Addiction Statistics Canada-Wide

Addiction Statistics Canada-Wide

• Mandy Sandhu
• 26 Sep 2024

To better understand substance abuse and compile addiction statistics, Canada and many other countries around the world rely on data gathered by mental health and addictions institutions. With an understanding of substance use disorders, we’re better equipped to not only educate people about addiction, but also to address the complex reasons people might turn to drugs and offer appropriate care to patients who abuse drugs and alcohol.

The drug addiction statistics Canada has gathered outline what drugs are being used and who is using them, allowing us to design informed treatment and mental health programs for those with substance use disorders. Keep reading to see our rundown of the most relevant Canadian addiction statistics.

Drug Addiction Statistics Canada 

Substance use disorders can be divided into two categories, drugs and alcohol. Drugs can refer to both legal drugs, like prescribed medication or cannabis, and illegal drugs, like cocaine or heroin. Review this drug use data:

• Smoking is responsible for nearly 17% of deaths in Canada
• Over 40% of Canadians have used cannabis in their lifetime
• An estimated 3% of Canadians have used illegal drugs
• Young people between 15 and 24 are more likely to experience substance abuse disorders than any other age group
• This age group is also responsible for 60% of illicit drug use in Canada
• In Canada, around 47,000 deaths a year are due to substance abuse

This data shows that substance use disorders are a serious problem in Canada, and that there are opportunities to prevent drug-related deaths. From these statistics, Canada can learn valuable information to inform policies and practices to help treat substance use disorders. Let’s look further into the following drug use statistics. 

Illegal Drugs 

Statistics Canada has reported that in recent years there’s been an increase in stimulant abuse and addiction. In particular, the increase in cocaine use among Canadians is linked to overdose deaths, as drug users combine multiple substances. 

Read more: 15 Facts and Statistics on Cocaine and Cocaine Use in Canada 

Opiate and Opioid Overdose Data 

Opiate and opioid use continues to increase in Canada. In 2022, fentanyl was involved in 92% of opioid overdoses in British Columbia and 86% in Alberta. The Government of Canada has further outlined the following opiate statistics:

• Opiates are responsible for over 8,000 toxicity deaths per year, approximately 22 per day.
• Opiates cause over 6,300 yearly hospitalizations for poisoning, approximately 17 per day.
• Over 41,000 EMS responses occur every year (115 per day) to opioid-related overdoses.

If you or a loved one are struggling with opiate addiction, read more about our opiate addiction treatment program.

Prescription Drugs 

Prescription drug use can easily become misused when commonly prescribed medications for pain relief or mental health disorders are used for unintended purposes. Of Canadians with psychoactive prescriptions, 5% reported substance abuse disorders. 

Around 12% of Canadians also reported using opioid pain relievers, with 3% reporting problematic use. Freedom From Addiction understands the significance of this ongoing problem and offers specific treatment for prescription drug addiction.

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Alcohol Addiction Statistics Canada 

Did you know alcohol is the most common “drug” used by Canadians? Alcohol is a depressant and is often consumed to feel relaxed and lower inhibitions. It’s one of the substance abuse statistics that Canada collects.

However, excessive alcohol consumption often contributes to fatigue, aggression, and risky behaviour. Alcohol is easily accessible to many people, including young people. Take a look at these Canadian alcohol statistics:

• 22% of substance related deaths were due to alcohol.
• Hospitalization rates are 13 times greater than opioids.
• Alcohol accounts for about 15,000 deaths every year.

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Indigenous Addiction Statistics Canada 

Indigenous people account for 2.6% of the Canadian population, but 10% of overdose deaths. Furthermore, Indigenous women (compared to non-Indigenous women) are eight times more likely to experience nonfatal overdoses and five times more likely to experience fatal overdoses.

Canada youth drug use statistics also show a significant difference between non-Indigenous and Indigenous youth, with Indigenous youth more likely to use tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol. They’re also more likely to use these substances at younger ages.

Indigenous men were 26% less likely to use alcohol than Indigenous women. However, Indigenous men were more likely to use marijuana than non-Indigenous men. The discrepancy between women is more significant, though: Indigenous women are three times more likely to use marijuana than non-Indigenous women.

Image Source: Unsplash

Compassionate Care for Substance Use Disorders 

According to these addiction statistics, Canada faces major challenges with alcohol and drug use. The data clearly shows the negative consequences that substance use disorders have on Canadians’ physical health, mental health, communities, and lives. The drug use in Canada statistics paint a fairly clear picture of the situation.

If you or someone you love is struggling, take the first step and reach out for help at Freedom From Addiction. We’re a world-class drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre located in Aurora, Ontario. We offer care and support with holistic services from a passionate team. 

Don’t wait any longer. Contact us with any questions or to get started on your road to recovery.