Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline
COVID-19 & Substance Use
Impact of COVID-19 on the Substance Use of Canadians
Based on Statcan Data Report Released May 7, 2020
- Canadian data collected before the pandemic (in 2018 and 2019) show that consumption of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco is common amongst Canadians.
- 1 in 6 Canadians has consumed cannabis in the past 3 months.
- 1 in 5 Canadians drinks heavily.
- 1 in 6 Canadians currently smoke cigarettes.
- Based on the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series 1: Impacts of Covid-19 (CPSS) data collected March 29 – April 3, 2020, people aged 15 to 34 were more likely to report increased usage of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco than those aged 55 and older.
- The CPSS showed that the vast majority of Canadians reported that their consumption of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco remained unchanged when asked, “Have your weekly habits changed in any of the following activities? Consuming cannabis, consuming alcohol, and using tobacco products.”
- •The CPSS revealed that Canadians who rated their mental health as fair or poor were more likely to have their increased use of cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco. This association was found in both sexes and amongst young and old alike.
- Canadians who assessed their mental health as fair or poor were about twice as likely as those who self-perceived better mental health to report cannabis or cigarette consumption. (CPSS Data).
Feel to Heal
The more in tune and comfortable we become with our emotional selves, the more we are able to allow adverse thoughts and feelings to pass without impulsively reacting to them.
Morning Makeover
Are you waking up each morning to immediately reach for that cigarette to begin your day? The mindset in which you start your day can have a profound impact…
Food for Thought
Just as the food you ingest impacts your energy, the thoughts you ingest also impact your energy. We have to be careful what we feed our minds.
Slow and Steady
We all have heard the story about the Tortoise and the Hare. How often do we get caught up in comparing ourselves to others? Be kind to your mind.
Self-Compassion
Ask yourself where you are on the self-compassion scale. Do you think you could benefit from a ‘self-compassion lift’ to help boost your recovery?
For help with quitting, connect with the quitline based in this province by calling the phone number on your cigarette pack. Or sign up for an online program today:
