A significant number of individuals are beginning 2026 by participating in Dry January, abstaining from alcohol for the entire month. However, recent research has shed light on the concerning levels of alcohol consumption among Canadians.
While the overall consumption of alcohol has decreased over time, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has observed a trend where adults who do consume alcohol are consuming larger quantities than before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a recent CAMH report released on Monday, the lingering effects of the pandemic, including lockdowns and public health measures, continue to influence alcohol consumption patterns.
Dr. Leslie Buckley, a psychiatrist and chief of the addictions division at CAMH, expressed that the impact of the pandemic on interpersonal relationships has contributed to the increase in alcohol consumption. She emphasized the need to reduce the number of individuals consuming alcohol at levels that pose both physical and mental health risks, acknowledging the challenge posed by the easy accessibility of alcohol.
Statistics Canada indicates that a majority of adults in the country consume alcohol. The CAMH Monitor eReport surveyed over 3,000 adults in Ontario, revealing concerns about the extent of alcohol consumption among Canadians. The report estimated that approximately 76% of legal drinking age adults had consumed alcohol in the past year, with 22% reporting monthly consumption.
Notably, a rise in daily drinking and binge drinking was observed in 2025 compared to pre-pandemic levels. The report highlighted a 3% increase in daily drinking and a 3.6% increase in binge drinking, defined as consuming five or more drinks on a single occasion at least once a week.
Gender disparities were evident in drinking habits, with men more likely to drink daily and engage in binge drinking compared to women. The report indicated that 9.8% of surveyed men consumed alcohol daily, while 13.7% engaged in weekly binge drinking. In contrast, 5.6% of women reported daily consumption, with only 5.8% engaging in weekly binge drinking.
Health Canada outlines various physical health risks associated with frequent alcohol consumption, including increased susceptibility to infections, higher cancer risks, heart disease, and organ damage. Dr. Evan Wood, a specialist in addiction medicine at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the detrimental impact of alcohol on mental health, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
Canadian guidelines recommend moderate alcohol consumption, with suggestions of no more than one or two standard drinks per week to mitigate health risks. The guidelines specify limits for women and men, with women advised to consume no more than two drinks per day and men up to three drinks per day.
Despite these guidelines, the alcohol content of many beverages exceeds standard measures, raising concerns about the actual alcohol intake of consumers. Dr. Wood expressed apprehension about the increased availability of alcohol in various provinces, warning of potential consequences such as higher alcohol consumption levels and related harms.
CAMH has observed a positive trend away from alcohol consumption over the past 50 years, with a decrease in the percentage of individuals reporting alcohol consumption in the past year. Dr. Buckley emphasized the importance of encouraging alternative activities for socializing and stress management, advocating for increased physical activity and non-alcohol-focused social engagements.