Substance Abuse In Canada: A Complete Report

People use substances for different purposes. Some use it to manage chronic pain and other health conditions, while others use them as part of religious activities. Still, others use substances to relax and have fun.

While there’s nothing wrong with a casual drink or taking painkillers once in a while, prolonged use can lead to undesirable effects. Misuse can also turn into dependence and eventually, addiction. Substance abuse carries with it numerous health risks and may even result in death. In addition, it can negatively affect personal relationships, hamper productivity, and burden an entire community.

And so it is with Canada. The country faces several challenges dealing with alcohol, cannabis, opioid, methamphetamine, and cocaine addiction. Every year, healthcare and economic costs outweigh the sales of these substances so perhaps it’s time for better policies and initiatives to address this public health concern.  

Alcohol Abuse In Canada

Alcohol helps some people unwind after a hard day’s work. To some, a beer or two is enough to kick off a great party. But do you know that Canadians drink a lot more compared to other countries? 

A 2019 Global Drug Survey ranks Canadians in the third spot after Brits and Americans for getting drunk the most times in a year. Canadians have all the right excuses to get drunk—from quiet evenings, weekend parties, grand festivities, and everything in between. It’s not surprising that alcohol is the number one most abused substance in Canada. 

And it’s not just occasional binge drinking, but heavy drinking as well. Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is marked by a constant urge to drink and the inability to stop the habit despite its negative impact. It stems from prolonged alcohol consumption and excessive drinking. 

A report from Statistics Canada shows how serious AUD is in the country. Although alcohol is only sold to people ages 18 years old and above, close to 6 million Canadians starting from age 12 and above are already heavy drinkers. The trend continues with adults aged 18 to 34, with more than 2 million heavy drinkers.

An estimated 1.3 million Canadians suffer from AUD, but the real number could be higher. Young and older adults of all genders, students, professionals, and even Canada’s indigenous peoples can experience AUD. Now that social restrictions are no longer in force, these dangerous drinking habits could continue to rise. 

• Consequences Of Alcohol Abuse

Excessive alcohol consumption comes with serious health and social consequences. Heavy drinkers are at risk for cancer, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Irresponsible drinking can also lead to risky behaviors that could lead to hospitalization or even death. 

AUD doesn’t only affect drinkers, but also their families and their community. It can lead to domestic violence, car accidents, and a host of other crimes. AUD can also affect work performance and may even result in job loss. What’s more, accidents and injuries often result from dull senses and impaired judgment. Heavy drinkers pose serious risks to their health and also to others.

Fortunately, AUD isn’t a death sentence. Treatments for alcohol addiction include detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare services. Those who suffer from AUD only need to acknowledge their condition and find the most suitable option to help them begin their path to recovery and sobriety.

Cannabis Abuse 

Cannabis or Marijuana is second on the list of Canada’s most abused substances. Canadians have the highest consumption rates in the world, with over 40 percent reported using marijuana in their lifetime. 

Based on the latest Canada.ca statistics, users abuse different types of cannabis products. Liquid cannabis oil is the most common (68%), followed by dried flowers or leaves (54%), followed by solid cannabis extracts (20%). These cannabis products are used to alleviate pain, improve focus, enhance pleasure from food or sex, and enhance creativity.

Previously, people thought that cannabis didn’t cause addiction. However, cannabis contains THC, a compound that makes users feel ‘high.’ In a study, higher THC concentrations can lead to adverse mental health outcomes and addiction. 

The feel-good sensation is temporary and can cause cravings to develop over time. Some people can even develop a tolerance after a few doses which compels them to increase cannabis consumption. In turn, this habitual use leads to dependence and ultimately, addiction. 

• Consequences Of Cannabis Abuse

Although cannabis addiction isn’t lethal, some people end up hospitalized because of heart ailments or mental health problems from continued use. 

Getting out of cannabis abuse can be challenging. Users may face both physical and psychological addiction to the substance. Those who cannot control their urges believe that increased intake can relieve pain or help them feel better. 

Overcoming cannabis addiction often requires extensive treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Common treatment options include supervised medication, different types of therapy (yoga, arts, counseling, etc.), physical fitness routines, and proper nutrition. 

Opioid Abuse 

Opioids rank third among Canada’s most abused substances. Opioids are prescription drugs used to treat chronic pain, control coughs, manage sleep disorders, and prevent diarrhea.

There are two types of opioids: natural and synthetic. Natural opioids are derived from Poppy, while synthetic opioids are made in the lab. Fentanyl, methadone, and meperidine are examples of synthetic opioids. These drugs alter how your brain processes pain and they can also produce feelings of euphoria in both short and long-term use. 

Chances are, there’s one in your medicine cabinet or your local pharmacy. Others source them from hospitals or nursing homes while computer-savvy ones buy online. They come in different forms such as pills, powder, or injections. They’re also available from drug dealers with street names such as brown sugar, Dover’s powder, junk, smack, OC, Big H, etc.

Prolonged use, however, leads to drug tolerance. You’ll find yourself wanting more after the ‘high’ wears off. This dependence compels you to increase the dosage or frequency to achieve the desired effects. 

