People and Communities

Early childhood experiences (ACEs) shape our minds and play a large role in how we interact with the world. ACEs can increase the risk of physical and mental illness later in life, including substance use disorders.

Educators want factual information about alcohol and other drugs. CCSA creates evidence-based resources for youth allies, such as educators, to help students make informed decisions about substance use health.

The insights of people with lived and living experience of substance use are unique and vital. No one else can share so meaningfully about what their experience of substance use and addiction feels like and what effect this has on their lives and the lives of people around them.

CCSA is dedicated to supporting Indigenous health and wellness by addressing substance use health inequities, dismantling systemic racism and strengthening its organizational culture. By incorporating Traditional Knowledge and First Nations, Inuit and Métis ways of knowing, CCSA fosters culturally relevant and inclusive approaches.

National Addictions Awareness Week highlights solutions to help address alcohol- and other drug-related harms. It’s an opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about prevention and harm reduction, talk about treatment and recovery, and discuss solutions for change.

CCSA has committed to integrating sex-, gender- and equity-based analysis into all of our work. By reviewing the whole body of research available and refining the results, we’re able to identify research and resources relevant to specific populations.

Stigma is not only hurtful, but it also has real-life consequences. In the field of substance use health, stigma is a significant barrier for people with a substance use disorder or who have used substances in the past.

CCSA conducts research, shares knowledge and provides materials to support evidence-based decisions and actions for addressing youth and substance use.

CCSA produces a variety of substance use- and addiction-related publications for researchers, policy makers and health service providers. We provide guidance to decision makers through harnessing the power of research, collecting and organizing knowledge, and bringing together diverse perspectives. 

Learn about our strategic plan and our areas of focus.