The Proliferation of Synthetic Opioids: An Escalation in the Canadian Opioid Crisis
Potent Synthetic Opioids Enter Canadian Market
In a recent piece reported by CTV News Atlantic, we see a troubling development in the already formidable opioid crisis in Canada. New synthetic opioids, more potent than Fentanyl—the lethal opioid at the heart of the crisis—are making their entrance into the Canadian market, exacerbating the issue and devastating social fabric across the country.
Opioid Crisis: An Overview
The opioid crisis has wreaked havoc across nation, perpetuating cycles of poverty, escalating crime rates, and fostering homelessness. The advent of these synthetic opioids signifies a daunting upsurge in the issue, as communities and authorities alike grapple to mitigate their impact. The rise of these hard-to-detect substances poses a grave threat to public safety and health, thereby warranting immediate, decisive action.
Discovery of Synthetic Opioids
These synthetic opioids emerged on Prince Edward Island (P.E.I), with unknown hazardous substances suspected to be either carfentanil or a similarly potent substance. Carfentanil, which is 100 times stronger than Fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine, was traditionally used to tranquilize large animals, illustrating its lethal potency.
The Consequences of the Opioid Crisis
This surge of synthetic opioids threatens to amplify the already chronic effects of the opioid crisis. To better comprehend this, let us review the consequences of this dire situation:
- Opioid-Related Deaths: According to the Government of Canada, the opioids crisis has resulted in more than 21,700 apparent opioid-related deaths between January 2016 and September 2020, indicating the gravity of the situation.
- Impact on Homelessness: The crisis has aggravated homelessness, with individuals battling addiction left incapable of maintaining stable housing due to dwindling resources or deteriorating health.
- Escalating Crime Rates: The opioid crisis has been directly linked to rising crime rates, as those afflicted resort to theft or illegal activities to finance their habit.
- Overwhelming of Health Services: Increased opioid use has put immense strain on health services, with a significant rise in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
- Economic Cost: Beyond human loss, the opioid crisis has economic ramifications, costing the Canadian healthcare system billions each year.
Fighting the Opioid Crisis: Measures Adopted
While the epidemic has dire implications, it should be noted that significant efforts have been made to check its further spread. For instance, the P.E.I government has partnered with the P.E.I Pharmacists Association to distribute naloxone kits, an antidote to opioid overdoses, at a subsidized cost. Similarly, lawsuits, like the opioid class action, have held pharmaceutical giant Purdue Pharma liable for its deceptive marketing tactics that led to the crisis.
Call to Action
While commendable, these efforts are merely treating the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. The recent surge of synthetic opioids brings a pressing need to revise current strategies in a more dynamic, comprehensive approach, encompassing early drug education, strengthening mental health support, employing smart policing strategies, and encouraging pharmaceutical accountability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the emergence of potent synthetic opioids in Canada marks a dangerous turn in the ongoing opioid crisis. As the crisis deepens, an integrated, concerted, and rigorous response is required to counteract its detrimental effects. Across all facets- social, economic, and health- the crisis bids us to act urgently, evolve with changing dynamics, and reassess our strategies, reminding us of the inherent value of every life impacted by this issue. The opioid crisis is not just an individual problem; it is a national crisis that warrants a collective, dedicated effort for its resolution.
