Understanding the CAMH Drug Harms Study

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a key partner of the University of Toronto, has released a landmark research publication that is reshaping conversations around substance use in the country. This groundbreaking CAMH alcohol harm study, titled "Drug Harms in Canada: A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis," employs a rigorous scientific method to rank the overall harms of 16 commonly used psychoactive substances. Published in the prestigious Journal of Psychopharmacology on January 27, 2026, the study reveals alcohol as the most harmful drug for Canadians, scoring a staggering 79 out of 100. This finding underscores the urgent need for evidence-based policies, drawing on expertise from academics and clinicians across six provinces.

Conducted through a two-day decision conference in Toronto on November 10-11, 2024, the research involved a panel of 20 multidisciplinary experts, including epidemiologists, psychiatrists, public health specialists, and those with lived experience. Their work highlights how university-led research at institutions like CAMH and the University of Toronto is at the forefront of addressing public health challenges. For those pursuing careers in higher education, opportunities abound in faculty positions focused on addiction medicine and epidemiology.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The study's multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, first popularized in the UK by Professor David Nutt, evaluates drugs not just on individual risk but on population-level impact. Experts scored each substance from 0 to 100 across 16 harm dimensions—10 affecting users (physical, mental, social) and 6 impacting others (e.g., crime, economic costs). Weights were assigned based on relative importance, factoring in prevalence data from national surveys like the Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey.

This method accounts for both pharmacological risks and regulatory contexts, such as alcohol's widespread availability. Unlike simplistic danger scales, MCDA provides a nuanced view, explaining processes step-by-step: first, criterion identification; second, scoring via evidence review; third, weighting through swing methods; and finally, aggregation into overall scores. CAMH researchers, many holding faculty roles at Canadian universities, exemplify how academic rigor drives policy-relevant science.

In Canada, where alcohol is legally sold in convenience stores following Ontario's 2024 expansions, this context amplifies harms. University students and professors studying public policy can explore these dynamics through programs linked to sites like higher education career advice.

Alcohol Emerges as Top Harm-Ranking Substance

Alcohol's dominance in the CAMH alcohol harm study stems from its score of 79, far surpassing tobacco at 45, non-prescription opioids (like fentanyl-contaminated street drugs) at 33, cocaine and methamphetamine at 19 each, and cannabis at 15. It topped nine categories: drug-related physical health damage, withdrawal symptoms, short- and long-term mental impairment, loss of tangibles and relationships, injury, family and social adversity, and economic costs.

This table illustrates the hierarchy, emphasizing alcohol's broad impact due to 76% past-year use among Canadians over 15.

Breaking Down Alcohol's Harms to Users and Society

Harms to users account for 52.4 points, including over 200 linked diseases like cancer and liver disease, with no safe consumption level per Canada's 2023 guidance (two or fewer standard drinks weekly). Societal harms (26.4 points) include intimate partner violence, child neglect, and emergency room overload—alcohol intoxication cases dominate visits.

• Physical: Liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular issues.
• Mental: Dependence symptoms elevated post-COVID per CAMH Monitor 2025.
• Social: Family breakdowns, lost productivity.

In higher education, professors teaching addiction courses at colleges highlight these through case studies, preparing students for roles in clinical research jobs.

International Comparisons and Canadian Context

Consistent with UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand MCDA studies, alcohol ranks highest globally due to prevalence. In Canada, $19.7 billion annual costs (40% of substance totals) exceed opioids, per 2023 Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction data. Ontario's grocery store sales expansions risk further rises, contrasting stricter tobacco rules.

Cultural normalization—think hockey games or holidays—exacerbates this. University research centers are pivotal in advocating change, offering postdocs and lecturers insights into comparative policy.

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Expert Perspectives from CAMH Researchers

Lead author JF Crépault, CAMH senior policy advisor, states: "Alcohol clearly stands out... a major gap between harms and regulation." Dr. Jürgen Rehm notes severe drugs like meth "punch above their weight," but alcohol's ubiquity wins. Dr. Tim Naimi, University of Victoria, pegs net taxpayer cost at 30 cents per Ontario drink.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Dominique Morisano observes rising cannabis dependence but affirms alcohol's lead. These academics, rated highly on platforms like Rate My Professor, mentor future experts.

Economic and Social Ripple Effects

Beyond health, alcohol drives unemployment, absenteeism, and crime. In 2023, 7,146 opioid deaths paled against alcohol's daily toll. Provinces bear costs via healthcare; universities train economists modeling these.

This image visualizes the $19.7B burden, urging fiscal policy shifts.

Policy Recommendations and Solutions

Experts call for harm-proportionate regulation: hike prices, curb marketing, limit hours/locations. Successes like Australia's tax increases reduced consumption. CAMH advocates primary prevention, echoing university-led youth programs.

• Increase minimum pricing.
• Restrict ads near schools.
• Fund treatment via higher ed admin roles.

Higher Education's Role in Addiction Research

CAMH's University of Toronto ties amplify impact; faculty like Bernard Le Foll pioneer pharmacology. Programs in epidemiology and psychiatry equip graduates for research assistant jobs, addressing Canada's crisis.

Explore opportunities at Canadian colleges via AcademicJobs.ca Canada.

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

With post-pandemic harms lingering (CAMH Monitor 2025), expect policy pushes. Individuals: track intake via apps; Dry January trials cut risks. Universities foster interdisciplinary solutions, from AI harm prediction to community outreach.

Looking ahead, academic innovation will guide safer Canada.

Photo by Andre Furtado on Unsplash

Conclusion: Time for Informed Change

The CAMH alcohol harm study spotlights alcohol's perils, urging balanced policies. As a trusted resource, AcademicJobs.com connects seekers to professor ratings, higher ed jobs, career advice, and university jobs. Engage below and advance public health.