Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis are the most prevalent drugs of abuse in Canada. A 1996 national survey found that 76.8 percent of Canadian adults aged 15 and over were current drinkers (who had consumed ALCOHOL at least once in the past year); an additional 13.5 percent said they were former drinkers, while only 9.7 percent said they never drank. Per-adult consumption was about 450 drinks per year (7.64 l) of absolute alcohol (ethanol). Overall alcohol consumption has decreased in Canada since the 1980s.

In 1996, 29 percent of adults were current smokers and another 29 percent were former smokers. Overall, the percentage of the population who smoke has been dropping since the 1970s. Practically all TOBACCO is consumed as cigarettes, with daily consumption per smoker estimated at 20.6 (more than one pack) in 1996.

The 1994 national survey found that 23.1 percent of adults had used MARIJUANA or HASHISH at some point...