The Mounting Opioid Crisis in Canada – A Closer Examination
According to a video news report from Global News, nearly 1 in 4 federal inmates in Canada are currently receiving treatment for their addiction. The opioid crisis has escalated to frightening proportions demanding more serious corrective measures.
The Intense Effects of the Opioid Crisis
Unfortunately, the opioid crisis does not only affect users in isolation–the impacts are severe and far-reaching in nature, permeating various aspects of Canadian society.
– Rapid increase in overdoses: The escalation of the opioid crisis has had deadly consequences with a rapid surge in overdose-related deaths. In 2018 alone, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported 4,614 opioid-related deaths. This staggering statistic dramatically surpasses the annual number of deaths from car accidents.
– Domineering drug in prisons: Fentanyl, a high-risk opioid, has been spotlighted as the primary drug of choice in federal prisons. This specific opioid has the potential to be 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
– Massive impact on homelessness and crime: As the opioid crisis intensifies, the effects are seen on the streets of our Canadian cities in the forms of increased homelessness and crime. Our communities are under strain as they attempt to navigate the complexities brought on by the opioid crisis.
Steps Towards Combatting the Opioid Crisis
In response to this multi-faceted crisis, a variety of actions have been initiated:
– Use of Naloxone: Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is being used on a large scale to reverse opioid overdoses. Its widespread dissemination among harm reduction teams and first responders has been instrumental in saving lives.
– Federal inmates’ treatment: Approximately 25% of federal inmates are receiving treatment for opioid addiction. This integration of addiction services within correctional facilities represents a significant step towards breaking the cycle of addiction.
– Increased funding: A substantial sum of $150 million has been committed by the Canadian government over the next five years to enhance treatment and reduce harm in communities impacted by the opioid crisis.
– Opioid class action: Provinces and territories have teamed up pursuing a national class action lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. This collective legal action aims to recover costs related to the public health response to the opioid crisis.
Key Points
The escalating opioid crisis forms a crucial discussion point, highlighted by the following key facts:
- 4,614 opioid-related deaths were reported in 2018.
- Fentanyl is the primary drug of choice in federal prisons.
- Opioid addiction has an enormous impact on homelessness and crime.
- Naloxone is being utilised extensively to reverse opioid overdoses.
- One in four federal inmates is receiving treatment for opioid addiction.
- A national opioid class action lawsuit is underway against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
In Conclusion
The opioid crisis presents a significant challenge for Canada. However, through comprehensive measures such as wide-scale Naloxone use, inmate treatment, increased funding for harm reduction services, and the opioid class-action lawsuit, the Canadian government and communities are fighting back.
It’s crucial to remember that behind each statistic there’s a person – a family member, a friend, a community member. Addressing this crisis goes beyond policy—it’s about acknowledging the human lives at stake and taking collective action to safeguard our communities. As we continue to maintain our focus on this issue, we hope that our work contributes positively to the collective conversation and efforts to tackle the opioid crisis.
Resources
For anyone seeking assistance or wishing to learn more about the opioid crisis and its impacts, the following resources are available:
In the end, overcoming the opioid crisis is a shared responsibility, requiring concerted cooperation at every level of society. We hope that increased awareness and education will empower individuals and communities to fight this ongoing crisis.
