To preface, we are not medical professionals and this post is not to give medical advice. Our posts and articles exist for the sole purpose of raising awareness of this matter.

WHAT ARE OPIOIDS?

Opioids are medications, generally prescribed as pills by doctors as a pain reliever, given to patients with severe or persistent pain. This may include individuals with chronic pain, those in post-surgical recovery, or patients who have sustained sport-related injuries, auto accidents, or other unforeseen accidents. While opioids are indispensable in these scenarios, their potency raises concerns about addiction, especially with prolonged use. (American Society of Anesthesiologists, n.d.).

These medications function by attaching to nerve cell receptors, strategically blocking pain messages from various parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, and gut. While opioids are powerful in pain relief, there are several risks associated with them. In addition to the common side effects of sleepiness and constipation. More severe, life-threatening risks include shallow breathing and loss of consciousness, emphasizing the need for cautiousness when using these medications(American Society of Anesthesiologists, n.d.).

A few notable examples of opioids include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and morphine, often sold under brand names like OxyContin, Percocet, Palladone, and Vicodin. To ensure safe opioid use, it is crucial to see a healthcare professional. Anesthesiologists have a significant role when using opioids, as they are specialists in pain management. Opioids should only be used following the specific guidelines of a prescription to minimize side effects and to serve their purpose properly (American Society of Anesthesiologists, n.d.).

THE PROBLEM

The misuse of opioids in Canada is a pressing issue, with significant economic and human costs. In 2014, opioid use cost the country a financial burden of 3.5 billion dollars. The fatality toll is even more damaging, with opioid-related deaths reaching alarming numbers. Ontario alone witnessed 865 opioid-related deaths in 2016, equivalent to one death every 10 hours. By 2020, the situation had worsened, with 4,395 opioid-related deaths reported across Canada, averaging approximately 12 deaths per day (Carberg & Miller, 2023).

The impact is particularly severe among young adults, constituting one in nine deaths of Ontarians aged between 25 and 34 years old. With 12% of Canadians using opioid pain relievers in the past year, and 3% reporting problematic use, concern for the usage of this medication is on the rise. The vulnerability of the younger demographic is evident, with 60% of illicit drug users in Canada falling between the ages of 15 and 24. In school environments, 23% of Ontario students have been offered or used drugs, with opioids and non-prescribed pain relievers making up for 17% of the substances most commonly used by these students (Carberg & Miller, 2023).

NALOXONE & ACCESSIBILITY

Naloxone acts as a temporary reversal agent for opioid overdoses, accessible by the general public without a professional prescription. In response to the escalating opioid crisis, the widespread availability and use of naloxone has begun to circulate in Canada. 

Naloxone works by disconnecting opioids from receptors in the brain, restoring normal breathing within 2 to 5 minutes. While its effects are temporary, lasting 20 to 90 minutes, naloxone has proven its abilities in the successful reversal of numerous overdoses across Canada. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act safeguards individuals administering naloxone from legal consequences, further encouraging its use. Naloxone's safety is demonstrated by its inability to be misused or lead to dependence, making it both a crucial and accessible tool for people of all ages. 

In Canada, two types of take-home naloxone kits are available: Nasal spray and injectable. Both are accessible over the counter at most pharmacies like  Shoppers, Loblaws, Rexall, Walmart, Freshco, and other local pharmacies.  Some provinces even offer these kits for free! Naloxone's positive impact extends into the emergency departments within Canada, while first responders like paramedics and firefighters have begun to employ this life-saving medication in the fatal battle against the opioid crisis.

FINAL WORDS

Effectively addressing this crisis requires an awareness of the risks and consequences that come with opioid use. With its ability to temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, naloxone is becoming the primary solution to the opioid crisis that Canada is now facing. A strategy is forming along with the increasing obligation to responsible opioid use, coupled with widespread awareness and access to naloxone, beginning to mitigate the impact of opioids on all Canadian communities.

FURTHER YOUR RESEARCH

Government of Canada

• https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids.html 

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

• https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/prescription-opioids 

• https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/naloxone 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naloxone 

City of Toronto

• https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/naloxone-anti-overdose-medication/ 

REFERENCE LIST

American Society for Anesthesiologist 

• https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/opioid-treatment/what-are-opioids/ 

Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/expert-answers/what-are-opioids/faq-20381270 

Government of Canada

• https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids.html 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

• https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/terms.html 

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 

• https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/prescription-opioids

Addiction Help 

• https://www.addictionhelp.com/addiction/canadian-statistics/ 

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 

• https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics 

Calgary Dream Centre 

• https://calgarydreamcentre.com/statistics-on-addiction-in-canada/ 

Government of Canada 

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/naloxone.html 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  

• https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naloxone 

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 

• https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/naloxone 

University of Victoria 

• https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2018+substance-use-cost-canada-cisur+media-release