Addressing the Canadian Opioid Crisis: A Close Look into A Family’s Struggle
As the nation grapples with the opioid crisis, Canada is far from immune. Family breakdowns, homelessness, crime, and death, devastating consequences of the crisis, are far too common. A recent article in Toronto Star has brought to light how families are hit hard by opioids epidemic, further magnifying the need for immediate and sustained action.
Destroying Families
In the story, a Grandmother recounts her heart-breaking experience with opioid crisis that has led to deaths in her family. She has lost two daughters to the grip of opioids and is left to raise her granddaughter who lost both parents to the crisis. It delineates the direct and indirect victims of the opioid crisis, which not only sweeps lives away but also leaves behind a trail of shattered families grappling with loss and uncertainty. Nonetheless, amidst the grim picture the article paints, there is also a story of resilience and hope. Despite the grandmother’s personal loss, she is committed to raising her orphaned granddaughter, ensuring her wellbeing and protecting her from the prevalent scourge of opioids.
The Magnitude of the Crisis
Beyond this single family, the wider situation in Canada is alarming. As reported, in 2019, six Canadians died every day from opioid related toxicity. The crisis is multifaceted, fostering homelessness, crime, and family breakdown. And it’s not sparing any demographic area. Urban centers, rural areas, the wealthy, the destitute – virtually every segment of society has been affected leading to a nationwide emergency.
Addressing the Crisis
Given the dire state of the opioid crisis, considerable efforts are being undertaken at multiple levels. Families affected are not vis-à-vis in their struggles. There’s a concerted drive to tackle the crisis head-on.
From a Legal Perspective
One significant step was the initiation of an opioid class action lawsuit against numerous pharmaceutical companies that allegedly marketed opioids as less addictive than they truly were. However, its resolution and potential effectiveness in deterring future opioid misuse remains uncertain.
From a Policy Perspective
Proactive steps are being taken by the authorities to mitigate the crisis. Homelessness and crime connected to the crisis are being addressed. Prevention strategies like safer opioid prescribing, public awareness campaigns, and funding for opioid addiction treatment and research are being emphasized.
From a Rescue Perspective
The access to and use of Naloxone, a drug that can counteract overdoses, has been increased. Many communities have launched training programs on its use to allow prompt first-aid until professional help arrives.
Mitigating the crisis requires sustained commitment and multifaceted strategies, including:
- Increasing access to health and social services
- Improving prescription practices
- Expanding public awareness and prevention initiatives
- Enhancing research into pain management and addiction
- Strengthening law enforcement strategies to intercept the illegal opioid supply
Conclusion
While efforts are ascendantly being taken to tackle the opioid crisis, the challenges remaining are profound. The increased focus on prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services is commendable, but is it enough?
In conclusion, the Canadian opioid crisis goes beyond drug misuse. It extends its vicious arm into families, gnawing at their core. It is the family’s anguish that often goes unnoticed, where grandparents are left to raise their lost children’s children, a consequence that requires society’s utmost attention. The impact of the opioid crisis on every facet of life underscores the importance of multidimensional approaches – legal, civil, medical, societal – giving us a chance to restore the affected families and communities.