Overdose is quite common.  Long-term use also results in addiction, opioid poisoning, and worse, death.  According to Public Health Infobase Canada, there were 7,560 opioid-related deaths in 2021, which roughly translates to 21 deaths per day.  Such death could be prevented with an effective, if not aggressive awareness campaign and strict laws to regulate its use.

Easy access is the main reason why there’s an opioid crisis in Canada. You can obtain it from almost anywhere with or without a prescription, making it an attractive option for teens and adults. Misuse is also a reason since people tend to use the drug for self-medication and even experimentation.   

Cocaine Abuse

Substance abuse not only covers alcohol or medication, but it also includes illicit drugs such as cocaine. Cocaine is also known as blow, coke, rock, and snow because of its powdery white form. 

Data from the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey reveal that 2.5% of Canadians aged 15 and above used cocaine during the previous year. Although the percentage of Cocaine use in Canada is low, the rate of usage among young adults, aged 20 to 24 years old is increasing. 

• Consequences Of Cocaine Abuse

No matter how you use it, cocaine can trigger happy hormones in your brain. This pleasurable feeling can last for several hours. Just like opioids, cocaine can lead to drug dependence which can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. 

Long-term use can lead to hallucinations and mood swings. It can also cause breathing difficulties, nose bleeding, and heart attack. If you’re sharing needles, you could also be at risk for Hepatitis B or C and even HIV. 

Methamphetamine Abuse 

Like opioids and cocaine, methamphetamine or meth, also known as crack, ice, and speed can also get you ‘high.’ You may feel energized and happy for some time but it’ll eventually wear off, leaving you craving for more.

Although meth addiction is quite low in Canada, the demand for appropriate treatment methods remains high in several regions. Rehabilitation facilities are very much needed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Service providers are badly needed to raise awareness and provide treatment.

• Consequences Of Methamphetamine Abuse

Meth can be very addictive because of its pleasurable effects, but like any other substance, prolonged use can affect your overall health. Dependence can lead to increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, weight loss, and dental problems. Addiction can also lead to psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment. Worse, it can result in hospitalizations and death.

Substance Abuse Recovery Plan

Alcohol, cannabis, opioid, cocaine, and methamphetamine all have detrimental effects on your physical and mental health. Abusing these substances can lead to serious illnesses and alter the way you think, act, and respond. 

Although substance abuse recovery is unique to every individual, the addiction recovery process follows the same steps.  

• Detox: detoxification is the first step toward substance abuse recovery. This stage requires the user to gradually reduce consumption until total abstinence is possible. Purging your system from the substance takes effort, but it will be worth it in the long run. 
• Withdrawal: this is perhaps the hardest part of the recovery process. Withdrawal symptoms can either be physical, mental, or emotional, depending on the type of substance, amount, and duration of use. This period allows your body to adjust and overcome dependence on a certain drug or a combination of them. Medication can also help manage withdrawal symptoms. 
• Rehab: Seeking professional help is part of the recovery journey. At this point, you or your loved one can choose between inpatient or outpatient rehab. The difference is that inpatient rehab requires you to stay in the facility for a certain duration while outpatient rehab allows you to continue to work and live with your family while attending therapy sessions.

• Recovery Support: addiction recovery does not end when you finish your rehab sessions. In fact, continuing support is crucial to ensure you don’t go into relapse. Counseling, support groups, and community integration are all crucial elements of a sound addiction recovery plan.

Canada’s Initiatives To Curb Substance Abuse 

Canada recognizes that policies and programs are keys to solving substance abuse. As such, the country has launched several initiatives that will help users overcome their addiction and live better lives. Some of them include: 

• Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS): The CDSS is the latest drug strategy for Canada. The plan covers prevention measures, treatment methods, harm reduction, and enforcement of regulations relating to dangerous substances.
• Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP): The SUAP is a program under the CDSS that provides funding to provinces and non-government units in their efforts to reduce substance-related harm and prevent overdose. It also aims to increase access to everyone at risk. 
• Removing the Stigma of Substance Abuse: The Canadian government aims to change the way people view and talk about substance abuse. They advocate for respectful language as a means to eliminate barriers to professional help. Being able to talk about substance abuse openly raises awareness for many people. In turn, this teaches citizens to be able to spot early signs of substance abuse and get help as early as they can.
• Improving Access to Treatment Services: In addition, the government understands that providing accessible resources is key to effective recovery. They aim to provide people with cost-effective treatment options that are tailored to their needs.

 

Conclusion

In sum, substance abuse is a pressing public health concern in Canada. It affects minors, both young and older adults, and encompasses all genders and professions. Identifying alcohol, cannabis, opioid, cocaine, and methamphetamine as the most abused substances allows the local and the federal government to create policies that control these substances. 

More importantly, these initiatives ensure a smooth recovery journey for people with substance abuse disorders. A dedicated strategy and adequate support system, along with a strong government-funded program, will help remove barriers and increase access to much-needed rehabilitation and aftercare services. 

Awareness also plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. This applies not just in Canada, but anywhere else in the world. With proper awareness, citizens can look after one another and ask for professional help before it’s too late.