Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Canada. While it is often normalized and associated with social events, it can be harmful. Any level of alcohol increases the potential for long-term health risks including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and alcohol dependency. Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health allows individuals to assess their own level of risk and make informed decisions about alcohol use.

There are many links between substance use and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, support is available. 

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There is information now available on second hand harms from alcohol, or Alcohol Harms To Others (AHTO).

Social Harms

• Property damage 
• Family/marriage problems
• Problems at work 
• Problems with friends/neighbours
• Kept awake
• Contacted the police 

Physical Harms

• Physically hurt
• Felt physically threatened/harassed/afraid/unsafe
• In a traffic accident 
  

Psychological Harms

• Harassed, bothered, called names, or otherwise insulted
• Feeling threatened or afraid 
• Passenger ins a vehicle with an impaired driver 
• Emotionally hurt/neglected 
• Child negatively affected 
  

Financial Harms

• Financial problems
• Moved home
• Problems at work

Child Abuse and Neglect

• Family Problems
• Child negatively affected
• Child safety at risk

Sexual Violence

• Harassed, bothered, called names, or otherwise insulted
• Forced/pressured into sex
• Intimate Partner Violence

Talking to your children about alcohol at an early age is important. Most students in Grades 7-12 try alcohol before other substances.
Youth drink for many reasons: 

• To fit in with their peers 
• Because they see their parents drinking 
• To help relax or deal with stress 

For some youth, drinking alcohol can lead to problems in school, mental health conditions and continued use as adults. 

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Energy drinks should not be consumed with alcohol, as they can mask the feeling of intoxication, leading to increased alcohol consumption. Health Canada does not permit the sale of drinks that contain both due to potential harm. 

Energy drinks are not considered to be a healthy choice for children, teens, people who are pregnant and breastfeeding/chestfeeding.  If you’re feeling low on energy, try having a nutritious snack or meal, drink water, and make sure you’re getting enough rest. 

Online Resources 

• Energy Drinks and Their Risks – Dietitians of Canada 

The safest choice is to avoid alcohol when you’re trying to have a baby or when pregnant. If you’re drinking while pregnant or were unaware of your pregnancy, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to assess you and your baby’s wellbeing. 

How can drinking and breastfeeding/chestfeeding affect the baby?

Frequent and excessive drinking while breastfeeding/chestfeeding can cause health risks to you and your baby. These harms may include:

• Can lead to a reduction in milk production
• Disrupt baby sleep patterns
• Negative developmental outcomes
• Delayed/impaired motor development 

If you decide to have alcohol while breastfeeding/chestfeeding here are some tips to reduce harms:  

• Have a sober adult present to take care of your baby if you’re unable to
• Do not sleep in the same bed as your baby after drinking
• Breastfeed/chestfeed before you plan to drink alcohol
• Eat food while drinking 

For more information visit: Alcohol - MotherToBaby

As we age, the risks of harm from substances can change due to the changes in our body, life transitions and losses. It is important to keep this in mind before drinking alcohol.  

Considerations for Older Adults 

For the aging population, alcohol can affect you differently. 

•  As you get older, your body processes alcohol slower, so you might feel its effects more and for longer.
• Some medications can mix badly with alcohol. 
• Alcohol slows down your brain and body, making you react slower, which can lead to falls and injuries.
• Alcohol can make physical or mental health issues worse or increase the chance of developing new health issues. 
  

Long Term Effects of Alcohol

• It can increase the risk of certain brain conditions, like alcohol related dementia
• It can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients
• It can cause tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• It can cause shaking or tremors
  

There are other considerations, like how substance use can be connected to big life changes. When people go through changes or losses, it can lead to many different feelings. Some people may use alcohol or other substances to help them cope with these different feelings. Using substances to cope can lead to harms. 

Signs of Alcohol Problems

In some cases, older adults may feel that alcohol is causing problems in their lives. Some signs of alcohol problems may include:

• Problems with sleep
• Stomach problems or a lack of desire to eat
• Problems in relationships
• Not feeling interested in things you usually enjoy
• Trying to cover up the truth about drinking

Other signs of problems could be withdrawal symptoms. These signs
may look like:

• Racing pulse
• Tremors
• Agitation

Signs of alcohol use problems and signs of medication use problems can look the same. If you see some of these signs in a friend or loved one, suggest the person talk to their doctor about the problems they might be experiencing.  

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), there are some questions you can ask yourself if you think you might have an alcohol problem:

• Have you ever felt annoyed by others’ criticism of your drinking
• Have you ever thought you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
• Do you have a drink of alcohol first thing in the morning?

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, it is best to talk to your doctor or an addiction professional to help you decide whether you might benefit from treatment or other support.

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