Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Calgary: An Urgent Appeal for Action
Crisis is a powerful word that has unfortunately become a part of our daily conversations now more than ever. No society, regardless of its prosperity, is free from the clutches of crises. In the heart of Canada, Calgary is grappling with one such crisis that is spiralling out of control: the opioid crisis. Our blog today takes a closer look at the alarming scale and shocking effects of the Calgary opioid crisis and, importantly, the actions that are being taken to combat it.
Our discussion is based on this article and is aimed at making civic and community leaders aware of the gravity of the situation and inspire robust measures.
The Canadian Opioid Crisis: A Snapshot
Opioids are a class of drugs that, while serving to relieve pain, also bear a high potential for misuse and addiction. The misuse of opioids, both of prescription and illegal kinds, has been recognised as a severe national crisis affecting Canada’s public health as well as social and economic welfare.
Calgary at the Epicentre
Over the years, Calgary has tragically evolved as a hotspot for the Canadian opioid crisis. A surge in opioid-related deaths, flagrant drug misuse, and a steep rise in criminal activities linked to the drug are leaving deep scars on Calgary’s social fabric. The prevalence of opioids is not limited to any specific demographic or social group; it finds victims among the affluent, the poor, the young, the old, the employed, and the homeless. The ripple effects of the opioid crisis are tearing apart families and communities, while also putting tremendous stress on Calgary’s healthcare and law enforcement infrastructure.
Key Effects of the Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis is having a multi-fold effect in Calgary:
- Public Health: A multitude of health concerns from drug overdose, deteriorating physical and mental health of addicted individuals, and collateral health issues that the crisis engenders is taking a heavy toll on Calgary’s public health.
- Socioeconomic Impact: The direct and indirect costs of the opioid crisis, including healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement are straining the economy.
- Crime: Rising opioid misuse has been accompanied by a surge in crime rates, including an increase in drug trafficking and violent crimes.
- Homelessness: Aggravated by the opioid crisis, homelessness poses a severe challenge, further intensifying the crisis by making it difficult for affected individuals to seek and receive help.
Combatting the Calgary Opioid Crisis
While the situation is dire, the Canadian government and associated organizations are working diligently to combat the opioid crisis. A multi-pronged approach to fighting this crisis is being adopted, focusing on prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement.
The Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action
In an unprecedented move, several Canadian municipalities have launched a Canadian opioid abatement class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, citing their role in the opioid crisis. This legal recourse aims to secure financial compensation to assist in resolving the crisis.
The Role of Naloxone
As an emergency response measure, the distribution of Naloxone, a medication used to block the effects of opioids, has been significantly increased in Calgary. Naloxone has proven to be a life-saving tool that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis in Calgary and the wider region requires immediate and determined action. While efforts are underway, with initiatives like the Canadian opioid abatement class action and the widespread deployment of Naloxone, much more needs to be done. Our community leaders need to ensure that reaching those at risk, providing them with resources for treatment, and building resilient communities that can withstand the scourge of opioids remain top priorities. The well-being of our communities, our families, and our youth depend on our collective response to this crisis.
