Men in trades and substance use

Men experience the highest rates of opioid overdoses in Canada.^{Footnote 1} Trades workers are more impacted by substance use and addiction than other fields of work.

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This image shows how much men in trades have been impacted by substance use. It states that:

• Since 2016, around 3 out of 4 opioids related deaths were men
• 30 to 50 % of those employed worked in trades at the time of their death

There are many reasons why men who work in trades are more affected by overdoses and substance-related harms.

• Trades work is physically demanding and stressful. It is common for trades workers to want to celebrate or relax after work by using substances like drugs and alcohol.
• Since injury and pain are common in the trades, workers often use alcohol or other substances to cope with pain. Pain relief is one way people get introduced to opioids.
• Men are often expected to not talk about their substance use or mental health problems. This makes them less likely to ask for help when they need it.

Learn more about substance use.