Addiction

183 articles:
Marijuana
Alcohol
Opioids
Tobacco
by Sandor Demeter

Federal, provincial governments in need of an addiction intervention

Despite all the lip service governments spew out about how unhealthy smoking is, or how much they advise responsible gambling and drinking, they have not taken the needed steps to reduce the harm from these products and activities.
by Chetan Mehta

From harm reduction to harm production: A frontline physician on the closure of safe consumption sites

The closure of safe consumption sites in Ontario flies in the face of scientific evidence and my experiences as a physician on the frontlines.

by Andrea Seale

Canadians deserve up to date health guidance on alcohol

Despite a mountain of evidence, the federal government’s guidance on alcohol has not been updated since 2011. Canadians deserve clear guidance on alcohol and health, and there is a simple path forward.
by Maddi Dellplain

‘A lot of work to do, one conversation at a time’: New Year’s resolutions for 2026

With changes reverberating throughout our health-care system, we wanted to know what health-care experts planned to focus on for themselves in the year ahead.
by Salar Farokhi Boroujeni Shavez Khan Rushil Dave

Medical students call for prevention and cessation initiatives with tobacco settlement monies

As medical students, we hope for a future where fewer of our patients suffer from preventable tobacco-related illness. A future within reach if we act now.
by AnnMarie Churchill Marion Cooper

Rethinking mental health and substance use health solutions

What if you or someone you know needs mental health and substance use health care right now? Do you know exactly where to go to get what you need?
by Tushar Sood

‘And the dead cannot recover’: The fatal consequences of closing Supervised Consumption Sites

Bill 223 ordered the closure of more than half of Ontario’s 17 supervised consumption sites with no equivalent replacement. For many medical students like me, this is personal.

by Lesley James Sarah Butson Hillary Buchan-Terrell

Ontario is getting $7B from the tobacco settlement. Why the silence on where it’s going?

After an Ontario court approved a $32.5 billion big tobacco settlement, one question looms large – why has Ontario been silent on its plans for its share of this money?
by Maddi Dellplain

Safe supply an effective treatment tool despite political backlash, study confirms

New study shows that safe supply may be a more effective treatment option than methadone for those most at risk,.
by Anushya Vijayaraghevan Ajay Chahal

Cannabis education missing in Canadian health care

The legalization of cannabis was a watershed moment for Canada’s health-care system – but legalization without education has left patients vulnerable to misinformation.
by Sandor J. Demeter

Health Canada must stop prevaricating and ban the sale of cigarettes

On the heels of a Canadian court approving a $32.5 billion settlement against Big Tobacco, it’s high time to ban the sale of cigarettes.
by Maddi Dellplain

How health care works in Canada: What to know ahead of the federal election

With voters heading to the polls on April 28, we figured it’s time for a refresher on how health policy is made and where the parties stand.
by Elaine Hu

No physician should be punished for advocating for life-saving services during the toxic drug crisis

As a young doctor-in-training, I feel obligated to speak out against Island Health's unethical treatment of Jessica Wilder.
by Emily Gwun-Shun Lennon

End of substance use and addiction program funding ‘very, very short-sighted’

On March 31, the federal funding for 22 safer supply initiatives across the country expired. Unless provinces step in, many patients will be left with few options.

by Maddi Dellplain

Health care and the Canadian election: What experts are hoping to hear

Canadian health-care leaders will be listening closely to what our federal politicians have to say on the campaign trail. This is what they hope to hear from candidates this election.
by Jacob Bailey

The Czardom of Kevin Brosseau, first of his name 

In a (failed) attempt to avoid tariffs, the Canadian government agreed last month to invest heavily in border security. Who is the man tasked with securing the border? Newly appointed Fentanyl Czar and former Mountie, Kevin Brosseau.

by Emily Gwun-Shun Lennon

Guelph braces for ‘devastating impacts’ as supervised consumption site set to close

As Guelph’s only supervised consumption site prepares to close March 31, advocates warn people will die and the surrounding community will suffer.
by Maddi Dellplain

Charity fills the gap in pet fostering services for struggling community members in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

For The Homies - Downtown Eastside Pet Support Society is a new grassroots organization offering much-needed pet fostering and other pet services for community members and their furry friends.
by Elliott Brierley Dina Shenouda

‘We do not need compassionate care: We need a country that cares with compassion’

Conservative politicians have pushed for involuntary treatment, often termed "compassionate care." While compassionate care seems like the easiest answer, the policy is problematic.

by John Oyston

In praise of ‘dual users’

As physicians our goal should be to reduce death, disease and disability, not to tell other people how to live their lives. Dual users deserve our praise and encouragement.

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