Alcohol use among Canadians

Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance among Canadians.1,2 Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for global disease burden, including deaths and cancer development.3 Alcohol use is of particular concern among youth because they are at higher risk for alcohol-related harms.4 In 2017, the economic burden of alcohol use in Canada was estimated to be greater than $16 billion, with $5.4 billion of that sum spent on health care.5 The Canadian Alcohol Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines (LRDG) outline best practices for setting drink limits and when not to drink alcohol to reduce both the short- and long-term risks of alcohol-related harms among Canadians.6

The current page presents trends of alcohol use among Canadians 15 years of age and older from the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) and the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS). Trends of alcohol use among grade 7 to 12 Canadian students from the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS), formerly the Youth Smoking Survey (YSS), are also presented.

Graph Icon

About three quarters of Canadians report consuming alcohol in the past year (Figure 1)

  • The prevalence of past-12-month alcohol use remained relatively stable among Canadians, 15 years of age and older, ranging from 76% to 78% between 2008 and 2017.
  • While the prevalence of past-12-month alcohol use has been relatively stable among males, it increased slightly among females between 2008 and 2017.
    • Among females, the prevalence of past-12 month alcohol use increased slightly among those 25 years and older, while it remained stable among 20 to 24 year olds and declined by 17% among 15 to 19 year olds.
  • The prevalence of past-12-month alcohol use was highest among 20 to 24 year olds, ranging from 83% to 86% between 2008 and 2017.
Figure 1. Prevalence (%) of past-12-month alcohol use among the general population, 15 years and older, by sex and age group, Canada¹, 2008 to 2017

¹Excluding the territories.
Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.

Figure 1: Text description
Figure 1. Prevalence (%) of past-12-month alcohol use among the general population, 15 years and older, by sex and age group, Canada1, 2008 to 2017
20082009201020112012201320152017
Overall77.376.5↓77.078.078.475.9*76.978.2
[76.0-78.6][75.1-77.8][75.6-78.3][76.4-79.5][77.0-79.9][74.5-77.3][75.6-78.3][76.5-79.9]
Males81.480.280.281.982.780.681.379.5↓
[79.5-83.2][78.3-82.1][78.2-82.3][79.6-84.1][80.6-84.8][78.8-82.4][79.4-83.1][76.9-82.0]
Females73.5↑73.073.974.374.471.2*72.776.9*
[71.8-75.3][71.2-74.9][72.1-75.7][72.0-76.5][72.4-76.4][69.1-73.4][70.6-74.8][74.6-79.3]
15 to 19 yrs.73.666.362.963.758.660.359.156.8
[68.0-79.1][59.6-73.0][59.6-66.2][55.9-71.5][50.6-66.6][57.6-63.1][55.5-62.6][54.1-59.5]
20 to 24 yrs.84.5↓86.384.783.183.783.282.783.5↓
[79.0-89.9][81.1-91.4][81.4-87.9][75.2-91.1][77.5-89.9][80.4-85.9][79.7-85.6][80.1-86.8]
25+ yrs.77.176.778.079.380.076.5↑*77.879.4
[75.9-78.6][75.4-78.1][76.5-79.5][77.8-80.9][78.6-81.4][74.9-78.1][76.3-79.4][77.4-81.3]

[95% confidence intervals in brackets]

* Statistically significant difference from the previous cycle (P<0.05).

1 Excluding the territories.

↑ Rounds up to whole number.

↓ Rounds down to whole number.

Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.


Group Icon

About two thirds of Canadians report consuming alcohol in the past 30 days (Figure 2)

  • About 63% to 68% of Canadians, 15 years and older, reported past-30-day alcohol use between 2008 and 2017.
  • While the prevalence of past-30-day alcohol use has been relatively stable among males, it increased by approximately 11% among females between 2008 and 2017.
    • Among females, the prevalence of past-30-day alcohol use increased by 11% among those 25 years and older, while it remained stable among 20 to 24 year olds and declined by 15% among 15 to 19 year olds.
  • The prevalence of past-30-day alcohol use was highest among 20 to 24 year olds, ranging from 66% to 74% between 2008 and 2017.
Figure 2. Prevalence (%) of past-30-day alcohol use among the general population, 15 years and older, by sex and age group, Canada¹, 2008 to 2017

¹Excluding the territories.
Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.

