Canadians’ Pandemic Drinking Habits Have Stuck — And the Health Impacts Are Growing
A new 2025 report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) confirms what many healthcare providers across Ontario have been observing firsthand: while fewer Canadians may be drinking overall, those who do consume alcohol are doing so more frequently and in riskier ways than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we see how these patterns intersect with mental health, chronic disease, medication use, and family wellbeing. The findings highlight why primary care access, continuity, and early intervention matter more than ever.
Drinking Patterns Have Shifted — Not Reverted
The CAMH Monitor eReport compared alcohol and substance use trends in 2025 with data from 2019 and earlier years. One key finding stood out:
- Fewer people reported drinking alcohol at all
- But among those who do drink, daily consumption and binge drinking increased
Specifically, between 2019 and 2025:
- Daily drinking among drinkers increased
- Weekly binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) increased
- Hazardous or harmful drinking rose
- Symptoms consistent with alcohol dependence became more common
This suggests that habits formed during the pandemic have persisted, even as daily life returned to “normal.”
From a medical perspective, binge drinking is particularly concerning. While long-term alcohol use affects organs such as the liver and heart, binge drinking is linked to:
- Falls and injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Relationship strain
- Legal and workplace consequences
Mental Distress Has Risen Sharply
The report also documented a significant deterioration in mental health across the population.
Between 2019 and 2025:
- The proportion of adults reporting moderate to severe psychological distress more than doubled
- Reports of fair or poor mental health nearly tripled
- Indicators of emotional strain increased across all age groups
These trends reinforce what family physicians see daily: alcohol use and mental health are deeply interconnected. Many individuals drink not for enjoyment, but as a way to cope with stress, isolation, grief, pain, or sleep difficulties.
Prescription and Illicit Drug Use Is Also Increasing
Beyond alcohol, the report highlighted rising use of both illicit substances and non-medical use of prescription medications. Of particular concern was the sharp increase in non-medical use of prescription opioid pain relievers.
This often reflects people attempting to self-manage physical pain, emotional distress, or untreated mental health conditions — underscoring gaps in access to coordinated medical care.
Different Groups, Different Risks
The data revealed important differences across demographics:
- Men were more likely to report:
- Daily drinking
- Binge drinking
- Alcohol dependence symptoms
- Driving after drinking
- Higher use of nicotine, cannabis, and vaping products
- Women were more likely to report:
- Moderate to severe psychological distress
- Use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
- Fair or poor self-rated mental health
- Young adults (19–29) showed higher rates of binge drinking, hazardous alcohol use, cannabis use, and substance-related risk-taking
- Older adults (65+) were more likely to report daily drinking alongside poorer overall physical health
These patterns highlight that substance use and mental health challenges do not look the same for everyone — and care must be individualized.
Why Primary Care Matters More Than Ever
Researchers emphasized that the pandemic intensified existing trends toward social isolation, economic pressure, and chronic stress. When social connection weakens, people are more likely to turn to substances as a form of self-medication.
At OFHC, our integrated primary care model is designed to address these challenges early by:
- Identifying risky drinking patterns before dependence develops
- Screening for mental health concerns during routine visits
- Reviewing medications safely and holistically
- Connecting patients to counselling, addiction supports, and community resources
- Providing continuity of care through an ongoing relationship with a family physician
Early conversations can prevent long-term harm — and they often start in primary care.
If You’re Concerned About Your Drinking or Mental Health
If alcohol use, stress, anxiety, low mood, or sleep issues have become harder to manage since the pandemic, you are not alone — and help is available.
A conversation with your family doctor can be the first step toward safer coping strategies, better mental health support, and improved overall wellbeing.
Orleans Family Health Clinic remains committed to comprehensive, compassionate, and connected care for our community.
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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
