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With Canada’s overdose crisis being one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in the country’s recent history, now might be the perfect time to talk to your kids about the dangers of drug use.
It is driven by the illegal drug supply, which is unpredictable, rapidly changing and growing increasingly toxic. The overdose crisis is tragic and has devastating impacts on individuals, friends, and families across the country, leaving no community left untouched.
A recent national data release on opioid-and-stimulant-related harms shows an average of 22 people are dying in Canada every day, with approximately 80 opioid-related poisoning emergency department visits per day.
Additionally, from January to September 2023, there were 33,015 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responses for suspected opioid-related overdoses.
The rapidly changing and volatile illegal drug supply is a key driver behind this increase in deaths, hospitalizations, EMS responses, and emergency department visits.
Of all accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2023 from January to September, 82 per cent involved fentanyl – this percentage has increased 44 per cent since 2016 when national surveillance began. Newer substances and contaminants, such as xylazine and nitazenes, are more frequently found in the illegal drug market.
The Government of Canada has taken a range of actions to address the overdose crisis.
Guided by the recently renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS), Canada’s model puts in place a comprehensive and evidence-based continuum of supports, including drug prevention initiatives to educate Canadians on the risks of using substances before substance use begins. The newly launched Youth Substance Use Prevention Program is one example of efforts to build protective factors that promote overall health and well-being and prevent substance use harm among youth.
Harm reduction is also an important part of our approach. This includes measures to support people who are currently using drugs to ensure they do not turn to the deadly illegal drug supply and to help them connect with health and social services.
As of October 2023, over 53,000 overdoses have been responded to in supervised consumption sites across Canada.
These sites reduce public drug use, the spread of infectious diseases, and the strain on emergency medical services.
Additionally, more than 424,000 referrals were made to connect people with health and social services, including primary medical care, counselling, and housing and employment support.
