Substance Abuse in Canada

Substance use-and abuse-has existed in virtually all cultures throughout human history. Canada is no exception to this. But what may come as a surprise are the rates and the substances themselves that are most liable to abuse in this country. A recent study estimates that the cost of substance abuse is equivalent to $1,267 for every man, woman, and child in Canada in terms of lost productivity, health care, and law enforcement. And this does not include the personal cost. It is an issue worth considering.

In an accessible and engaging style, this short book presents the latest research, survey, and interview data on substance abuse, taking into account Canada's regional differences and demography. It describes the models used by experts to explain substance abuse and addiction, and evaluates the various social policy, psychological, and medical solutions.

Students and interested general readers alike will learn a great deal about how experts have come to understand the complicated, controversial topic of substance abuse.

Dr. Marilyn Herie has been a therapist and project leader at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) since 1992, and is currently an Advanced Practice Clinician in the Concurrent Disorders Unit. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto; Social Work Coordinator of the Collaborative Program in Addiction Studies at the University of Toronto; and Sessional Instructor at Ryerson University. She has co-authored books, book chapters, and articles in scholarly journals on brief treatment, alcohol dependence, relapse prevention, dissemination research, and online learning.


Wayne Skinner, MSW, RSW, is Deputy Clinical Director, Addictions Programs, at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, where he leads strategic priorities in problem gambling, concurrent disorders capacity-building and aboriginal addictions and mental health. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. He also directs the Addiction Studies Program in Continuing Education at the University of Toronto's St Michael's College and teaches in the School of Social Work at York University.