The Canadian Opioid Crisis: A Call for Collective Action

Severe consequences from the Canadian opioid crisis are becoming increasingly evident, compelling a swift and widespread response from civic and community leaders. This blog post highlights the effects of the opioid crisis and ongoing steps being implemented to combat it.

Overview of the Crisis

The opioid crisis has impacted almost every corner of Canada with tragic consequences. Between January 2016 and June 2020, the opioid crisis claimed the lives of over 17,600 Canadians, according to Health Canada. These fatal overdoses are only one aspect of the far-reaching effects of the opioid crisis, which also includes an increase in crime rates and homelessness.

Effects of the Opioid Crisis

Because opioids can create a physical dependence, they have the potential to lead to substance use disorder. This escalating issue has resulted in significant societal damages such as increased homelessness, soaring crime rates, as well as hospitalizations and unintended injuries.

Homelessness and Crime

The rise in opioid misuse has a direct correlation with the rise in homelessness and crime. As individuals suffering from opioid dependence often lose their ability to maintain employment and housing, they may resort to crime to sustain their substance use. This, in turn, perpetuates a vicious cycle of addiction, crime, and homelessness, straining public health and safety services.

Significant economic costs

The economic burden of the opioid crisis is mounting, with enormous associated costs for healthcare, law enforcement and societal productivity. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that hospitalizations due to opioid poisonings have risen by 27% over the past five years.

Combating the Crisis

Civic leaders, healthcare organizations, and community members are rallying to combat the effects of the opioid crisis. Various initiatives and strategies are being implemented to mitigate the consequences and help those affected.

Educational Programs

There has been a push for more comprehensive substance misuse education in schools, communities, and workplaces. Understanding the risks and consequences associated with opioid misuse is a crucial step in both prevention and recovery. This effort is backed by various governmental and non-governmental organizations who are working tirelessly to educate the public about safe substance use.

Increased Access to Naloxone

Naloxone, a potentially life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, is becoming more widely available in response to the crisis. Some provinces, such as Ontario, have equipped first responders and public facilities with naloxone kits, while others have made them accessible without a prescription at pharmacies.

The Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action

Efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the over distribution of opioids have led to the establishment of the Canadian opioid abatement class action. This ongoing lawsuit seeks to provide compensation for government-funded programs and services that have been affected by the opioid crisis.

Key Points

• The Canadian opioid crisis has resulted in significant societal consequences, including increased rates of homelessness and crime.
• Education about substance misuse and wider availability of naloxone, are among the important tools to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
• The Canadian opioid abatement class action seeks to provide compensation for government-funded programs affected by the crisis.

In sum, the opioid crisis continues to present dire challenges to communities across Canada. However, joint efforts from civic institutions, health organizations, and community groups offer a strong front against the impact of the crisis. As we collectively strive to educate about substance misuse and expand access to resources such as naloxone, the potential for meaningful change is immense. This change, alongside potential compensation from the Canadian opioid abatement class action, offers hope for mitigating the effects of the crisis and helping our communities to heal.