October Health – 2025 Report

Addiction in Canada

The leading cause of addiction-related stress in Canada at the population level is often linked to social determinants such as economic instability (including unemployment and financial stress), access to healthcare, social isolation, and trauma. Workplace stress, including job insecurity, high demands, and lack of support, also significantly contributes to addiction stress across the population. For workplace settings, implementing stress management programs and offering digital group sessions on addiction and stress through platforms like October can help mitigate these impacts.

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Addiction Prevalence
10.1%
Affected people
5,555,000

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Addiction Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  • Physical Health:
    Increased risk of cardiovascular problems, weakened immune system, sleep disturbances, and chronic fatigue.

  • Mental Health:
    Heightened anxiety, depression, impaired cognitive function, and risk of developing substance use disorders.

  • Workplace Impact:
    Decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, difficulty concentrating, and strained relationships with colleagues.

  • Personal Life:
    Breakdown in family and social relationships, financial difficulties, and reduced overall life satisfaction.

Supporting employees through digital group sessions and mental health assessments, such as those offered by October, can help manage addiction stress effectively in workplace settings.

Impact on the Canada Economy 

 Effects of High Addiction Stress on an Economy

1. **Reduced Workforce Productivity**  
   Addiction-related stress can decrease concentration, motivation, and physical health, leading to lower productivity levels across industries.

2. **Increased Healthcare Costs**  
   Higher prevalence of addiction increases demand for healthcare services, raising public and private healthcare expenditures.

3. **Higher Absenteeism and Presenteeism**  
   Employees struggling with addiction stress may frequently miss work or be less effective while present, impacting overall business operations.

4. **Loss of Skilled Labor**  
   Addiction can lead to increased turnover, disability, or mortality among skilled workers, resulting in a loss of valuable human capital.

5. **Economic Burden on Social Services**  
   Governments face increased costs related to social welfare, law enforcement, and rehabilitation programs due to addiction-related issues.

6. **Negative Impact on Workplace Morale**  
   Addiction stress affects workplace environment, potentially lowering morale and teamwork, reducing organizational efficiency.

 Workplace Mental Health Strategy Suggestion  
Implement digital group sessions, mental health assessments, and content around addiction stress management through platforms like October to support employees and reduce economic impacts.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies a Country Can Use to Lower Addiction-Related Stress

1. **Public Education Campaigns**  
   Promote awareness about the risks of addiction and stress management techniques to reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking.

2. **Accessible Mental Health Services**  
   Ensure affordable and easy access to addiction treatment and mental health support, including counseling and peer support groups.

3. **Workplace Mental Health Programs**  
   Encourage employers to implement stress reduction and addiction prevention programs, such as digital group sessions and mindfulness workshops (e.g., platforms like October).

4. **Community Support Initiatives**  
   Build community networks for social support and resilience, reducing isolation that can exacerbate addiction and stress.

5. **Policy and Regulation**  
   Regulate substances that have high addiction potential, and fund rehabilitation rather than punitive measures.

6. **Early Screening and Intervention**  
   Use assessments in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings to identify at-risk individuals early and refer them to appropriate care.

Implementing these can decrease addiction-related stress on both individual and societal levels.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 Strategies for Companies to Lower Addiction-Related Stress

1. **Provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):** Offer confidential access to addiction counseling and support services.

2. **Promote Mental Health Education:** Use digital group sessions or workshops (such as those provided by October) to raise awareness about addiction and stress management.

3. **Create a Supportive Workplace Culture:** Encourage open communication without stigma around addiction and mental health.

4. **Implement Flexible Work Policies:** Allow flexibility for employees undergoing treatment or attending recovery support meetings.

5. **Regular Mental Health Assessments:** Conduct assessments to identify early signs of addiction-related stress and provide timely interventions.

6. **Train Managers:** Equip supervisors to recognize addiction stress signs and respond appropriately.