Substance Use in Canada Series

Since 2005, the Substance Use in Canada series has spotlighted key issues related to substance use and identified specific areas for action in both policy and practice. In the Substance Use in Canada series, CCSA publishes reports guided by CCSA’s Scientific Advisory Council to ensure that they contain the latest research and evidence. Each report is intended for a broad audience that includes policy makers, program development personnel, researchers, educators and healthcare professionals.

The series was originally launched under the name Substance Abuse in Canada, which was changed to eliminate the stigmatizing language and to more accurately reflect problematic substance use and substance use disorders.
 

In this section:

Research
Partners and Collaboration

What is the Substance Use in Canada Series

Since 2005, the Substance Use in Canada series has highlighted key substance use issues and recommended actions for policy and practice. Guided by CCSA’s Scientific Advisory Council, the reports provide evidence-based insights for policymakers, researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals, with the series name updated to reduce stigma.

Featured Resource

Experiences of Harm Reduction Service Providers During Dual Public Health Emergencies in Canada

This report examines the benefits and challenges harm reduction workers across Canada are facing as they continue to deal with the concurrent opioid-related toxicity emergency and COVID-19 pandemic.

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Get to know our team of experts

François Gagnon, PhD

Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Gambling
  • Harm Reduction
  • Policy
  • More Area of Expertise
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Aisha Giwa, PhD

Knowledge Broker

Area of Expertise:

  • Cannabis
  • Impaired Driving
  • Mental Health
Read more

Jill Harnum

Policy Analyst

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Lived and Living Experience
  • Policy
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Katarina Kane, MSc

Research and Policy Analyst

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Substance Use Epidemiology
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Christina Katan, MPH

Knowledge Broker

Area of Expertise:

  • Opioids
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Pam Kent, PhD

Director, Research and Emerging Trends

Area of Expertise:

  • 2SLGBTQ+
  • Cannabis
  • Mental Health
  • Substance Use Costs
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Samantha King, PhD

Research and Policy Analyst

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Mental Health
  • Opioids
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Christine Levesque, PhD

Research and Policy Analyst

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
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Raadiya Malam, MPH

Research and Policy Analyst

Area of Expertise:

  • Cannabis
  • Drug Supply
  • Substance Use Costs
Read more

Contact an Expert

Get to know our experts at CCSA. Whether it is alcohol, cannabis, stigma, opioids, or any another topic related to substance use and addiction, our team of professionals is available to provide their knowledge expertise. Browse our staff profiles to find the right expert to meet your specific needs.
Get in touch

Latest CCSA Updates

Addiction News Daily

Researchers ranked Canada's most harmful drugs. Why alcohol is No. 1 - and how the drinker isn't the only…

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Addiction News Daily
WHO pushes countries to raise prices on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50%
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Addiction News Daily
Starting next week, Addiction News Daily will be on hiatus for the summer break. It will return in the Fall.
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Addiction News Daily
Global cocaine boom keeps setting new records, UN report says
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Explore CCSA’s Guidance, Tools and Resources

All our research-based publications, tools and resources are divided into six different categories of interest. They support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the choices below: 

Substances

Delve into key resources on commonly used substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants and psychedelics. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Treatment and Prevention

Explore medical, psychological, and social approaches aimed at helping individuals avoid or recover from substance use disorders. 

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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.

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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.

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Keep informed with Addiction News Daily and CCENDU newsletter, alerts and bulletins

CCSA is pleased to offer the opportunity to sign up to receive news and publications on substance use trends, consequences, and outcomes, helping to reduce harm by supporting evidence-informed decisions.
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Browse the CCSA Network of Websites

CCSA's Issues of Substance Conference

This biannual, national conference brings together people from across the country, including addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, and people with lived and living experience
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Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms

This project provides comparable and up-to-date data on the costs and harms of substance use in Canada and allows people to explore and analyze the data through its data visualization tool.
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Workforce Competencies

CCSA developed measurable technical and behaviour competencies in knowledge, skills and values for the substance use workforce, providing consistent care across the wide range of settings.
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Drink Less Live More

Canada has new guidance on alcohol and your health. CCSA wants you to be able to make the most informed decisions you can about drinking alcohol.
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Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

Learn about the world’s first Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines to help people in Canada make informed decisions about their gambling and lessen their risk of gambling-related harms. Use the Interactive Risk Assessment Tool to assess your personal gambling choices.
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The Highway Home

This interactive website takes an experiential approach to increasing youth’s and young drivers’ awareness of the risks and harms of drug-impaired driving, using real-life scenarios involving cannabis use and driving.
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