# New Strategies to Tackle the Ongoing Opioid Crisis in Western Canada
As the opioid crisis continues to wreak havoc in Western Canada, many government officials, health workers, and advocacy groups are utilizing innovative approaches to combat the issue. In a recent [article](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-western-canada-new-tactics-in-tackling-canadas-toxic-drug-crisis/) in The Globe and Mail, various strategies and perspectives pertaining to the issue have been thoroughly analyzed.
The Scope of the Crisis
In the past five years alone, the opioid crisis in Canada has claimed nearly 20,000 lives as a result of unintentional poisonings, predominantly from opioid class drugs that have become increasingly laced with potent substances such as fentanyl. The vast majority of these overdose deaths have occurred in British Columbia, which is why many of the new approaches are focused in this province.
Unconventional Approaches
Unlike traditional methods that are largely focused on abstinence or prescribing substitute medications, these unconventional approaches attempt to address the root causes of drug addiction such as homelessness, poverty, and past traumas. They center on choices rather than coercion, human connection over disciplinary measures, and immediate aid rather than waiting for an addict to seek help.
Safe Supply
One such initiative is the concept of ‘safe supply.’ This harm reduction strategy involves providing prescription-grade opioids as alternatives to deadly street drugs, essentially taking the black market out of the equation and allowing users to detoxify safely.
The Use of Naloxone
Another layer in their defense is naloxone, an overdose reversal agent being distributed widely to those vulnerable to overdoses and people around them. In fact, in many public spaces, naloxone kits are as ubiquitous as fire extinguishers.
Seeking Legal Recourse
Amid the aforesaid initiatives, there are hard-lined legal actions being taken against pharmaceutical companies that have allegedly exacerbated the opioid crisis. Recently, a crucial legal victory was achieved when Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, was given the green light for a Canadian class action lawsuit, marking a momentous event in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Key Takeaways
To encapsulate, here are some key points made in the article:
– In the past five years, the opioid crisis has resulted in around 20,000 deaths due to unintentional poisonings primarily from adulterated opioids.
– Unorthodox approaches are being utilized to tackle the issue, focusing on root causes rather than symptoms.
– The strategy of ‘Safe supply’ provides people with a prescription-grade alternative to dangerous street drugs, aiming to remove black market influence and decrease overdose rates.
– The anti-overdose drug, Naloxone, is being widely distributed to vulnerable individuals and their communities.
– Legal actions have been initiated against pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma through Canadian class action lawsuits.
Final Thoughts
As daunting as the opioid crisis remains, concerted efforts are being made to control its devastating impact. A blend of radical initiatives and conventional measures could yield better results and bring the crisis under control.
A greater societal and systemic understanding of the root causes of addiction is required. Simultaneously, pharmaceutical accountability through legal recourse such as opioid class action cases sets a precedent for future litigation and sends a clear message about corporate responsibility.
Efforts to curb the opioid crisis must be multifaceted, simultaneously addressing socio-economic factors such as homelessness and poverty, while tackling the immediate health crisis with tools such as naloxone and safe supply strategies. This might offer a beacon of hope amidst the turbulent storm that is the opioid crisis in Canada.
