this year is Anchoring Hope.
Working in the substance use health field and addressing its challenges can result in different experiences, ideas and opinions for individuals, families and communities. At times, it can be challenging to agree on the best ways to address these issues in Canada.
Hope is an optimistic state of mind that holds expectations for positive outcomes. Exploring and discussing substance use health can lead to positive outcomes such as connections and growth.
Yet the challenges and grief in the field cannot be unstated. In recent years, tens of thousands of people from across Canada have died because of the unpredictable drug supply.
We need effective, holistic, whole-of-government and community action that is rooted in evidence and compassion. We need to work together to identify and reach common goals. And more than anything else, we need hope — hope for a brighter future with improved health and wellness of all people living in Canada.
Disclaimer
CCSA understands that each person who uses substances has their own experiences, perspectives and preferred language. We appreciate that the term “addiction” can be stigmatizing for some people and an important point of discussion for other people. Our goal is to raise awareness about substance use health, addiction and people who use substances to improve people’s health and well-being.
The discussion around NAAW can be emotionally challenging. We encourage people to reach out for help or get support in these conversations.
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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.
