Alcohol Use and Health

Many people drink to celebrate, socialize, or relax, but it’s important to know that alcohol can negatively impact the health and the well-being of you and those around you. This page includes information on local alcohol use rates, the health risks of drinking, guidance on alcohol use, and what you can do to drink less.

Local statistics: Alcohol in northwestern Ontario

As part of our ongoing surveillance and monitoring of health trends in the region, we recently released a reporting dashboard on alcohol use. This dashboard outlines trends in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality, usage behaviours, as well as availability and cost in the NWHU catchment area and the province of Ontario.

Local health data indicates that alcohol use is a major cause for concern in our region

The local health data indicates that alcohol use is a major cause for concern in our region. Morbidity and mortality from alcohol-attributable causes are high in the NWHU catchment area. While this is not new information, our rates of alcohol consumption and the associated harms are alarming. Our region has very high rates of alcohol use and the negative outcomes associated with use. Learn more about our area’s alcohol use by viewing our Alcohol Trends Dashboard.

The health risks of drinking alcohol

Even moderate drinking can lead to health harms, including cancer, heart disease, and injuries. Alcohol also contributes to social challenges such as violence, financial difficulties, and relationship problems. According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption.

Many people are unaware that alcohol consumption is linked to cancer. The Straight Up Facts campaign is designed to inform people about the link between alcohol use and cancer risk. Drinking less can lower your risk of developing many chronic conditions associated with alcohol.

Graphic showing various types of alcoholic drinks with the text 'Alcohol can cause Cancer' in bold red letters. Below, it says 'Drinking less is better for your health.' and provides the website link straightupfacts.ca.

Updated alcohol guidelines: What you should know

The CCSA’s new Guidance on Alcohol and Health outlines science-based recommendations to help Canadians make informed decisions. Drinking more than two standard drinks per week significantly increases your health risk. The more alcohol you drink per week, the more the consequences add up.

Visual guide showing the health risks associated with different levels of alcohol consumption per week. 0 drinks: No risk, with benefits such as better health and sleep, shown in the green section. 1 to 2 drinks: Low risk, likely to avoid alcohol-related consequences, shown in the light green section. 3 to 6 drinks: Moderate risk, increased risk of cancer, including breast and colon cancer, shown in the yellow section. 7 or more drinks: Increasingly high risk, with a higher chance of heart disease or stroke, shown in the dark red section. Each additional drink further increases alcohol-related health risks.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to drive, avoid alcohol altogether.

Drinking less is better for your health

Drinking less alcohol can have improve your health and wellness. By staying within recommended limits, you reduce the likelihood of health issues. But what is a standard drink size? Here’s a quick guide to help you understand:

This image, titled "Know Before You Pour - Even a small amount of alcohol can impact your health," provides guidance on alcohol consumption. It explains that having 0 drinks per week offers benefits such as better health and sleep, and advises that no alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Consuming 1 to 2 standard drinks per week likely avoids alcohol-related consequences. Drinking 3 to 6 standard drinks per week increases the risk of several cancers, including breast and colon cancer. Consuming 7 or more standard drinks per week raises the risk of heart disease or stroke, with each additional drink further increasing alcohol-related health risks. The image also defines standard drink sizes: for beer, 341 mL (12 oz) is 1 standard drink, while a pint (20 oz) is 1.7 drinks; for wine, 142 mL (5 oz) equals 1 standard drink, and a large glass (9 oz) equals 1.9 drinks; for spirits, 43 mL (1.5 oz) is 1 standard drink, and a mixed drink (3 oz) equals 2.1 drinks.
Standard Drinking InfographicDownload

Know your limits

If alcohol is affecting your life in negative ways, it might be time to consider drinking less. The CCSA’s guide, Knowing Your Limits with Alcohol: A Practical Guide to Assessing Your Drinking provides helpful tools to evaluate your drinking and make changes if needed.

Finding support to cut down or quit drinking

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, there are resources available to help:

Taking action to cut down on drinking, or quit entirely, can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Don’t hesitate to seek out support if you need it. Assessing Your Drinking provides helpful tools to evaluate your drinking and make changes if needed.

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Last modified: 3 October 2024