Incidence of Opioid Use, Homelessness and Crime: Unearthing The Canadian Opioid Crisis
Your source for insight into the Canadian opioid crisis. We focus on recent local news reports, pass no judgement, but instead offer thoughtful analysis and information for civic and community leaders.
Round One: The Introduction of Opioids
In the late 1990s, new prescription pain medications containing opioids were introduced to the market. These medications were seen as a revolutionary treatment for chronic and acute pain. Unfortunately, it did not take long to realize the devastating side effects of opioid misuse and dependence, leading to what is known today as the “opioid crisis”.
Fast Forward: The Canadian Opioid Crisis
In recent years, the opioid crisis in Canada has escalated dramatically, creating a national public health emergency. The crisis has had profound effects on individuals, families, and communities, and has significantly impacted sectors like healthcare, law enforcement, and social services.
Effects of Opioid Crisis
The variety of effects are staggering. The crisis has had a substantial impact on the rate of homelessness and crime in the country. As reported by CBC, an increasing number of individuals are becoming homeless due to opioid addiction. Many start using the drugs to deal with pain or mental health issues, but ultimately lose their homes and livelihoods.
The opioid crisis has also spurred an increase in crime rates, particularly theft, as individuals suffering from addiction often resort to criminal activities to pay for their opioids.
The War on Opioids
Despite the enormous impact of the opioid crisis, various stakeholders have taken steps to combat this health emergency.
Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis
Efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Canada are multi-faceted, targeting prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement.
- Naloxone: The distribution of naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, has been accelerated across the country.
- Education: There is an increased push towards educating people about the risks of opioid use and providing resources to assist those affected by addiction.
- Opioid Class Action: There has also been a move towards holding responsible parties accountable. Particularly, the government has been pursuing an opioid class action lawsuit against major opioid manufacturers and distributors.
- Adequate Treatment: Strengthening the framework of providing proper and sufficient opioid use disorder treatments is a key part in controlling the crisis.
Despite the enormity of the crisis, these bold steps signal hope that the epidemic can be beaten back, protecting more Canadians from falling into its grasp, and providing much-needed support for those already affected.
Ending Note
The Canadian opioid crisis is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. However, with dedicated efforts from every level of government and societal engagement, progress is being made. This includes a multitude of strategic approaches such as readily-available naloxone, increased education, an opioid class action lawsuit, and better addiction treatments. It’s a challenging battle, but for the sake of individuals, families, and communities affected, it’s a battle worth fighting. Understanding the situation, its effects, and the ongoing efforts is a crucial first step to a comprehensive solution.
