Call for Research, Policy and Program Abstract Submissions

CCSA is pleased to open the call for submissions for the Issues of Substance 2025 conference. Our conference acknowledges that all voices should have a platform to share knowledge and experience. With this in mind, we welcome abstracts for presentations on research, programs or policies related to substance use.).

Note: If you’re interested in submitting an abstract for a presentation on personal experience related to substance use, please refer to Call for Personal Experience Submissions.

Application Limits

CCSA will accept no more than two abstracts per applicant, with them listed as a primary presenter.

Submission Deadline

Submit your academic abstract by Monday, January 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

How to Submit Your Abstract

Abstracts should be 250 words or fewer in English or French and be for one of the formats described below. This word limit does not include the 100-word summaries on sex, gender and equity considerations nor on engagement with specific groups. Please provide these summaries separately when submitting your abstract.

You can submit your abstract using the CCSA abstract portal. Upon successful submission of your abstract, you will receive a confirmation email from CCSA.

Guidelines for Academic Presentations

Presentation Formats

We encourage different formats of presentation:

Individual presentation (10 or 20 minutes)
Panel presentation (60 minutes)
Interactive learning workshop (90 minutes)
E-poster

Please consult the Call for Submissions to learn about the requirements for each format. Note that due to limited space in the conference program, CCSA may offer applicants a different presentation format (i.e., shorter presentation or poster) than what was requested.

Presentation Themes

We encourage presentations that:

Stimulate ideas and discussion,
Promote learning of knowledge and skills and
Energize attendees to participate in debate.

We welcome topics across the continuum of substance use health. Although we will consider all abstracts, we are seeking submissions that support the following subthemes:

Emerging trends and new issues.
Local innovations in community-level programming (can go beyond service delivery and include housing access, employment, etc.).
Policy and system-level innovation, developments and challenges.
Including people who use substances in building capacity and promoting health (e.g., user-led support, self-directed living).
Unique considerations for equity-deserving populations (e.g., youth, women, individuals involved in the justice system, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, new Canadians, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals).
Indigenous approaches to healing.
Stigma and discrimination.
Mental health and substance use.
Supports for people who use substances (e.g., role of family).
Innovative approaches to delivering care (e.g., virtual care, therapy animals).
The continuum of care: Promoting health, reducing harms, supporting recovery.

Tips for Writing Your Abstract

Consult our Tips for Writing an Abstract for help with what to include with your submission.

Additional Information

All information on the submission process and requirements, the evaluation criteria, the acceptance procedure and how to obtain subsidies (if you qualify), can be found in the Call for Submissions document.

Contact Us for Assistance

If you have any questions or need help with your abstract, please email ios-info@ccsa.ca.