Canadians are self-reporting an increase in alcohol use, particularly those under the age of 54. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction commissioned a Nanos poll to find out if COVID‑19 measures were affecting the amount of alcohol that Canadians are consuming. The results are clear:
- 25% of Canadians (aged 35–54) have increased the amount of alcohol they drink while spending additional time at home.
- 21% of Canadians (aged 18–34) report their alcohol consumption has increased.
- Only 10% of adults older than 54 say they have been drinking more alcohol since they began practicing social distancing and self-isolation.
Canadians also report that the main reasons for their increased alcohol use are change of schedule (51%), boredom (49%) and stress (44%).
In response to these findings, CCSA is providing resources to reduce the potential harms associated with increased alcohol consumption.
They have created a new infographic, COVID-19, Alcohol and Cannabis Use. This resource outlines the risks associated with increased alcohol and cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how it can affect your immune system and increase susceptibility to COVID-19.
In addition to promoting this new resource, they are reprofiling their other trusted alcohol and cannabis resources, including:
- Knowing Your Limits with Alcohol: A Practical Guide to Assessing Your Drinking
- Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
- Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines Quiz
- Cannabis Public Education Suite of Resources
We encourage you to share this information and these resources within your networks.
Click here to download the infographic.