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Substances
CCSA conducts research, brings together knowledge and develops resources on substances to support evidence-based decisions and actions for policy, practice and use. 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.
Select a category:
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Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Canada, and understanding its impacts is key to reducing risks. CCSA conducts research, shares knowledge, and develops resources to support evidence-based policies and practices.
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Cannabis
Cannabis is the second most commonly used substance in Canada, legalized in October 2018. CCSA conducts research and provides resources to support evidence-based cannabis policies and practices.
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Cocaine
Cocaine use has high health and social costs, making it important to understand its impacts. CCSA synthesizes evidence to support informed policy and practice decisions.
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Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine use is low in Canada, but its availability and associated harms have risen significantly since 2013. CCSA provides research and resources to support evidence-based policies and practices to reduce risks.
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Opioids
Opioids exist in both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical forms, commonly used for pain treatment but also for non-medical purposes. Fentanyl and its analogues are the most widely available opioids in Canada's unregulated drug supply.
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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.
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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Keep informed with Addiction News Daily and the CCENDU newsletter, alerts, and bulletins
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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.
