A significant number of individuals are kicking off 2026 by observing Dry January, committing to abstain from alcohol for the entire first month of the year. However, recent research is shedding light on the concerning levels of alcohol consumption among Canadians.
While the overall consumption of alcohol has shown a decrease in the long run, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has highlighted a worrisome trend where adults who drink are consuming larger quantities of alcohol than before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
According to a recent CAMH report released on Monday, the effects of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns and public health measures have had a lasting impact on alcohol use patterns. Dr. Leslie Buckley, a psychiatrist and the chief of the addictions division at CAMH, remarked that the significant influence of the pandemic on social interactions has contributed to this trend.
Despite the relaxation of social restrictions in recent years, Dr. Buckley expressed a desire to see a reduction in the number of individuals consuming alcohol at levels that pose risks to both physical and mental well-being. However, experts anticipate challenges in achieving this goal due to the easy accessibility of alcohol.
The CAMH Monitor eReport on substance use, mental health, and well-being surveyed over 3,000 adults in Ontario, revealing that approximately 76% of legal drinking-age adults had consumed alcohol in the past year. Notably, about 22% reported drinking on a monthly basis.
A concerning trend identified in the report is the increase in daily drinking by three percent in 2025 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Additionally, binge drinking, defined as consuming five or more drinks on a single occasion at least once a week, saw a 3.6% increase compared to pre-pandemic rates.
Men were found to be more likely to engage in daily drinking compared to women, with 9.8% of surveyed men reporting daily alcohol consumption compared to 5.6% of women. Similarly, 13.7% of men admitted to binge drinking at least weekly, while only 5.8% of women reported the same behavior.
Health Canada outlines various physical health risks associated with frequent alcohol consumption, including increased vulnerability to infections, heightened cancer risks, heart disease, and organ damage, particularly to the liver. Dr. Evan Wood, a professor specializing in addiction medicine at the University of British Columbia, highlighted the adverse effects of alcohol on mental health, citing increased rates of depression and anxiety that could lead to severe consequences like self-harm.
The Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction’s guidelines recommend limiting alcohol consumption to one or two standard drinks per week to avoid serious health consequences. Health Canada’s federal guidelines specify that women should not exceed two standard drinks per day (up to 10 per week), while men are advised not to consume more than three drinks per day (up to 15 per week).
However, the actual alcohol content of many beverages may surpass standard drink measurements. Some wines, beers, and pre-mixed cocktails have higher alcohol percentages than the typical standards. Dr. Wood expressed concerns about the increased availability of alcohol in various provinces, warning that it could lead to higher levels of alcohol use disorders and associated harms.
Despite these challenges, there has been an encouraging trend away from alcohol consumption over the years, as highlighted by CAMH’s data spanning nearly five decades. Dr. Buckley emphasized the importance of encouraging alternative social activities and stress management strategies rather than relying on alcohol. Encouraging physical activity and engaging in alcohol-free social events can contribute to maintaining mental well-being and reducing alcohol consumption.
Overall, promoting healthier drinking habits and exploring non-alcoholic avenues for socializing and relaxation could play a crucial role in addressing the concerning trends in alcohol consumption observed among Canadians.