Most Recent Publications on Impaired Driving
Impaired Driving in Canada
Presents an overview of Canada’s impaired driving laws and data on the extent of both alcohol- and drug-impaired driving in Canada. The policy brief looks at the Criminal...
Administrative Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers
Provides an overview of administrative sanctions for alcohol and drug use by drivers. It...
What is Impaired Driving?
Impaired driving is operating any motorized vehicle (including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, trains, jet skis and snowmobiles) while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. It is an offence under the Criminal Code in Canada and is an issue of public health and safety.
Preventing and Reducing Impaired Driving
Individuals can avoid impaired driving by using another form of transportation, such as public transit, a designated driver, ride sharing or a taxi, or by planning to spend the night. Individuals should also avoid riding with a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Latest CCSA Updates
Canada Gets its First National Guidance on AI for Mental and Substance Use Health
Ottawa (October 14, 2025): In a first-of-its-kind initiative, national guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the mental and substance use health field is being…
Ottawa (October 14, 2025): In a first-of-its-kind initiative, national guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the mental and substance use health field is being…
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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.
