The quiet expectation that life would simply return to “normal” after the pandemic has proven tragically false, at least when it comes to risky alcohol consumption in Ontario. A decades-long study reveals a disturbing truth: harmful drinking patterns haven’t faded with the easing of lockdowns, but remain stubbornly, dangerously high.
For nearly five decades, researchers have meticulously tracked substance use and mental health across the province. The latest data, gathered from over 3,000 Ontario adults, paints a concerning picture. While fewer people report drinking alcohol overall, those who do are drinking in ways that pose significant risks to their health and well-being.
The numbers tell a stark story. Regular alcohol consumption – defined as drinking frequently – has surged since before the pandemic, climbing from 7.4% in 2019 to a concerning 12.1% in 2025. This isn’t a minor fluctuation; it represents a substantial increase in the number of individuals consistently putting their health on the line.
Experts are particularly alarmed by the persistence of high-risk drinking. Dr. Leslie Buckley, a leading voice in addiction research, emphasizes that alcohol remains a leading preventable cause of death in Canada, fueled by its easy availability and addictive potential. The situation isn’t improving, despite hopes for a return to pre-pandemic norms.
Adding another layer of complexity, the way people are buying alcohol is changing. Traditional beer stores are losing ground, with purchases nearly halved in the last decade. Grocery and convenience stores are stepping in, offering increased access to alcohol, a development researchers are watching closely for potential consequences.
While it’s too soon to definitively link increased availability to higher consumption, the concern is palpable. Greater access, particularly for those already at risk, could exacerbate an already troubling trend, pushing vulnerable individuals towards even more harmful patterns.
The crisis extends beyond alcohol. Self-reported mental and physical health continue to languish at pandemic levels, or have actually worsened. Nearly 30% of Ontarians now report fair or poor mental health, a significant increase since 2020.
The strain is visible in medication use. Anti-anxiety prescriptions among women have risen sharply, and antidepressant use among seniors has seen a dramatic jump. Even among men, who historically underreport mental health struggles, a growing number are admitting to feeling overwhelmed and distressed.
Researchers initially believed the mental health decline would be temporary, a direct response to the acute stress of the pandemic. However, five years later, the numbers continue to trend downward, suggesting a deeper, more persistent crisis. This underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in mental health and addiction support services.
Interestingly, cannabis use has remained relatively stable, with current levels comparable to those seen in 2020. Legalization in 2018 did lead to a near doubling of use compared to pre-2013 levels, but the trend has plateaued, offering a contrasting narrative to the ongoing struggles with alcohol.
The data serves as a powerful wake-up call. The pandemic didn’t just disrupt our lives; it appears to have fundamentally altered patterns of substance use and mental well-being. Addressing this requires a long-term commitment to support, monitoring, and a deeper understanding of the forces driving these concerning trends.
