Health Department encourages everyone to be safe if using alcohol or cannabis during the holidays
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This holiday season, many individuals may be celebrating with family and friends. Some celebrations may include alcohol. Harms related to alcohol use represent a significant public health issue. That is why I encourage all Durham Region residents to become aware of risks associated with alcohol consumption and cannabis use, and to make informed choices.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has released Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health. This guidance helps Canadians understand the actual risks associated with alcohol consumption to help reduce short and long-term harm to health. The updated guidance recommends a harm reduction approach, indicating that even modest reductions in alcohol use can help to decrease risks of harm. Consuming more than two drinks on one occasion is associated with an increased risk of harm to yourself and others, including possible incidence of injury and violence.
The latest evidence also shows a direct link between drinking alcohol and increased risk of at least seven types of cancer. As well, research shows that regular and heavy consumption of alcohol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Some tips to help reduce the amount of alcohol you consume over the holidays include:
- Choosing products with less alcohol.
- Including non-alcoholic drinks.
- Planning alcohol-free days.
- Offering to be the designated driver to help you avoid drinking.
- Eating a variety of foods and snacks throughout the party.
- Be motivated by the fact that reducing the amount of alcohol you drink may save you money, improve your mental health and support you in getting a good night’s sleep.
Celebrations over the holidays may also include cannabis use in a variety of forms. While consuming edible cannabis eliminates the risk to your lungs associated with smoking or vaping cannabis, edible cannabis is not without its health risks.
Cannabis impairs your ability to drive by affecting your balance and coordination, motor skills, attention, judgment, reaction time, and decision-making skills. The effects of cannabis can last up to 24 hours. Through Durham Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, we are working to create safer roads for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Driving after cannabis use is not safer than driving after drinking alcohol. Using cannabis and other drugs together (such as alcohol) increases the effects of the drugs and can also increase the risk of injury or death from a car crash.
Here are some tips on how to reduce the risks when using cannabis:
- Mind the time:
- Start low and go slow. Cannabis edibles have delayed effects. It can take 30 minutes to two hours to feel the effects of edible cannabis, and the effects can last up to 24 hours.
- Always drive cannabis-free. Cannabis edibles can have a long effect.
- Mind their reach:
- Cannabis products should be locked and stored securely out of reach from children and pets.
- Mind the source:
- Purchase cannabis from legal sources. Unregulated cannabis products may contain higher levels of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), may be contaminated with other substances, and have packaging that is enticing to children and youth. Not all cannabis is created equally.
- It is also important to remember that there is no known safe amount of alcohol or cannabis use for individuals who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Thinking about how much you drink and asking yourself ‘why?’ can help you better understand how alcohol may be affecting your health and help you create a plan to drink less throughout the holiday season. For more information visit durham.ca/alcohol.
The New Year is also a good time to assess your cannabis use and consider lowering your risk if you choose to use cannabis. Helpful tools and information are available through Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines and Knowing Your Limits with Cannabis Guide, and also at durham.ca/cannabis.
Continuing to protect everyone from COVID-19, flu & other respiratory viruses…
With holiday gatherings, events and other social occasions occurring, everyone should remain mindful that we continue to be in peak respiratory viral illness season. As noted in my November message, I encourage everyone to keep up to date with their latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help keep us all safe this holiday season. Also, please remember to practice good cough and sneeze etiquette, and consider wearing a mask if participating in large gatherings, at public events or if using public transit. For more information go to durham.ca/covidinfohub.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
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