Opioids In Canada Essay

Canada’s opioid epidemic is unlike previous health crises in recent history. Even the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2003, while widespread, affected only around 400 citizens, with 44 having died from the illness. This is in sharp contrast to the 2,816 Canadians who died from opioid-related causes just last year. The latter statistic makes opiates like OxyContin and fentanyl the leading cause of accidental death in Canada.

These statistics also highlight another key issue of the epidemic. Unlike an epidemic based solely in disease, nearly anyone and their loved ones can be affected by the opioid epidemic. One in five Canadians suffer from chronic pain and are most likely prescribed opioid painkillers they must take daily to deal with their debilitating symptoms.

The truth of the matter is that opioids are

There’s a difference between physical dependence and addiction, although the two are related. Physical dependence is about needing a medication to function in day-to-day life. Addiction is about compulsive drug use, despite any negative outcomes regarding health and relationships.

Prescription opioids come with many risks, not least of which is physical dependence. For those dealing with chronic pain, it’s only natural that physical dependence develops. Many chronic pain issues worsen over time and patients require the drugs in order to reduce their symptoms and gain a higher quality of life.

Addiction and Mixing Substances

Addiction can eventually be associated with opioid use if the physical dependence becomes great, especially if the dosage is high enough that withdrawal symptoms from the drug could be life-threatening. Addictive behaviour can be characterized by an inability to work, crumbling social relationships in and outside of the family, financial ruins, and taking part in risky activities due to opioid drug