OTTAWA,
ON, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the co-chairs
of the federal, provincial, and territorial Special Advisory
Committee on Toxic Drug Poisonings—Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, and Dr.
Yves Léger, New Brunswick's Acting
Chief Medical Officer of Health—issued the following statement on
the release of the latest surveillance data on opioid and
stimulant-related harms in Canada
from January 2016 to December 2023.
The latest national data show that the number of opioid-related
deaths, hospitalizations and emergency service responses in 2023
were comparable to what we saw during the pandemic. Opioid-related
deaths and harms rose dramatically in 2020, and have been high
since then. Since 2016, there have been 44,592 opioid-related
deaths. From January to December
2023, there were a total of 8,049 opioid-related deaths in
Canada, which represents an
average of 22 lives lost every day.
Looking forward, an updated simulation model suggests that under
some scenarios, opioid-related deaths may remain high or increase
through to December 2024. We need to
continue making every effort to address this crisis. The renewed
Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy outlines the Government of
Canada's plan to address the
overdose crisis and other substance use harms, and includes actions
to support both public health and public safety.
A dangerous illegal synthetic drug supply is driving this
devastating public health crisis in Canada. Powerful drugs like fentanyl and other
emerging synthetic opioids are flooding the illegal drug supply.
This has contributed to an increasingly unpredictable toxic drug
supply that is more deadly for people who use substances.
A new report shows that the most common combination of
substances identified in apparent opioid toxicity deaths between
2018 and 2022 were fentanyl with methamphetamine, cocaine or other
psychoactive substances. Multi-substance poisonings can be more
toxic and more difficult to treat than those involving a single
substance. These insights help inform our understanding and
response to the toxic drug supply and patterns of use.
Increasing public awareness about where to find help
Because of the toxicity of the drug supply, deaths and harms are
not only limited to those who regularly use drugs, or struggle with
addiction; people using drugs for the first time are also at
risk.
We can all help by recognizing the signs of an overdose,
carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it. Take-home naloxone
kits are available at some pharmacies without a prescription,
depending on the province or territory.
The Government of Canada also
recently re-launched the Ease the Burden campaign which shares the
message that "it takes strength to ask for help", and promotes
resources for men working in trades who are struggling with
substance use and addiction.
Jurisdictions across Canada are
taking steps to address this crisis. Together we can raise
awareness of all the tools, resources and supports that are
available for those looking for help. Visit Get Help with Substance
Use for more information and resources for people who need help
with substance use, available both nationally and in your province
or territory.
Data is critical to understanding the scope of this public
health crisis, and how it is shifting over time. Working together,
we can measure the results of our actions and build the evidence
base on what works. This will enable us to adjust and tailor our
responses to make a difference and save lives.
Dr. Theresa Tam
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
Co-chair, Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid
Overdoses
Dr. Yves Léger
Acting Chief Medical Health Officer, New
Brunswick
Co-chair, Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid
Overdoses
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada