Strengthening the Forces – Safer substance use this summer

July 02, 2024 - Defence Stories

#DYK that substance use often increases in the summer?  As many of us go on “vacation mode,” and take part in more frequent social gatherings, there are many more opportunities to consume substances like alcohol or cannabis. Summer activities like patios, golfing, barbeques, music festivals and cottage days are often tied to drinking, making the season a particularly difficult time for anyone struggling with substance use.

Reduce the risks

Did you know that not only does alcohol increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, it also reduces coordination and awareness of your surroundings. In the summer, the increased consumption of alcohol and other impairing substances is a leading cause of injury and death through drowning incidents, boating accidents, and motor vehicle crashes.

• Learn about lower-risk guidance on alcohol and cannabis, and talk to your health care provider about any medications you may be taking to ensure it’s safe to consume alcohol or cannabis.  
• Stay hydrated! Drink lots of cool liquids, especially water, and have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Don't drive, boat or swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when tired. (Alcohol, cannabis and other substances impair physical and mental abilities, like judgement, coordination, and reaction time.)

Boating and summer events and festivals

Just like driving a car, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Mixing alcohol and drugs with boating is far more dangerous than you may realize. Fatigue, sun, wind, and the motion of the boat may dull your senses, and alcohol and drugs intensify these effects, leaving you with reduced fine motor skills (for example, hand-eye coordination) and impaired judgement. Many refuse to get into a car with a driver who has had some drinks, so why boat with a driver who has been drinking? Discuss choosing a “designated boat driver” before hopping onboard.  Health Canada has created a list of additional tips to reduce health risks associated with substance use during summer events and festivals.

Lastly, learn how to talk about substance use to reduce the stigma. Regardless of the season, stigma is one of the biggest barriers to people seeking the information they need to make informed choices on substance use and to finding out how to access the help they need. Learn how to broach the subject respectfully and knowledgeably with support from these great resources: Stigma: Why Words Matter and Substance Use Spectrum. Whether you use substances or not, learning about how to reduce stigma and risks of substance use can help everyone have a safer summer.

While the safest option is to not consume substances, being aware of the risks can help reduce potential harms for yourself or those around you.

Laura O'Dell, MSc. is part of the Strengthening the Forces team and works on increasing health and reducing harms related to substance use, gambling and gaming in the Addictions Awareness and Prevention program.

Strengthening the Forces is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program providing expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to improve CAF members’ health and well-being.