Canada: Number of Heavy Alcohol Drinkers, by year
YearNo. of persons aged 12 years and older
20226,468,600
20215,051,000
20205,320,500
20195,802,200
20185,946,400
20176,015,500
20165,770,900
20155,782,800
20145,281,113
20135,531,638
  • Region: Canada
  • Time period: 2013 to 2022
  • Published: Nov 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 30, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Sharp Increase in Heavy Alcohol Consumption in 2022

The number of Canadians aged 12 years and older identified as heavy alcohol drinkers saw a significant increase in 2022, reaching 6,468,600 persons. This represents the highest figure in the dataset, marking a 28% rise from 5,051,000 persons in 2021, the largest year-over-year increase observed.

Steady Growth Trend Over the Decade

Over the ten-year span from 2013 to 2022, the population of heavy alcohol drinkers in Canada exhibited a steady upward trend. The increase from 5,531,638 in 2013 to 6,468,600 in 2022 indicates an overall growth of 16.9%, highlighting a persistent rise in heavy alcohol consumption among Canadians.

COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Alcohol Consumption

The data suggests a fluctuating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on heavy alcohol consumption. In 2020, the number of heavy drinkers slightly increased to 5,320,500 from 5,806,200 in 2019, suggesting a possible initial rise in alcohol consumption during the pandemic. However, 2021 saw a decrease to 5,051,000, before the sharp spike in 2022.

Comparison of Recent Years Reveals Volatility

The period from 2017 to 2022 reveals a volatile pattern in the number of heavy alcohol drinkers. While there was a modest decrease from 6,015,500 in 2017 to 5,946,400 in 2018, the numbers fluctuated significantly in subsequent years, underlining the unpredictable nature of alcohol consumption trends.

Minimal Growth from 2015 to 2016

The transition from 2015 to 2016 demonstrated minimal growth in the number of heavy alcohol drinkers, increasing from 5,782,800 to 5,770,900. This 0.2% increase is the smallest year-over-year change recorded in the dataset, indicating a period of relative stability in heavy alcohol consumption rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the number of heavy alcohol drinkers in Canada changed over the past decade?

The population of heavy alcohol drinkers in Canada grew by 16.9% over the decade from 2013 to 2022.

What was the smallest year-over-year change in heavy alcohol drinkers recorded in the dataset?

The transition from 2015 to 2016 had the smallest year-over-year change recorded at a 0.2% increase.

Terms and Definitions

Refers to individuals who consistently consume alcohol amounts beyond the recommended moderate drinking guidelines. This group is characterized by higher levels of alcohol consumption, which can lead to negative health effects including alcohol dependence or addiction.

The process of consuming alcoholic beverages. It refers to the amount of alcohol, usually counted per unit or drink, ingested by an individual within a specified period.

Considered as a measure of safe and low-risk drinking. This usually means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Also known as alcohol addiction. It is a serious and chronic medical condition where an individual cannot control or stop their use of alcohol, despite its negative impacts on their life and health.
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