Rethink Your Drinking

Did you know?

Alcohol is the most used drug in Canada and can cause both short- and long-term harms to your health. In 2020, alcohol was responsible for 40.1% (or $19.7 billion) of the overall cost (healthcare, lost productivity, criminal justice, and other direct costs) of substance use in Canada – more than any other substance. 

In 2023, the Canadian Centre on Substance use and Addiction (CCSA) released Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, an update on the Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines from 2011.

The new guidance recommends people reconsider their drinking to reduce the risk of alcohol related harms based on risk associated with weekly consumption.

Why should you rethink your drinking?

Drinking alcohol can cause both short and long-term effects that can include but are not limited to:

Nausea and vomiting
Impaired concentration, judgement, and memory
Slurred Speech
Cancer
Liver Disease
Heart Disease
Mental Health Challenges
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A woman with her eyes closed, listening to music with headphones while meditating

Reducing your drinking can:

Reduce your risk of long-term health issues like cancer, liver disease, and heart disease.
Lower your chances of accidents and injuries related to alcohol.
Improve your mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Create a positive impact on those around you, including family, friends, and colleagues.

How do you rethink your drinking?

Visit Rethink Your Drinking for tips, resources, and guidance to help you reconsider your alcohol consumption.

Rethink Your Drinking

Tips to help Rethink Your Drinking

Track your drinks – Keep a log of how much and how often you drink. This can help you understand your patterns and set limits.
Set limits – Decide ahead of time how many drinks you’ll have and stick to it.
Plan alcohol-free days – Have days where you don’t drink at all. This can help reduce overall consumption and give your body a break.
Find alternatives – Choose non-alcoholic drinks, like sparkling water or alcohol-free beverages, especially in social settings.
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Local Supports

Local supports are also available to help in reducing your drinking. Visit Age Friendly Sarnia Lambton for services, our Harm Reduction page for more information on substance use in Lambton County, or the Lambton Drug and Alcohol Strategy to learn more about our community’s efforts to reduce the harms of substance use.