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Canadian substance-use statistics are useful when the question behind each number is clear: how many people used a substance, how many experienced problems, and how many wanted support? These measures describe different things. This guide explains selected national findings and practical routes to help, including public services in Ontario.
Canadian substance-use statistics: the 2025 survey
Health Canada’s 2025 Canadian Substance Use Survey collected responses from January 7, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Its 36,061 respondents represented people aged 15 and older across Canada’s 10 provinces.
| Measure | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Alcohol use in the previous 12 months | 77% |
| Use of an illegal or other substance of concern in the previous 12 months | 10% |
| Reported need for professional help related to substance use | 4%, approximately 1.4 million people |
| High risk of dependence on the ASSIST screening tool, among people who used substances in the previous three months | 4%, approximately 907,000 people |
The final row has a different denominator. It describes recent substance users, and a screening result does not establish a diagnosis. These are weighted survey estimates. Health Canada also cautions that questionnaire changes can affect comparisons with 2023, so some differences may reflect how questions were asked.
Substance use, physical dependence and a disorder
Substance use is a broad description. It can include drinking alcohol, using cannabis or taking a prescribed medicine. Counting use alone does not show how often someone uses a substance, why they use it or whether it is causing harm.
Physical dependence means the body has adapted to a substance and withdrawal symptoms may appear when it is reduced or stopped. This can happen with prescribed medication without the person having an addiction.
A substance use disorder involves a clinically assessed pattern of problems, which can include difficulty controlling use and continuing despite harmful consequences. Health Canada describes addiction as a treatable medical condition. Its guide to substance use explains these distinctions. A population survey or online questionnaire cannot determine an individual’s diagnosis.
Reading a statistic without losing its meaning
When comparing figures, check the age range, location and time period first. A percentage for teenagers is not interchangeable with one for everyone aged 15 and older. Likewise, having used a substance at least once during a year says little about daily use. Do not add percentages across different substances: the same person may be counted in more than one category.
Keep the original question beside the number when sharing it. A report of wanting professional support should not be relabelled as a count of diagnosed disorders. National averages also cannot tell you which level of care is suitable for a particular person.
When is it reasonable to ask for help?
Consider a conversation with a health professional if you are using more than you intended, finding it difficult to cut down, or noticing effects on relationships, work, finances or health. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s addiction overview describes loss of control, cravings and continued use despite consequences as reasons for further assessment.
You do not need to wait until problems become severe. An appointment can be a chance to describe what is happening and discuss your goals. Bring a list of medications and substances you use, and explain any symptoms you have noticed when reducing or stopping them.
What treatment and support can involve
Health Canada’s treatment guide describes options including counselling, medication, withdrawal management and peer support. Care may take place in the community, virtually or in a residential setting. The appropriate combination depends on the person’s needs and the substances involved.
Withdrawal management addresses one stage of care; ongoing support also matters. A clinician can help assess withdrawal risks and discuss a treatment plan. If residential care is being considered, ask how the program provides continuing treatment and connects people with support after discharge.
Finding help in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada
ConnexOntario provides free, confidential information about mental health and addiction services, 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-531-2600, text CONNEX to 247247, or use its website to search for programs and access live chat. You can contact the service for yourself or someone you care about.
For other provinces and territories, Health Canada’s public substance-use support directory lists local services, national support and Indigenous-specific resources. In an emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
You can also browse our Ontario treatment directory when comparing providers. Before choosing a program, ask who performs the assessment, which treatment approaches are available, whether medication can be continued when clinically appropriate, what costs and eligibility requirements apply, and how follow-up care is arranged. Confirm these details directly with the provider before making plans.