A significant number of Canadians, particularly young adults in their 20s, are disregarding federal recommendations on alcohol consumption, according to a report from the Department of Health.
Blacklock's Reporter says the report found that 19% to 21% of Canadian drinkers exceeded the guidelines aimed at reducing long-term alcohol-related harm.
“The prevalence of exceeding guidelines was highest among 20 to 24-year-olds,” the report noted.
The Canadian Alcohol Low Risk Drinking Guidelines recommend no more than two standard drinks per day for women and three for men, with some alcohol-free days each week.
A “standard drink” is defined as a bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of spirits.
Stricter limits have been proposed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, which recommends adults consume no more than two bottles of beer per week. Exceeding three drinks weekly “increases significantly” the risk of cancer, according to the Centre.
“Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance among Canadians,” the health department wrote. “Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for global disease burden.”
The report highlighted that 78% of Canadians drink occasionally, with the rate rising to 84% among young adults in their 20s. Most Canadians begin drinking at the legal age of 18.
The findings follow a 2024 federal study on potential measures to reduce alcohol consumption, such as warning labels on alcoholic beverages and increasing costs through taxation.
Other proposed measures include limiting alcohol advertising, introducing generic packaging similar to tobacco products, and restricting portrayals of alcohol use in movies.
“Suggestions for regulatory measures included increasing the cost of alcohol, restricting the availability of alcohol, legislating generic packaging, offering tax incentives for low or non-alcoholic beverage producers, and restricting the depiction of alcohol consumption in movies,” stated the report.
