Despite a recent increase in the federal alcohol excise tax, a new study reveals that alcohol consumption continues to impose significant financial burdens on Canadians. The findings challenge the government’s reliance on alcohol taxation as a means to recoup costs associated with alcohol-related issues.
A recent study from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) reveals that in 2020, while the Canadian government collected $13 billion in revenue from alcohol sales, it incurred $19 billion in social costs due to alcohol consumption. This deficit of $6 billion highlights the substantial burden that alcohol-related issues pose on Canadian society.
The world of nutrition and health advice is constantly evolving, with foods and beverages once considered harmful being rehabilitated and vice versa. Alcohol consumption, in particular, has been a subject of debate, with studies suggesting both benefits and risks. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine challenges the notion that moderate red wine consumption is beneficial for heart health and cancer prevention.
Weight loss drugs known as GLP-1s, including Ozempic, have a surprising impact on tobacco and alcohol habits. Studies indicate that GLP-1 users reduce their consumption of both substances while taking the medications. This observation suggests a potential positive effect on addictive behaviors, prompting further research to explore the causal link.
