Montreal public health officials say the pandemic has had “negative consequences” on citizen’s consumption of alcohol, cannabis, smoking, and vaping.
According to a recent study, Santé Montréal reports 27% of Montrealers say they now drink daily, an increase from 11% at the start of the pandemic.
The number of people in Montreal who smoke cannabis every day has also seen a significant spike, from 21% having smoked daily before COVID-19, to 34% who now say they now smoke cannabis daily.
During a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Mylène Drouin — Montreal’s Director of Public Health — said the pandemic is having a serious effect on physical activity, quality of sleep, food insecurity, mental health, and substance abuse.
“We are preoccupied with the collateral impact of this pandemic,” said Drouin in French, “but the city remains uncomfortable.”
As for Montrealers who smoke, 41% say they have been smoking more cigarettes since the start of the pandemic and 36% of vapers have also increased their consumption.
Officials are encouraging people in mental distress to get in touch with a professional, either by calling the government health line at 811, reaching out to a family doctor, or through a local CLSC clinic. A list of resources for substance abuse can be found on Santé Montréal's website.