Exploring the Surge of Toxic Drugs in Northeastern Ontario Amidst the Opioid Crisis
In recent years, Canada has seen a sharp increase in opioid-related deaths. The issue is dire; with opioid-related deaths surpassing deaths from motor vehicle accidents. One area that’s been severely affected by the crisis is Northeastern Ontario, as evidenced by a recent report by Northern Ontario’s CTV news service.
A glimpse into the crisis
Based on the CTV report, it appears that a surge of toxic drugs is circulating in Northeastern Ontario, with police sounding the alarm on fentanyl and carfentanil. When mixed with other street drugs or even used alone, either substance can lead to fatal overdoses.
The effect of the opioid crisis is glaringly evident when you look at the hard numbers. In 2017, an estimated 4,000 Canadians died of apparent opioid overdoses, which was a 34% increase from the previous year. The effects of the crisis, however, extend beyond these shocking statistics, infiltrating all levels of society and straining resources.
The intertwined web of homelessness, crime, and prescription opioids
The opioid crisis has had a substantial impact on crime rates and homelessness. Both are intertwined with opioid addiction. A significant number of those struggling with homelessness also battle drug addiction. A rise in opioid use often corresponds with increased crime as people struggling with addiction resort to desperate measures to support their habits.
In Northeastern Ontario, there is a widespread availability of prescription opioids that are misused. This misuse drives addiction which in turn pushes some people into homelessness and compels them to crime.
Efforts to Mitigate the Crisis
Various initiatives have been put in place to counter the opioid crisis. Some of the main efforts to combat the crisis in Northeastern Ontario include:
- Public education and awareness campaigns: Efforts are made daily to provide the public with information about the risks associated with opioid use.
- Naloxone kits: Police and harm reduction agencies across the region are distributing naloxone kits. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. These kits are made available free of charge to people who are at risk of overdose or those who might encounter someone at risk.
- Treatment centers: Organizations are running treatment programs that offer various services to those who suffer from addiction, helping them recover and reintegrate into society.
- Increased legal action: Recently, there has been an opioid class action in Canada, holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis.
Notwithstanding these initiatives, the opioid crisis continues unabated, and the need for effective, comprehensive solutions has never been greater.
Summary
The opioid crisis is not limited to those who use or are addicted to opioids. This problem permeates all socio-economic levels, affecting crime rates and exacerbating homelessness. Efforts are in place to manage the crisis, with a focus on awareness, lifesaving naloxone kits, rehab programs, and legal action against those fueling the crisis. Despite these efforts, the crisis continues to grip many regions, including Northeastern Ontario, pointing to the need for collaborative and innovative solutions, beyond those already in place.
