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CPADS Toolkit


The CPADS Toolkit and associated resources provide tools for PEP-AH members wishing to use the Canadian Postsecondary Education Alcohol and Drug use Survey (CPADS) to monitor alcohol use and harms at their institution. The toolkit explains how to generate buy-in for CPADS, plan the course of the survey, and share and use results.

For more information on CPADS, e-mail CPADS@advanis.net.


Why the CPADS Data Is Important and How to Use It


The Canadian Postsecondary Education Alcohol and Drug use Survey (CPADS) collects data about what substances students use, how much and how often students use substances, and what harms associated with substance use they experience.

National CPADS data provides Health Canada, the provinces, communities and higher education institutions with timely and reliable data about Canadian students’ alcohol and other substance use and the related harms. Reports specific to Canadian higher education institutions provide these institutions with detailed and valuable data to help improve student wellness. For more information about CPADS, e-mail CPADS@advanis.net.

Build a Data-Driven Approach to Alcohol and Other Substances


The Canadian Postsecondary Education Alcohol and Drug Use Survey, 2019/2020 webpage provides access to a summary of CPADS results, data tables, technical notes and an infographic, Substance Use Among University and College Students in Canada, 2019–2020.

The following infographics use 2018 CPADS pilot data to illustrate key facts about Canadian students’ use of alcohol and cannabis, and harms and wellness:



How Institutions Can Share and Use CPADS Results


Institutions can use CPADS results to:

  • Develop key messages about student substance use;
  • Inform campus events, campaigns, posters and other resources to share with students, administrators and community members;
  • Engage health promotion and other staff who can incorporate the results into their work; and
  • Evaluate campus initiatives to reduce the harms of alcohol and other substances.

The CPADS Toolkit and worksheets guide PEP-AH members participating in CPADS to better plan for, share and use CPADS data: