Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
Literature, best practices and media narratives can be readily found for people with substance use disorders (SUD), however much less is known across Canada about how to support the substance use health of everyone else. This report discusses research undertaken as a first step to quantify the health service and knowledge gap across the spectrum of substance use (including non-use). It is meant to stimulate discussions about an equitable and cost-effective allotment of resources that could improve the health of a broader range of people regarding their substance use.
Findings/Key points
The data suggests that there is very little health information or services available for people who do not have a SUD and that people do not know where to go to find this information or they do not feel they need it. Outside of a disorder, substance use and health are distinctly separate conversations, usually held with family and friends, online or through the media and not with health-care professionals. These conversations are largely focused on illness. Incomplete or questionable information about substance use from outside the health-care system contributes to false beliefs (e.g., stigma), which are barriers to care for anyone seeking support. Based on these results this report cites four recommendations that apply to a broad audience that includes the public, researchers, service providers and policy makers.
Design/methods
A cross-Canada poll was conducted of 4,023 people from December 2022 to January 2023. 24 survey questions were developed for this poll by the Community Addiction Peer Support Association (CAPSA) which sought to answer the following:
- Where does the general population turn to for information about substance use and health?
- Who do they talk to if they have questions or need help?
- Are they are being offered services to support their needs, regardless of how much or what type of substance they use?
