The Toll of The Opioid Crisis in Canada: An Overview
The scale and severity of the opioid crisis in Canada is alarming, particularly due to its wide-ranging effects on all sections of society. Studies indicate a significant increase in opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations, stirring tangible concern among civic and community leaders. In this post, we delve deep into the cause and impact of the opioid crisis and endeavors that have been under motion to mitigate the effects of this epidemic.
Opioids often prescribed for relief from acute pain have given rise to a public health crisis, with a surge in misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids. This has opened a Pandora’s box of socio-economic issues, directly affecting crime rates, homelessness, healthcare, and even social cohesion.
The Impact of the Opioid Crisis
Rising Opioid-related Mortality and Morbidity Rates
Critical alarm bells sounded as opioid-related deaths elevated dramatically. In 2019, the Public Health Agency reported that the opioid crisis accounted for a significant portion of accidental deaths among young Canadians. Evidently, the crisis has been insidiously creeping into households.
‘Twin-sister’ Crisis – Increase in Homelessness Rates
The opioid crisis is intrinsically linked to the rising rates of homelessness. Dependence on opioids renders individuals unable to maintain regular employment or housing, hence pushing them into chronic homelessness. This crisis exacerbates the existing social challenges, broadening the inequality gap.
Surge in Crime Rates
Selective studies have indicated a steep surge in crime rates associated with the opioid crisis. The quest for opioids has often led to property crimes, particularly in urban areas. There has been an instant shift towards more ‘survival crimes’ centered around obtaining opioids.
Combatting the Crisis
Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action
The opioid crisis has prompted significant legal actions. Canadian governments have initiated a class-action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, claiming they aggressively marketed opioids. This groundbreaking Canadian opioid abatement class action aims at holding these companies accountable for the crisis in Canada.
Naloxone: A Beacon of Hope
One key response to curbing the opioid crisis is naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Across the country, naloxone kits have been made readily available in efforts to combat rising overdose fatalities and morbidity rates. These proactive distributions of naloxone are a glimmer of hope.
Key Takeaways from the Crisis
Here’s a brief rundown of the main highlights from the assessment:
- The opioid crisis has led to increased opioid-related deaths among Canadians.
- Homelessness rates are escalating, owing to opioid misuse.
- The crisis has contributed to climbing crime rates, specifically ‘survival crimes’, linked to obtaining opioids.
- Legal actions, like the Canadian opioid abatement class action, are underway to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for aggressive opioid marketing.
- Naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversing drug, is being made available across Canada as a step towards alleviating the impact of the crisis.
Concluding Thoughts
Addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid crisis demands a multifaceted approach. Whether it’s holding pharmaceutical companies accountable through class-action lawsuits, or empowering individuals and communities through ready access to naloxone, it is clear that the fight against opioids needs engagement from all sectors. The opioid crisis is far-reaching, impacting not just individuals, but the societal fabric at its core.
In the face of all the challenges, it’s important to bear in mind the gravity and urgency, translating awareness into action. After all, every life saved reflects a step towards the right direction — a direction towards building a safe, healthy, and equitable society for all Canadians. We invite civic and community leaders and anybody interested in the subject to further dive into this topic here.
