Alcohol & You
Alcohol is part of our society. For many people, alcohol helps us mark special occasions, socialize, and wind down. But alcohol is also linked to problems that affect the people we care about. These problems include injuries, chronic disease, and social problems including legal consequences. Find out more:
Low risk drinking guidelines
Assess your drinking
- Saying When: How to quit drinking or cut down digital app available for Apple iPhone and Android devices.
- Evaluate your drinking online (Alcohol Help Centre)
Pregnancy
We want our babies to be born healthy so they can have a healthy happy future. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent birth defects and brain damage to your baby. There is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Partners can support mom-to-be by helping her have an alcohol-free pregnancy Be Safe: Have an Alcohol-free Pregnancy (PDF)
Alcohol & the Law
Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving poses a serious health risk to communities. MADD Canada estimates that 40% of all traffic collisions are a result of alcohol misuse. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation reported in 2015 (using 2013 stats) that 25% of fatal car accidents involve drinking and driving. Those charged with drinking and driving – including operating off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes and ATVs, snowmobiles, and boats – face fines, jail time, and potential loss of driving privileges, job, family and friends.
Be a Responsible Host
As the host of a party, you are responsible for injuries and damages that occur as a result of the alcohol you provide during and after any events you organize such as house parties, weddings and company parties.
- Having a Party - a resource for hosts from the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health.
- Hosting a gathering during COVID-19? Visit our Safer Socializing and Gatherings page
The program SmartServe educates servers on their responsibilities and obligations that are legally associated with providing alcohol. Visit www.smartserve.ca for more information.
Alcohol & the Community
Let's Start a Conversation about Alcohol: Community Report
Released in February 2016 this community report describes alcohol use, harms and potential actions in Thunder Bay District to reduce alcohol-related harms. Visit Let's Start a Conversation resource page to access this report and accompanying resources.
Municipal Alcohol Policy
Research clearly links alcohol availability to alcohol-related harms and points to Municipal Alcohol Policies (MAPs) as important tools to prevent and minimize the harmful effects of alcohol use. For more information visit our Municipal Alcohol Policy page.