The higher volume of consumption by males is not accounted for by other variables in the analysis. The second strongest predictor of volume of consumption is religious attendance, followed by age, marital status and employment status. In a multivariate analysis, age, marital status, gender, religious attendance and employment status are the strongest predictors of the likelihood that the individual has a problem with his or her drinking. The number of heavy drinking occasions is a stronger predictor of drinking problems than overall level of consumption. The likelihood of experiencing a drinking problem is greater for a moderate level drinker who occasionally drinks immoderately than for a high volume drinker who rarely or never consumes immoderately.
Women are more likely than men to use aspirin.
The use of aspirin is also associated with higher income and education. Women and the elderly are more likely to use tranquilizers, sleeping pills and anti-depressants. The use of codeine, Demerol or morphine is particularly high among anglophone Canadians and among those who are not working due to illness. In contrast to these pain killers, francophone Canadians are more likely to use tranquilizers and sleeping pills. The most prevalent illicit drug is cannabis.