Figure 2: Text description
Figure 2. Prevalence (%) of past-30-day alcohol use among the general population, 15 years and older, by sex and age group, Canada1, 2008 to 2017
20082009201020112012201320152017
Overall64.463.5↑62.863.163.365.666.368.2
[62.9-65.9][62.0-65.0][61.3-64.4][61.2-64.9][61.6-65.1][63.9-67.3][64.8-67.8][66.1-70.2]
Males70.669.768.469.5↓69.872.472.271.5↑
[68.5-72.7][67.4-71.9][66.0-70.7][66.8-72.1][67.1-72.4][70.0-74.7][70.2-74.3][68.8-74.2]
Females58.657.757.657.057.259.060.664.9*
[56.6-60.5][55.6-59.8][55.6-59.6][54.5-59.5][55.0-59.5][56.7-61.4][58.4-62.8][62.1-67.7]
15 to 19 yrs.55.5↓47.340.441.736.446.0*44.5↓43.5↑
[49.1-61.9][40.1-54.4][37.1-43.7][33.7-49.7][28.9-43.8][42.9-49.1][41.0-47.9][40.9-46.2]
20 to 24 yrs.72.374.370.368.5↑66.173.970.5↓71.3
[65.9-78.8][67.9-80.8][66.5-74.2][59.6-77.5][58.0-74.1][70.8-77.0][66.9-74.0][68.0-74.7]
25+ yrs.64.864.364.865.265.866.5↓67.769.8
[63.3-66.3][62.8-65.9][63.1-66.6][63.4-67.0][64.1-67.6][64.5-68.4][66.1-69.4][67.4-72.1]

[95% confidence intervals in brackets]

* Statistically significant difference from the previous cycle (P<0.05).

1 Excluding the territories.

↑ Rounds up to whole number.

↓ Rounds down to whole number.

Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.


Magnifying Glass Icon

Canadians drink more than recommended by the Canadian Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (Figure 3)

  • Between 2008 and 2017, about 19% to 21% of Canadians, 15 years of age and older, who drank alcohol in the past year, exceeded the LRDG that help reduce long-term (i.e. chronic) alcohol-related harms (e.g. cancers).
  • Between 2008 and 2017, about 13% to 15% of Canadians, 15 years of age and older, who drank alcohol in the past year, exceeded the LRDG that help reduce short-term (i.e. acute) alcohol-related harms (e.g. poisoning).
  • Between 2008 and 2017, among Canadians who drank alcohol, while the prevalence of exceeding the acute-risk guideline decreased by 10% among males (from 18.5% to 16.6%); it increased by 29% among females (from 10.1% to 13.0%).
  • Between 2008 and 2017, among Canadians who drank alcohol, while the prevalence of exceeding the chronic-risk guideline remained relatively stable among male (ranging between 21% and 24%); it increased by 20% among females (from 16.0% to 19.2%).
    • Among females who drank, the prevalence of exceeding both guidelines increased among those 25 years and older, were stable among those 20 to 24 years, and declined among 15 to 19 year olds.
  • Between 2008 and 2017, the prevalence of exceeding both guidelines was highest among 20 to 24 year olds who drank alcohol compared to those 15 to 19 years and 25 years and older, ranging from 11% to 36% for exceeding the chronic-risk guideline and from 22% to 28% for exceeding the acute-risk guideline.
Figure 3. Prevalence (%) of exceeding Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDG) among the general population, 15 years and older, Canada¹, 2008 to 2017

¹Excluding the territories
²Based on alcohol consumption in the previous 7 days among Canadians who reported consuming alcohol in the past 12 months. LRDG chronic: people who drink within this guideline must drink "no more than 10 drinks a week for women, with no more than 2 drinks a day most days and 15 drinks a week for men, with no more than 3 drinks a day most days. Plan non-drinking days every week to avoid developing a habit. LRDG Acute: those who drink within this guideline do so by "drinking no more than 3 drinks (for women) or 4 drinks (for men) on any single occasion. Plan to drink in a safe environment. Stay within the weekly limits outlined" in the guidelines. A drink means: “Beer: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Cider/ Cooler: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Wine: 142 ml (5 oz.) 12% alcohol content; Distilled Alcohol (rye, gin, rum, etc.): 43 ml (1.5 oz.) 40% alcohol content”.
Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.

