Substance use is a complex issue, with many causes and manifestations. It ranges from nonproblematic use to addiction and dependency, chronic disease, and death. It is a widespread and costly problem to individuals, families, communities, and governments across Canada. Sex and gender are biological and social determinants of health, respectively, that affect everyone’s health. Incorporating sex and gender into our responses to substance use will lead to better practice, and is now expected by funders and the public.
This workbook has been developed by researchers at the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, based on a review of literature on harm reduction, health promotion, prevention and treatment interventions and programs that are sex and gender informed, aimed at addressing opioid, alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use.
Who is this workbook for? If you work in the substance use system, in prevention, treatment or program and policy design, this workbook is for you. It will help you in thinking through the implications of sex and gender for your role, your work, your organization, and those you serve. CEWH-02-IGH-Handbook-Web
Click here to download the resource.