Alcohol is everywhere. We find it in grocery stores, at farmer’s markets, the LCBO and countless bars and restaurants. We are constantly bombarded by advertising about the latest novelty beverage or craft brew. Marketing campaigns always highlight the positive aspects of drinking alcohol – having fun, celebrating, connecting with friends or enjoying a cold drink on a hot day.

In reality, there is another side to the story. Alcohol has a profound impact on people and communities. Alcohol puts more Canadians in the hospital than heart attacks. It can lead to injuries, disease, family issues, legal problems and financial concerns. It contributes to crime, violence, vandalism and community disruption.

Locally, residents of Guelph and Wellington County are more likely to drink in a high-risk way than the rest of Ontarians.

Every year, alcohol harms put strain on our local healthcare, justice and municipal resources. We don’t often talk about these issues.

Last Call – Real Stories about Alcohol’s Impact in Guelph and Wellington County aims to start a conversation about the ways alcohol causes harm in our communities. We talked with a diverse group of community members about their perspectives on alcohol-related harms in Guelph and Wellington County. We heard stories about personal, health, family, professional and financial impacts of alcohol use. When you start to add up the harms, the real cost of alcohol may surprise you.

This campaign is an initiative of the Alcohol Harm Prevention Working Group of the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy that has been supported by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.