Figure 3: Text description
Figure 3. Prevalence (%) of exceeding Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (LRDG) among the general population, 15 years and older, Canada1, 2008 to 2017
20082009201020112012201320152017
Exceeded LRDG among people who drink - Chronic2 (%) - Overall19.819.119.118.718.620.920.020.8
[18.3-21.2][17.6-20.7][17.6-20.5][17.0-20.4][16.9-20.2][19.2-22.6][18.5-21.4][18.6 - 22.9]
Exceeded LRDG among people who drink - Acute2 (%)- Overall14.315.5↓13.813.112.815.015.414.8
[12.9-15.6][14.0-17.0][12.6-15.1][11.6-14.5][11.4-14.2][13.5-16.5][14.0-16.7][13.0 - 16.7]

[95% confidence intervals in brackets]

Statistical testing of significance not available.

1 Excluding the territories.

2 Based on alcohol consumption in the previous 7 days among Canadians who reported consuming alcohol in the past 12 months. LRDG chronic: people who drink within this guideline must drink ""no more than 10 drinks a week for women, with no more than 2 drinks a day most days and 15 drinks a week for men, with no more than 3 drinks a day most days. Plan non-drinking days every week to avoid developing a habit. LRDG Acute: those who drink within this guideline do so by "drinking no more than 3 drinks (for women) or 4 drinks (for men) on any single occasion. Plan to drink in a safe environment. Stay within the weekly limits outlined" in the guidelines.

A drink means: "Beer: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Cider/ Cooler: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Wine: 142 ml (5 oz.) 12% alcohol content; Distilled Alcohol (rye, gin, rum, etc.): 43 ml (1.5 oz.) 40% alcohol content".

↑ Rounds up to whole number.

↓ Rounds down to whole number.

Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.


Group Icon

About one quarter of Canadians reported heavy drinking in the past year between 2013 and 2017 (Figure 4)

  • The prevalence of past-12-month heavy drinking among Canadians, 15 years of age and older, increased from 20% in 2008 to 23% in 2013 and has been relatively stable until 2017.
  • While, the prevalence of past-12-month heavy drinking increased among both males and females between 2008 and 2013, it has been relatively stable among males and increased by approximately 22% among females between 2013 and 2017.
    • Among females, the highest increase in the prevalence of past-12-month heavy drinking was seen among those 25 years and older (87%), compared to an increase of 14% among 20 to 24 year olds and a decline of 41% among 15 to 19 year olds.
  • The prevalence of past-12-month heavy drinking was highest among 20 to 24 year olds, ranging from 38% to 45% between 2008 and 2017.
Figure 4. Prevalence (%) of past-12-month heavy drinking¹ among the general population, 15 years and older, Canada², 2008 to 2017

¹Heavy drinking refers to males who reported having five or more drinks or females who reported having four or more drinks, on one occasion, at least once a month in the past year.
²Excluding the territories.
Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.

Figure 4: Text description Figure 4. Prevalence (%) of past-12-month heavy drinking1 among the general population, 15 years and older, by sex and age group, Canada2, 2008 to 2017, 2008 to 2017
20082009201020112012201320152017
Overall19.719.5↑19.220.318.2*23.2*22.5↓24.4
[18.4-21.0][17.7-21.3][17.9-20.4][18.8-21.8][16.8-19.6][21.7-24.8][21.1-23.8][22.4-26.3]
Males26.324.5↑2527.122.8*29.6*28.328.1
[24.2-28.4][21.7-27.3][22.9-27.1][24.6-29.6][20.6-25.1][27.2-32.1][26.1-30.5][25.1-31.1]
Females13.61513.713.913.817.0*16.820.7
[12.1-15.0][12.7-17.2][12.3-15.0][12.1-15.7][12.1-15.4][15.1-18.8][15.3-18.4] [18.3-23.2]
15 to 19 yrs.34.929.923.120.89.9# *23.1*20.219.4
[28.6-41.3][21.3-38.5][20.4-25.9][14.9-26.8][6.3-13.5][20.6-25.6][17.6-22.8][17.0-21.9]
20 to 24 yrs.39.445.139.445.037.940.338.640.4
[32.5-46.3][35.4-54.8][35.3-43.5][35.5-54.5][29.6-46.3][36.9-43.7][35.3-42.0][37.3-43.5]
25+ yrs.16.5↓16.217.218.417.321.5↑*21.123.3
[15.2-17.7][14.6-17.9][15.8-18.6][16.9-20.0][15.9-18.7][19.7-23.3][19.6-22.6][21.0-25.5]

[95% confidence intervals in brackets]

* Statistically significant difference from the previous cycle (P<0.05).

