Research at De Novo Treatment Centre
It is anticipated that the rates of addiction in the construction industry are among the highest across all sectors in Canada1 and statistics produced in Ontario indicated that nearly one-third of all opioid-related deaths among those employed were from the construction industry2. As the sole substance use treatment service to the construction and building trades sector of Ontario, De Novo Treatment Centre wanted to understand these concerns further and began conducting research in 2021.
Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (Skills Development Fund) and in partnership with the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario and Pollara Strategic Insights, De Novo has been able to conduct four research projects and engage over 16,000 participants since 2021. The goal in all our research has been to better understand and support people with addiction and mental health concerns.
From 2021 to 2025, a total of 16,664 participants took part in these projects, including:
● Members and employees of the building trades
● Leaders in the construction industry
● Current and past De Novo clients
● Loved ones of De Novo clients
Click each study below to learn more!
Causes and Drivers of Addiction and Suicide
We wanted to identify reasons for the higher rates of addiction and suicide in the construction and trades sector, and what we can do about it.
Factors Affecting Addiction Recovery
This study investigated the main protective and risk factors that can impact addiction recovery and ways to overcome these challenges.
Mental Health and Substance Use
In this project, we explored the link between mental health and recovery, highlighting effective ways to manage obstacles.
Impact of Substance Use on Families
We studied how addiction and recovery can influence the family unit and how individuals and families can be better supported.
Educational Resources
Full Research Lecture
Join De Novo Researchers in exploring the findings and outcomes of De Novo’s four years of research in this 40-minute lecture.
Roundtable Panel Discussion
Listen to discussions and insights on substance use and mental health in the construction industry from experts in the field.
References
1. Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario); Office of the Chief Coroner; Ontario Forensic Pathology Service & Ontario Drug Policy Research Network. (2019). Opioid mortality surveillance report: Analysis of opioid-related deaths in Ontario, July 2017-June 2018. Toronto, ON: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
2. Vancouver Island Construction Association & Percival-Paterson, E. (2021). Tailgate toolkit: Stakeholder engagement summary 2021. Victoria, BC: Vancouver Island Construction Association and Island Health.