Alcohol & Other Drugs

Drugs, including alcohol, are everywhere. Their use and misuse can lead to many unintended social and health consequences.

Drug misuse affects everyone:

For example:

• Unborn babies may be subject to whatever substances a mother uses.
• Children may be at risk of unintentional poisoning.
• Teenagers may experiment with drugs.
• Adults may turn to alcohol to cope with life’s stresses.
• Older adults may not be using their medications properly.

Finding solutions:

While it sounds like a big problem, there is plenty that can be done to decrease drug and alcohol misuse. Being aware that there is an issue is the first step.

Learn about the health impacts of using and misusing alcohol and other drugs, and how to protect yourself from them:

• drink spiking
• Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, Public Summary: Drinking Less Is Better (Infographic) (PDF)
• women and alcohol
• the important role of adult influencers
• breastfeeding
• binge drinking
• alcohol and the law
• cannabis
• prescription drugs
• street drugs and pregnancy
• Alcohol Use and the Health of Our Community – 2017 Report
• other drugs

Services and support:

As leaders in our community, promoting Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health Final Report (PDF) and raising awareness of the harmful impacts of substance misuse in our communities, Public Health raises awareness through media events, community presentations and educational initiatives, while promoting policy initiatives that protect the health and safety of all citizens in our communities.

---

This item was last modified on April 17, 2023