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Canadians Drinking More, Even as Overall Use Declines
13 Jan
Summary
- Adults who drink alcohol are consuming higher quantities than pre-pandemic.
- Daily drinking rose 3% and binge drinking increased 3.6% since 2019.
- Men are more likely to engage in daily and binge drinking habits.
New research from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reveals a concerning trend in Canadian alcohol consumption. Although overall drinking rates have decreased over the long term, adults who consume alcohol are doing so in larger quantities than before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The report highlights a significant increase in frequent drinking habits. Data from 2025 shows a 3% rise in daily drinking and a 3.6% increase in binge drinking compared to 2019. Men are disproportionately affected, with higher rates of both daily and binge consumption compared to women.
Experts warn of serious physical and mental health risks associated with increased alcohol intake. Health Canada's guidelines for low-risk drinking are often exceeded by actual consumption patterns, especially with higher alcohol content in many beverages. Concerns are also raised about the increased accessibility of alcohol across Canadian provinces.
