Substance Use Category
The following data elements pertain to screening and/or assessing a person's substance use to support clinical care. Substances include tobacco and nicotine products, vape products, alcohol, and regulated and unregulated drugs. Screening and assessing for substance use has the potential to be stigmatizing; as such, using approaches that are non-judgmental, trauma-informed and focused on the person helps build trust and encourages honest and open communication.
Data elements in this category
Click on data element name below to view additional details.
- Observation Status
- Date and Time of Observation
- Tobacco Use Status
- Vape Use Status
- Alcohol Use Status
- Other Substance Use Status
- Pack Years
- Standard Drinks
- Substance Product Type
- Substance Source
- Substance Quantity Value
- Substance Quantity Unit of Measure
- Substance Route of Administration
- Substance Consumption Frequency
- Substance Use Period
- Substance Use Duration
- Substance Use Duration Unit of Measure
Related Semantic Common Data Model (SCDM) Subject Area(s)
Click on a subject area below to go to the related content in the SCDM.
Contact us
If you have questions about this initiative, would like to be added to our stakeholder notification list or would like to participate in our consultations, please email us.
How to cite:
Canadian Institute for Health Information. Substance Use Category. Accessed November 02, 2026.
