Blog Posts: Alcohol use

Did you know that at-risk drinking is more prevalent among older adults than other age groups? In this 2-minute video, Dr. James MacKillop discusses the risks of hazardous drinking and the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Then read on to learn about the eleven symptoms of AUD and how our ability to process alcohol changes as we age.

In this 3-minute video, Dr. Leslie Martin discusses the potential surgical complications for those who drink alcohol in the days or weeks before surgery.

People who drink alcoholic beverages are at higher risk of complications during and after surgery. Alcohol consumption can reduce heart and immune system function, prolong bleeding time, and increase the body’s stress response. The less alcohol you drink before surgery, the better. In this video, Dr. Leslie Martin discusses the potential surgical and post-operative risks for people who consume alcohol in the days or weeks leading up to surgery.

Any amount of alcohol consumption can have risks for your health. In this video, Dr. Sophiya Benjamin talks about Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines (2011), what a 'standard drink' is, and how following the guidelines can help to reduce both the short- and long-term risks of alcohol use.

Can turning to our peers hold benefits for our health? You’ll be happy to know that research lends support to the use of this strategy.

Are you or someone you care for looking for a program to support recovery from alcohol misuse and dependence? See what the research says about widely used recovery support services.

The harmful use of alcohol resulted in approximately three million deaths worldwide in 2016. Managed alcohol programs are a promising harm-reduction approach for people living with severe alcohol dependence who often experience homelessness or housing instability.

Drinking alcohol puts you at a significantly higher risk of complications post-surgery. Intensive strategies that curb alcohol intake in the period leading up to surgery may improve how well you come out on the other side.