Understanding and Countering the Canadian Opioid Crisis
The sharp rise in opioid-related fatalities across Canada is a pressing concern for community leaders and indeed, everyone else with a vested interest in public health. Loss of life, mounting societal burdens, and the need for stringent regulatory control signal urgency to find a solution to tackle this growing opioid crisis.
The Opioid Crisis in Numbers
Recent reports suggest a frightening trend in opioid-related deaths. Statistics Canada reported that from January 2016 to June 2020, over 21,000 individuals succumbed to opioid-related causes, a number that continues to rise with each passing year. Given the broad societal implications and the human toll this crisis imposes, understanding its roots is critical.
Notable consequences of Canada’s opioid crisis extend beyond personal health tragedies, as it fuels the rise in homelessness, crime rates, public health costs, and the exacerbated strain on social services. The interconnected complexities of these challenges call for an insightful, multi-pronged strategy.
Steps to Combat the Opioid Crisis
Several initiatives are being undertaken to combat the growing opioid crisis. These efforts, though significant, are not a perfect solution but rather, building blocks towards a comprehensive, long-term solution.
- Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action: As part of the battle against this crisis, a nationwide class-action lawsuit was recently certified in British Columbia. This lawsuit is aimed at forty opioid manufacturers and wholesalers, expecting them to take financial responsibility for the crisis. This verdict sets a crucial precedent, highlighting the immense responsibility that pharmaceutical companies bear amidst the opioid epidemic.
- Naloxone Distribution: Naloxone, an opioid antagonist used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, is being widely disseminated across Canada. Its increased availability points to a step in the right direction, offering an immediate, albeit temporary, solution to mitigate the tragically high rate of opioid fatalities.
- Policy Reform: Policy reform is vital in addressing the opioid crisis at its roots; more evident than ever amidst the waves of the ongoing pandemic. Increasing accessible and affordable treatment options, destigmatizing substance use disorders, and decriminalizing small amounts of drugs for personal use, are all ways policy reform could have tangible effects on reducing opioid misuse and its associated societal burdens.
Persistent Challenges
While the legal and policy initiatives are critical, adequately addressing the opioid crisis requires more concerted efforts. Prevailing stigma on substance use disorders, the lack of robust mental health services, limited availability of affordable treatment options, and social inequities are stumbling blocks on our pathway to epidemic control. Incremental steps, as opposed to sweeping actions, will chip away at these barriers and pave the way for a more promising response.
In Conclusion
Canada’s opioid crisis is a multi-faceted problem that touches many areas of society — from individuals and families grappling with the loss to communities experiencing systemic upheavals. Though significant strides have been made to curtail the crisis, the path to a long-term, sustainable solution is far from over.
Key takeaways for those vested in public health, policy making and our communities at large can be summed up as follows:
- This crisis is more than a health issue; it’s a societal problem. It impacts all aspects of our society — from individual health, to public safety, to economic productivity.
- Progress is being made through initiatives such as the Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action, increased distribution of naloxone, and policy reforms. However, more action is urgently required.
- The challenge requires a systemic, multi-level response, going beyond just treating opioid overdoses. Addressing the intrinsic social determinants of health and systemic issues is fundamental.
Let’s take a collaborative approach in developing strategic solutions to this problem — solutions that are inclusive, forward-thinking, and ultimately, steadfast in their pursuit of a healthier, safer Canada.
