The Opioids Crisis in Canada Today

The opioids crisis in Canada is one of the major public health issues today. Since the Public Health Agency of Canada started tracking opioid-related deaths from 2016, the country has seen a big increase in these deaths and related problems. This crisis is deeply affecting individuals, families, and communities across Canada. While many factors contribute to the problem, the COVID-19 pandemic may have made things worse. There are some areas that reported more overdose deaths and other harms after the pandemic began.

In this blog, we will explore the opioid crisis, its roots and causes, and the widespread impact on society. We will also look at Canada’s response to this emergency and the efforts being made to combat the issue.

Overview and a Historical Review of the Crisis

The Opioid crisis has been growing in Canada since 2016 caused by illegal as well as prescription opioid use. This number impacts the health of Canadians significantly because there were 2,681 deaths due to opioid use in 2016 alone. The country also saw almost 16 opioid-related hospitalizations in 2016 each day. Initially in the 1990s, opioids were prescribed for pain relief, but the highly addictive nature of these medications was not fully understood at the time. This resulted in the widespread use of opioid substances. Although the whole country was affected by this crisis, western Canada (British Columbia and Alberta) and the northern territories (Yukon and Northwest Territories) have experienced the greatest number of cases.

To learn more about the opioid crisis in Canada from a national perspective, read “Evidence synthesis – The opioid crisis in Canada: a national perspective” from the Government of Canada.

Causes of the Opioid Crisis

Several factors contribute to the opioid crisis, including:

• Prescription Opioids: Opioids were prescribed for pain management in the initial years, which led to their overuse and misuse. A lot of pharmaceutical companies provide the wrong description of opioid drugs to earn more profits. This caused many individuals to become addicted to these substances while they were using them from a prescription.
• Fentanyl and synthetic opioids: The Canadian drug market has been flooded with synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is much more potent than morphine. The consumption of fentanyl in ways other than is prescribed can have serious health consequences, including death. Many people who use drugs, unknowingly consume fentanyl, which has caused a dramatic increase in overdoses and hospitalizations.
• Economic and social factors: Poverty, homelessness, and unemployment have played a significant role in increasing the opioid crisis. Individuals in these vulnerable situations are often at greater risk of addiction and have less access to treatment and support services.
• Mental health issues: Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and trauma are closely linked to substance use disorders. Sometimes, people use these substances to get away from their emotional trauma and distress. The stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need.
• The COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic worsened the crisis by disrupting treatment and harm reduction services. This caused increased isolation, stress and anxiety levels. These conditions have led to an escalation in substance use and overdoses.

Consequences of the Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis has caused devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities across Canada. Its impacts are felt in various areas, including public health, social costs, and the well-being of families and communities.

The most significant consequence is the alarming number of overdose-related deaths. While these deaths are preventable, they continue to occur at distressingly high rates. Additionally, families and communities experience profound emotional and psychological effects. The loss of loved ones, the stigma surrounding addiction, and the ongoing fear of overdose contribute to widespread trauma.

Hospitals and healthcare providers have also faced immense pressure in addressing the rise in overdose cases since 2016. Emergency rooms have seen a dramatic increase in patients needing urgent care for opioid overdoses, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system. This crisis has led to rising healthcare costs, lost productivity, and increased social service expenses, with the economic burden of opioid misuse in Canada estimated to be in the billions annually.

To learn more about the available data on hospitalizations and deaths involving opioids from 2016 to 2024, click here.

Solutions Taken by the Government of Canada

In response to the opioid crisis, Canada has implemented a range of strategies aimed at reducing the impacts. These efforts by the government involve harm reduction, treatment, and prevention. Some key aspects of Canada’s response system include:

• Harm reduction approaches: The government has embraced harm reduction measures, such as supervised consumption sites, which provide a safe environment for individuals to use drugs under medical supervision. Addiction training has also been exposed to individuals who are getting treated. This has reduced overdose deaths and connected people with addiction treatment services.
• Naloxone distribution: Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Canada has made naloxone widely available, distributing it to individuals, first responders, and community organizations to help prevent overdose deaths.
• Public health campaigns: The Canadian government has launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of opioid misuse, the risks of fentanyl, and the importance of harm reduction and treatment options. These topics are also introduced in schools to aware our kids and protect them from these harmful drugs.
• Addressing the root causes: Efforts have been made to address the underlying causes of addiction, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental health challenges. To resolve this problem, the government must work on the underlying causes of the opioid issue.

While the government has initiated efforts to save lives and provide critical support, the path to ending the crisis will require continued collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, community organizations, and the public. Comprehensive solutions including harm reduction and treatment can help individuals overcome opioid addiction.