Opioids Drugs

Information about Opioids in Canada

Opioids encompass a range of compounds derived from the poppy plant  in Canada, as well as semisynthetic and synthetic substances that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. These compounds are known for their analgesic (pain-relieving) and sedative effects, making them common choices for pain management in Canada. Medications such as morphine, codeine, and fentanyl fall under this category. Additionally, methadone and buprenorphine are utilized in the maintenance treatment of this drugs dependence.

While opioids are effective for medical use, they can also cause euphoria, contributing to their non-medical use in Canada. Common opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, and tramadol. Due to their potent effects, they can impair breathing, with opioid overdose potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

Misuse, prolonged use, and unsupervised consumption of opioids can result in opioid dependence, a disorder characterized by difficulty in controlling opioid use in Canada. This dependence can manifest through a compelling urge to consume it, prioritizing substance use over daily activities, and continued use despite negative consequences. Physiological signs may also appear, such as increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.

Globally, around 296 million people (or 5.8% of the population aged 15–64) reported using drugs at least once in 2021, with roughly 60 million using opioids. In that year, 39.5 million individuals were living with drug use disorders. Although many individuals dependent on opioids use illicitly obtained heroin, the number using prescription is on the rise.

Opioids Overdose in Canada

Opioids can severely affect the brain’s ability to control breathing, leading to the risk of fatal overdose in Canada. Symptoms indicative of an opioid overdose include pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory difficulties. According to data, approximately 600,000 deaths worldwide in 2019 were attributed to drug use, with nearly 80% linked to this drugs. In Canada, the number of deaths due to drug overdoses reached 70,630 in 2019, with synthetic opioids involved in about half of these cases.

The prevalence of opioids overdoses in Canada has escalated in recent years, partly due to the widespread availability of opioids for chronic pain management and the growing use of potent synthetic drugs on the illicit market. Fentanyl, a synthetic  that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has resulted in a concerning rise in overdose fatalities. It has been frequently mixed with other substances by dealers, often without users’ knowledge.

Risk Factors for Overdose in Canada

Several factors contribute to the risk of overdose, including:

– Presence of an opioid use disorder
– Use of opioids via injection
– Resumption of opioid use after a significant period of abstinence (such as post-detoxification or after release from incarceration) in Canada
– Use of prescription opioids without medical oversight
– High prescribed dosages (more than 100 mg of morphine or equivalent daily)
– Concurrent use of  this drugs alongside alcohol or other substances that suppress respiratory function (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anesthetics)
– Pre-existing medical conditions, such as HIV, liver or lung diseases, or mental health issues

Certain demographics, including older adults, males, and individuals with low socio-economic status, face a higher risk of experiencing opioid overdose.

Understanding these facets of opioids use and their implications is vital in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and promoting safe use practices in Canada.