# Moderate sampling variability, interpret with caution

1 Heavy drinking refers to males who reported having five or more drinks or females who reported having four or more drinks, on one occasion, at least once a month in the past year.

2 Excluding the territories.

↑ Rounds up to whole number.

↓ Rounds down to whole number.

Source: Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 to 2012; Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2013 to 2017.


Figure 5. among the general population, 15 years and older, by sex and age group, Canada1, 2017

Overall

Overall Pictogram

Sex

Male Pictogram

Female Pictogram

Age group

¹Excluding the territories
²Based on alcohol consumption in the previous 7 days among Canadians who reported consuming alcohol in the past 12 months. LRDG chronic: people who drink within this guideline must drink "no more than 10 drinks a week for women, with no more than 2 drinks a day most days and 15 drinks a week for men, with no more than 3 drinks a day most days. Plan non-drinking days every week to avoid developing a habit. LRDG Acute: those who drink within this guideline do so by "drinking no more than 3 drinks (for women) or 4 drinks (for men) on any single occasion. Plan to drink in a safe environment. Stay within the weekly limits outlined" in the guidelines. A drink means: “Beer: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Cider/ Cooler: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Wine: 142 ml (5 oz.) 12% alcohol content; Distilled Alcohol (rye, gin, rum, etc.): 43 ml (1.5 oz.) 40% alcohol content”.
³Heavy drinking refers to males who reported having five or more drinks or females who reported having four or more drinks, on one occasion, at least once a month in the past year.
Source: Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2017.

Figure 5: Text description
Figure 5. Alcohol use, among the general population, 15 years and older, by sex and age group, Canada1, 2017
OverallMales Females15 to 19 yrs.20 to 24 Yrs.25+ Yrs.
Mean age at first use of alcohol (Yrs.)18.317.718.9*15.816.918.5↑
[18.0-18.5][17.3-18.0][18.5-19.3][15.7-16.0][16.8-17.1][18.3-18.8]
Past-12-month alcohol use (%)78.279.5↓76.956.883.5↓79.4
[76.5-79.9][76.9-82.0][74.6-79.3][54.1-59.5][80.1-86.8][77.4-81.3]
Past-30-day alcohol use (%)68.271.5↑*64.943.5↑71.369.8
[66.1-70.2][68.8-74.2][62.1-67.7][40.9-46.2][68.0-74.7][67.4-72.1]
Exceeded LRDG among people who drink - Chronic2 (%)20.822.319.218.428.920.1
[18.6 - 22.9][19.1 -25.6][16.4 -21.9][14.3-22.5][26.0 -31.9][17.6 -22.5]
Exceeded LRDG among people who drink - Acute2 (%)14.816.6*13.011.823.614.1
[13.0 - 16.7][13.8 -19.4][10.6 -15.5][9.5-14.1][20.8 -26.5][12.0 -16.3]
Past-12-month heavy drinking3 (%)24.428.1*20.719.440.423.3
[22.4-26.3][25.1-31.1][18.3-23.2][17.0-21.9][37.3-43.5][21.0-25.5]

[95% confidence intervals in brackets]

LRDG: Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.

* Statistically significant difference between males and females (P<0.05).

Statistical testing of significance not available for age groups.

1 Excluding the territories.

2 Based on alcohol consumption in the previous 7 days among Canadians who reported consuming alcohol in the past 12 months. LRDG chronic: people who drink within this guideline must drink ""no more than 10 drinks a week for women, with no more than 2 drinks a day most days and 15 drinks a week for men, with no more than 3 drinks a day most days. Plan non-drinking days every week to avoid developing a habit. LRDG Acute: those who drink within this guideline do so by ""drinking no more than 3 drinks (for women) or 4 drinks (for men) on any single occasion. Plan to drink in a safe environment. Stay within the weekly limits outlined"" in the guidelines.

