Continuing the Fight Against the Opioid Crisis in Canada
An Overview – The Opioid Crisis
An insidious silent killer is plaguing our nation – the opioid crisis. Lives are brought to a standstill, families are torn apart, and communities are bearing the brunt of this epidemic, thanks to opioids. With this crisis cutting through all barriers – geographical, social, and economic – the societal cost has become undeniably steep.
According to preliminary data from the Public Health Agency of Canada, opioid-related overdoses claimed 931 lives in British Columbia alone, from January to September 2020. Nationally, we lost 3,900 lives to opioid-related causes in 2019, a 26% increase from the previous year.
Connecting the Dots – The Opioid Crisis, Homelessness, and Crime
The opioid crisis has been a significant driver of increased homelessness and crime rates, with the three issues interlocked in a vicious cycle. Addiction often leads to job loss and difficulty securing regular employment, pushing individuals into homelessness or precarious living situations. These conditions catalyze individuals to turn to crime—the omnipresent need to support their addiction relentlessly drives their actions.
Tackling the Crisis – Government Initiatives
The government is undertaking efforts to combat this crisis. In 2017, the British Columbia government launched a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and wholesalers, accusing them of false marketing and contributing to an epidemic of addiction. In addition, it introduced legislation that would compound the responsibility for opioid manufacturers and wholesalers, making it easier for cities to recoup funds spent addressing the opioid crisis.
Key Points:
- The opioid crisis is increasing, with the societal cost becoming undeniably steep.
- The crisis is a significant driver of increased homelessness and crime rates.
- The government is undertaking legal action against opioid manufacturers and wholesalers.
The province is also increasing the accessibility of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversing drug, made available without prescription in pharmacies since 2016. As of October 2020, more than 195,000 naloxone kits have been distributed, potentially saving countless lives.
The Call to Action – Collective Responsibility
While the initiatives in place are commendable, we need more concentrated efforts to control the situation. Accountability ought to lie not only with the pharmaceutical companies but also with individual users, their families, healthcare providers, and overall societal behaviour towards mental health and addiction.
Key Takeaways
In dealing with the opioid crisis, there needs to be a concerted effort from all aspects of society, with an encompassing approach necessary for its resolution. The situation is dire, and it will only worsen unless significant steps are taken. Inaction is not an option, and we must pull together to tackle this crisis head on.
Reeling under the relentless opioid crisis, Canada is desperate for innovative solutions and strong leadership. As leaders within society, we need to step up and act now – be it by influencing policies, investing time or funds, or merely spreading awareness about this issue plaguing our society.
We must remember that every life lost to opioids is not just a statistic – it’s a life cut short, a family devastated, and a community in mourning. The issue is more significant than mere numbers; it’s a human crisis that needs to be addressed for the essence of humanity it holds. Let’s unite to eradicate the opioid crisis and regain our lost peace.
