Addressing the Canadian Opioid Crisis: Translational Animal Models and Novel Candidate Drugs
The Canadian opioid crisis continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. As the number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths escalates, researchers and healthcare practitioners alike are struggling to find effective strategies to prevent and manage opioid use disorder. Today we discuss a groundbreaking new approach being explored, involving translational animal models and novel candidate drugs, in an attempt to combat the opioid crisis.
Unpacking the Canadian Opioid Crisis
The root causes of the opioid crisis are complex, involving factors such as increased prescription of opioid medicines without adequate information about their risks, illicit drug use, and a lack of understanding about the science of addiction. Thoughtful efforts spanning across health care, government, community organizations, and families are imperative to addressing the opioid crisis.
Impacts of the Opioid Crisis
The impacts of the opioid crisis on society are devastating and far-reaching. It extends far beyond the significant health implications for individuals struggling with addiction. It affects their families, puts great strain on healthcare services, and drives up crime rates. Most worrisome is the link between opioid use and the increasing numbers of homeless across Canada.
“The opioid crisis is a humanitarian crisis with public health implications” – (source: Centre for Brain health)
Addressing the Crisis: Translational Animal Models and Novel Candidate Drugs
Researchers at the Centre for Brain Health have been exploring new therapeutic strategies for opioid withdrawal management using translational animal models and novel drug investigation techniques. By utilizing such models, researchers can better understand the neurobiology and neurophysiology of addiction and withdrawal, thus facilitating the development of more effective treatment strategies and therapies.
The Role of Naloxone
One of the better-known substances used in emergency treatment for opioid overdoses is naloxone. This life-saving medication reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and provides a critical intervention at the height of a crisis. However, naloxone does not treat the underlying issue of addiction. Effective long-term treatment requires a more comprehensive approach – one that addresses withdrawal symptoms, supports sustained abstinence, and facilitates recovery. This is where the use of translational animal models and novel candidate drugs show great promise.
Key Points to Consider
- The Canadian opioid crisis poses significant challenges for individuals, families, healthcare services, and society as a whole.
- There is a strong association between opioid use and increased homeless and crime rates in Canada.
- While naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses, it does not treat the underlying issue of addiction.
- Researchers at the Centre for Brain Health are studying translational animal models and novel candidate drugs to better manage opioid withdrawal and addiction.
- Long-term solutions must address the root causes of opioid addiction, implement effective management strategies for opioid withdrawal, and facilitate recovery and sustained abstinence.
Closing Thoughts
Impacting countless lives and communities, the Canadian opioid crisis calls for significant attention and novel interventions. Efforts like those being made by our researchers at the Centre for Brain Health, working on translational animal models and novel candidate drugs, are paramount in our fight against this crisis. The journey to the discovery of more effective and efficient treatments for opioid use disorder and its devastating impacts is long and challenging, but with ongoing research, collaboration, and commitment, there is a clear hope for the future.
