Choose Well

Reducing harmful use of alcohol is one of the five action areas for health promotion in PEI. Drinking 7 or more standard alcohol drinks per week is considered high risk for several types of cancer (e.g., liver, breast, colorectal), liver disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, along with preventable injuries and community harms, like interpersonal, domestic and family violence and motor vehicle accidents.

Did you know?

  • In 2023, about 1 in 3 Islanders drank at levels considered high risk as per Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health (7 or more standard drinks per week). 
  • Alcohol-related harms cost PEI $131 million in 2020.
  • Alcohol-related harms in PEI make up 47% of all substance-related costs. All other substances combined—legal and illegal—make up the remaining 53% of costs. 
  • In 2020, there were an estimated 6,969 ER and hospital visits, and 135 deaths attributed to alcohol in PEI.