Costs related to substance use in Canada continue to be astronomical, totalling $46 billion in 2017. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, has been analyzing this data to provide a more comprehensive breakdown about where and how these costs are incurred. A greater understanding of the costs and harms of substance use on the economy and people living in Canada can inform substance use policies, resources and treatment programs.
We are pleased to share with you a suite of resources featuring:
- A new infographic exploring unintentional deaths related to substance use among Canadian men;
- A new infographic examining deaths attributable to alcohol among Canadian women; and
- 12 updated infographics showcasing the cost and harms of substance use from 2015–2017 in the individual provinces and territories.
These resources expand on the June 2020 release of Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms (2015–2017), providing a more detailed examination of costs in each province and territory by substance, cost category and year-to-year analysis.
The new sex-specific resources are an introduction to how substance use can impact men and women differently. CCSA will continue to explore this work, contributing to the growing body of resources using sex- and gender-based analysis (SGBA+).
The data for these infographics can be reproduced using the Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms Visualization Tool. Use the tool to explore and compare the costs and harms of substance use in Canada. You can create and download customized charts, maps and tables to assist you in your work.
If you have any questions about this suite of resources, please contact csuch@ccsa.ca.