The Unseen Effects of the Canadian Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis, a severe public health issue permeated landscapes globally, is deeply ingrained in Canadian society affecting both the homeless and privileged alike. A new article from the Globe and Mail offers a sobering glance at the adverse effects of the opioid crisis, the toll it has taken on Canadian society, and highlights the actions taken to combat the overwhelming and adverse effects.
The Human Impact
As the article notes, in 2019 alone there were over 21,000 hospitalizations due to opioids in Canada. That is an increase of over 16% from the previous year. Substance abuse and addiction take a significant toll on the Canadian healthcare system and society at large. The opioid crisis has also seen a spike in deaths, with an estimated 17 lives lost daily in Canada.
The Homeless and Crime
The article highlights a significant point often overlooked – the impacts of the opioid crisis on the homeless. It directly contributes to homelessness and commits individuals to a cycle of poverty. This prevalence of opioid use among the homeless indirectly feeds into the crime rates, acting as a catalyst to a myriad of issues from petty theft to violent crimes. Substance abuse disorders are known to pose significant safety risks and are major sources of crime in society.
Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis
Fortunately, the article illustrates that efforts are underway to combat the crisis. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist administered during potential overdoses, has become readily available in many parts of the country. In addition, Canada has undertaken an opioid class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid crisis. This symbolizes a significant step towards tackling the issue from its root.
In more local efforts, governmental and non-governmental agencies, as well as healthcare providers, are working to provide resources such as overdose prevention sites and safe supply programs. Indeed, an integrated national approach, encompassing both preventive and curative strategies, as well as decriminalization of drug use, is deemed the way forward.
Key Points
- The opioid crisis has led to a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths and has strained the Canadian healthcare system.
- The crisis contributes significantly to the rate of homelessness and is a driving factor in crime rates.
- Efforts to combat the issue include the distribution of naloxone, the filing of the opioid class action lawsuit, and the provision of resources such as overdose prevention sites and safe supply programs by governmental and non-governmental agencies, healthcare providers, and communities.
- An integrated national approach, encompassing preventive and curative strategies, as well as decriminalization of drug use, is necessary.
Conclusion
While the opioid crisis continues to pose a significant challenge to Canadian society, the collective commitment and efforts to combat this crisis are a commendable stride forward. Dealing with this issue calls for an integrative approach, and recognition that the opioid crisis affects individuals of all social strata. It is essential to address prevention, accessible treatment, harm reduction, and social determinants of health to mitigate and reverse the damages of the opioid crisis.
It is not just an issue for health departments; it calls for collective societal involvement, coupled with political will and policy changes. The toll of the opioid crisis, notably on the homeless and in the form of crime, stresses the need for multi-pronged approaches to address not just the healthcare repercussions but also the underlying social issues linked to this problem.
