Alcohol Related Topics

More than one or two drinks a day increases the risk of stroke and cancer.

Waterloo Region's Use Exceeds Provincial Average

Some 79.3 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and over report drinking alcohol. The Region of Waterloo reports significantly higher alcohol use than the provincial average.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Monitor survey in 2007 reported that 27 per cent of Waterloo Region respondents have alcohol problems, compared to 19 per cent across the province.

Other findings:

• 35 per cent of Waterloo Region residents exceed the low-risk drinking guidelines, compared to 23 per cent across Ontario.

Waterloo Region Teenagers

The higher Waterloo Region rates also held true for our teenagers in Grades 9 to 12, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's 2007 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. Following are some findings about Region students from that survey:

• Consume alcohol: 75.7 per cent, compared to 73 per cent provincially.
• Binge drinking: 37 per cent, compared to 35 per cent provincially.
• Hazardous drinking: 32 per cent, compared to 25.5 per cent provincially.

Useful Links

Visit these pages for more facts about alcohol use:

Alcohol Facts

Low Risk Drinking Guidelines

Are you at risk for an alcohol problem?

Alcohol Poisoning and Binge Drinking

Alcohol and Pregnancy