Heading
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:
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
Heading
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
Sarah McIlwaine
Research and Innovation Specialist
Area of Expertise:
Shawna Meister, MA
Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice
Area of Expertise:
Justine Renard, PhD
Senior Research and Policy Analyst
Area of Expertise:
Adam Sherk, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
Chandni Sondagar, MPH, PMP
Senior Knowledge Broker
Area of Expertise:
Sheena Taha, PhD
Associate Director, Quality and Accountability
Area of Expertise:
Heading
Keep informed with Addiction News Daily and the CCENDU newsletter, alerts, and bulletins
Heading
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:
Heading
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
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
Heading
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.
