Perceived Impact of COVID on Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Youth and Youth Adults in Canada

The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the mental health of Canadians adversely^1,2 and as a result, both mental health problems and substance use among adolescents have increased.^2,3 A recent study reported that 22.6% of Canadian adults increased their alcohol consumption, including 4.8% heavy drinking, compared to their pre-pandemic alcohol consumption levels.⁴ Moreover, the frequency of both alcohol and cannabis use among adolescents has increased as well.³ In the United States, retail sales of alcohol and tobacco increased by 34% and 13% respectively during the early pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic time.⁵ In addition, about half of adult cannabis users in Canada indicated that they have increased their cannabis consumption during the pandemic.⁶

There is limited evidence of changes in substance use among adolescents^2,3 and adults^4,6 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Exploring patterns of changes in substance use among youth and young adults is crucial and may have implications for future burden of disease.

Author(s): Michael Chaiton, Jolene Dubray, Anasua Kundu, and Robert Schwartz
Date: September 2021
Type of Publication: Journal Article