The Opioid Crisis in Canada: A Cry for Intervention
As a country, Canada is struggling with a serious and escalating opioid crisis that is affecting communities from coast to coast. According to a recent CTV News report, overdoses, primarily caused by opioids, were responsible for over 1,750 deaths in British Columbia alone in 2021.
Impacts of the Opioid Crisis
The devastating effects of this crisis are widespread and far-reaching, impacting not only those addicted to opioids but also their families, the healthcare system, and society at large. Detailed below are some of the major impacts of the opioid crisis:
- Increased homeless population: Many opioid users find themselves unable to maintain stable housing due to their dependency on these drugs, leading to an increase in homelessness.
- Rising crime rates: Opioid addiction often triggers a surge in property and violent crimes as those dependent on the drugs resort to illegal means to finance their habits.
- Overwhelmed healthcare system: The growing number of opioid-related overdoses and fatalities places an overwhelming burden on healthcare professionals and facilities.
- Loss of life and potential: Perhaps the most tragic consequence is the loss of life and unrealized potential among those succumbing to opioid addiction.
The Fight Against the Opioid Crisis
The severity and urgency of the opioid crisis have led to increased efforts to combat it. One such effort is the Canadian opioid abatement class action, which seeks accountability from pharmaceutical companies for their alleged role in the crisis. Another initiative evident in the CTV News report is the call by naturopathic doctors in British Columbia for permission to prescribe safer supply drugs to patients who are at risk of overdose from street drugs laced with lethal substances.
Naturopaths’ Role in Combating the Opioid Crisis
While the traditional roles in the treatment of opioid addictions have been played by physicians, psychiatrists, and pharmacists, naturopathic doctors in British Columbia are seeking to expand their prescribing powers to include safer, alternative medications. Their belief is that by doing so, they can help disrupt the cycle of addiction and provide a lifeline for those who are vulnerable to overdoses.
Use of Naloxone
Naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdose, has become a critical tool in the fight against the opioid crisis. With training, family and friends, emergency medical personnel, and people who use opioids can effectively administer naloxone. By expanding access to naloxone, the chance of survival following an overdose is significantly increased.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis in Canada is a complex and multi-faceted issue that continues to escalate, affecting thousands of lives and impacting communities across the country. Efforts to combat this crisis, such as the Canadian opioid abatement class action and initiatives by healthcare professionals to provide safer drug alternatives, are steps in the right direction. However, more concerted efforts are needed from all stakeholders – government, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals – to tackle this crisis head-on and mitigate its devastating impacts.
