From Experience to Evidence:
How Lived Experience can Shape Better Substance Use Policy
Key Findings
Starting Young and Social: For most, using alcohol or cannabis began in their teens. It was usually introduced by family or friends and was seen as a "normal" way to have fun or socialize.
The "It’s Not Me" Gap: Many people could see the dangers of substance use for other people, but didn't think those same risks applied to them. This is a common pattern we have seen in other areas, such as our research on gambling.
The Weight of Judgment: People still feel judged for using cannabis, though this has slowly improved since it became legal. This fear of being judged often dictates who they talk to and whether they feel safe being honest about their habits.
Our data reveals that about 74% of Respodents use alcohol and 25% uses cannabis. But what are the lived experiences behind those statistics? And how can the system effectively support people?
Based on in-depth conversations with 30 Canadian adults, “From experience to Evidence: How Lived Experience can Shape Better Substance Use Policy” looks beyond the numbers to understand the real lives of people who face challenges with alcohol or cannabis use. This study explores how their habits started and changed, what keeps them using, and how it affects their mental health and daily routines.
About this Report
This study draws on 30 in-depth qualitative interviews with Canadian residents conducted between September and November 2025. Participants were identified through a prior national survey conducted by Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) and selected if they scored 15 or more in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and 12 or more in the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test (CUDIT) scales.
No quotations have been attributed to individuals in ways that could enable identification.