The Unseen Victims of the Canadian Opioid Crisis: A Review of Policy Changes counteracting Opioid Misuse in Calgary and Beyond
Canada is in the throes of a widespread and deadly opioid crisis. This national public health emergency calls every city, every community, every individual to action. Today, we will highlight recent events in Calgary, presenting a microcosm of the extended implications of the opioid crisis that span far beyond public health concerns. We take as our focus this report from Victoria Police, that speaks to related crime, homeless crises and collaborative solutions.
Carving a Path of Desolation: The Impact of the Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis in Calgary, as in the rest of Canada, has introduced a slew of devastating societal issues. It’s more than an epidemic; it’s a ripple effect touching every aspect of our society:
- Homelessness has surged with addicts being compelled to live on the streets.
- Property and violent crimes related to drug-seeking behaviour have soared.
- Public and personal safety threats due to discarded needles littering parks, streets and public places have escalated.
- An increase in hospitalization and death due to overdose, made more deadly by the inclusion of fentanyl.
Witnessing the Fallout: A Sweeping Seizure in Victoria, Calgary
Recently, Victoria Police uncovered a deep seam of the illicit opioid economy. The raid at a residential property in Victoria, Calgary, led to the seizure of around 1,000 pills suspected to be opioids, narcotics paraphernalia, more than $48,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and counterfeit money. This event underscores the complex and intertwined relationship between opioids, crime, and societal fallout.
Tackling the Crisis Head-on: Counteractive Measures in Calgary and Beyond
In the face of this devastating crisis, collaborative initiatives, both preventative and responsive, seek solutions to reduce the societal and personal cost of the Canadian opioid epidemic.
The Role of Calgary Police Service
Visible responses to the Calgary opioid crisis are exemplified in the actions of the Calgary Police Service. Whole-heartedly committed to protecting the safety and well-being of the community, they play an integral role in counteracting this crisis. The seizure in Victoria is a testament to this dedication, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of opioid supply chains and networks.
The Essential Intervention of Naloxone
Another critical response to the opioid crisis comes in the form of Naloxone, a potentially lifesaving antidote capable of reversing an opioid overdose. Provision of Naloxone kits and training sessions in how to use them are part of the measures taken by health professionals and organizations across Canada to combat the crisis.
Incorporating Holistic Approaches
Amidst this crisis, calls to address the root causes behind drug use have heightened. Addiction services, mental health initiatives, housing strategies, and community support systems are pivotal to a comprehensive, integrated strategy.
Upcoming Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action
Addressing the crisis at the legal level, the upcoming Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action aims to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. This legal action embodies a societal shift in understanding addiction as an illness, not a crime.
Conclusion: Turning the Tide of the Opioid Crisis
The profound societal implications of the opioid crisis in Canada and globally challenge us to take swift, comprehensive action. With collaboration between law enforcement, health services, community organizations, and legal bodies, we can mitigate the fallout and, importantly, address the root causes of addiction.
This urgent call emphasizes the need to respect human dignity and promote support structures that alleviate the hardships of those struggling with opioid addiction. By addressing mental health, homelessness, crime, and societal attitudes, we can begin to turn the tide of the opioid crisis one step at a time.
