Tobacco is a plant that contains nicotine—a mood-altering chemical that makes a person feel good. The most common way people consume tobacco is by smoking cigarettes. [1]
Smoking tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death in Canada. Tobacco smoke—from both the tobacco plant and additives to cigarettes—contains chemicals that can harm the body and cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tobacco smoke can also harm others in the same space as someone smoking through “second-hand smoke”. [2]
Alcohol is produced by fermenting or distilling fruits, vegetables, and grains. Consuming alcohol affects thinking and behaviour. [1]
Canada’s low risk drinking guidelines previously recommended that men limit alcohol use to 3 drinks per day (max 15 per week) and women limit use to 2 drinks per day (max 10 per week). [2] In 2023, the guidelines were updated. Low-risk drinking is now considered to be one to two drinks per week, regardless of a person’s sex. [3]
Prior to 2023, when the guidelines were updated, about half of adults in our community exceeded the low risk drinking guidelines. It is likely that more adults exceed the new guidelines, considering they are considerably more conservative.
Alcohol causes impaired thinking and behaviour, which can have immediate consequences, such as injury, violence, and issues with employment. Over time, heavy drinking can cause severe health issues such as liver disease, cancer, and depression. [4]
Overdose occurs when too much of one substance—or a combination of substances—is used and overwhelms the body. Overdoses can have severe consequences, including brain injury and death. [1]
In Canada, there is an ongoing opioid overdose epidemic. The high numbers of overdoses and related deaths is having a tragic impact on people who use drugs, their families, and their communities. [2]
Ensuring that people who use opioids have access to a safe supply and a safe place to use can prevent overdose and reduce the need for emergency care if an overdose does occur. [1]
Like all substances, people use opioids for a variety of reasons. Some may use opioids to cope with untreated mental illness, trauma, or other stressors. To reduce the harms of opioid misuse, addressing these underlying stressors is essential. [1]
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (n.d.). Tobacco.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2024, July 19). Health effects of smoking and second-hand smoke. Government of Canada.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (n.d.). Alcohol.
Health Canada. (2024, October 15). Low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines. Government of Canada.
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. (2023). Canada’s guidance on alcohol and health, public summary: Drinking less is better [Infographic].
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. (2023). Canada’s guidance on alcohol and health: Final report.
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2018, August 31). Overdose prevention.
Health Infobase. (2024, December 23). Key findings: Opioid- and stimulant-related harms in Canada. Government of Canada.
Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario). (2023). Smoking snapshot [Data file]. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario). (2023). Alcohol use snapshot [Data file]. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. (2024). Substance harm information & education dashboard [Dashboard]. Retrieved December 12, 2024.