3 Heavy drinking refers to males who reported having five or more drinks or females who reported having four or more drinks, on one occasion, at least once a month in the past year.

A drink means: "Beer: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Cider/ Cooler: 341 ml (12 oz.) 5% alcohol content; Wine: 142 ml (5 oz.) 12% alcohol content; Distilled Alcohol (rye, gin, rum, etc.): 43 ml (1.5 oz.) 40% alcohol content".

↑ Rounds up to whole number.

↓ Rounds down to whole number.

Source: Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2017.


Figure 6: , among the general population, 15 years and older, by province, Canada1, 2017

The prevalence of past-12-month alcohol use (%) in Canada among the general population, 15 years and older, was 78 in 2017.

1 Excluding the territories
2 Heavy drinking refers to males who reported having five or more drinks or females who reported having four or more drinks, on one occasion, at least once a month in the past year.
Source: Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2017.

Figure 6: Text description
Past-12-month alcohol use (%)Past-30-day alcohol use (%)Past-12-month heavy drinking² (%)
Canada78.268.224.4
[76.4-79.9][66.1-70.2][22.4-26.3]
Newfoundland77.467.732.5↓
[72.5-82.3][62.4-73.1][26.9-38.0]
Prince Edward Island68.458.423.6
[62.2-74.6][52.2-64.6][19.6-27.7]
Nova Scotia73.864.128.4
[69.2-78.3][59.0-69.1][24.0-32.9]
New Brunswick74.965.224.9
[70.2-79.6][60.3-70.1][20.4-29.4]
Québec84.273.325.0
[81.0-87.4][69.4-77.3][21.1-28.9]
Ontario75.665.622.2
[72.4-78.8][62.0-69.2][19.0-25.4]
Manitoba71.060.124.0
[66.1-75.8][55.0-65.1][19.0-29.0]
Saskatchewan78.467.5↓22.7
[73.9-82.9][62.1-72.9][18.4-27.0]
Alberta78.869.327.6
[74.7-82.3][64.7-73.9][22.5-32.8]
British Columbia78.5↓69.725.5↓
[73.9-83.0][64.5-74.9][20.4-30.5]

[95% confidence intervals in brackets]

1Excluding the territories.

2Heavy drinking refers to males who reported having five or more drinks or females who reported having four or more drinks, on one occasion, at least once a month in the past year.

↑ Rounds up to whole number.

↓ Rounds down to whole number.

Source: Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) 2017.

More information and related material

Acknowledgement

The Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS), sponsored by Health Canada, was developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH), the Centre for Addiction Research - British Columbia (CAR-BC), Alberta Health Services (formerly, Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission), Manitoba Health, the Centre québecois de lutte aux dépendances (CQLD), and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). Statistics Canada conducted the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) on behalf of Health Canada.

Notes on the data

The Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS) is a biennial general population survey that collects information on substance use among Canadians aged 15 years and older. The survey is conducted in the 10 Canadian provinces excluding the territories. CTADS replaced the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) that was conducted from 1999 to 2012, and the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) that was conducted from 2008 to 2012. CTADS was launched in 2013 and ran for 3 cycles until 2017. In 2019, CTADS was split into two surveys, a new tobacco survey, and the Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CADS) that was implemented in 2019.

References

Footnote 1

Health Canada. Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS): Summary of results for 2017. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-tobacco-alcohol-drugs-survey/2017-summary.html

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

Health Canada. Summary of results for the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey 2018-19.. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-student-tobacco-alcohol-drugs-survey/2018-2019-summary.html

Return to footnote 2 referrer

Footnote 3

GBD 2016 Alcohol Collaborators. Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 Lancet 2018 Sep 22; 392(10152):1015-1035.

Return to footnote 3 referrer

Footnote 4

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Youth and alcohol. http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/CCSA-Youth-and-Alcohol-Summary-2014-en.pdf

Return to footnote 4 referrer

Footnote 5

Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms Scientific Working Group. (2020). Canadian substance use costs and harms 2015–2017. (Prepared by the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.) Ottawa, Ont.: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

Return to footnote 5 referrer

Footnote 6

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Canada Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines [Brochure]. 2018. https://ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2020-07/2012-Canada-Low-Risk-Alcohol-Drinking-Guidelines-Brochure-en_0.pdf

Return to footnote 6 referrer

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