Decrease in drug overdoses in Ottawa

Drug overdoses and hospital visits linked to this phenomenon are down to Ottawa since the 2023 record. Similarly, But the reason behind this trend is not clear.

In 2023. For example, Ottawa recorded the highest number of deaths confirmed by poisoning for opioids (207), almost three times more than in 2019 (65) recalls Public Health Ottawa (SPO) at CBC.

But the alleged deadly overdoses linked to all drugs decreased by 57 % last May compared to May 2024, and 36 % in June.

Emergency visits linked to opioid overdose have also dropped significantly. However, A 75 % drop was recorded in April and May compared to the same months last year.

As for calls for police. Similarly, paramedics linked to decrease drug overdoses ottawa overdoses, they are 49 % respectively and 32 % compared to the same period last year.

In April 2025, the number of emergency visits linked to opioids was the weakest of every April of this decade. Furthermore, The number of deaths suspected by drug overdose has been at its lowest level since April 2022.

We have noted a very similar drop in the number of overdose interventions we carry out. Similarly, Ottawa experienced a similar drop in the number of deaths by overdoseconfirms the director general ofOttawa Inner City Health (Oich). Moreover, Rob Boyd.

According to him, this downward trend is observed at the North American continent, as much in cities with supervised consumption sites as in those that do not.

Although the reason for this drop remains uncertain. In addition, front -line organizations in Ottawa claim that they have not noticed a similar drop in drug use. M. Boyd argues that the drugs themselves may become less toxic.

The illegal drugs sold in the street are often cut with substances such as xylazine. benzodiazepine, which have been associated with overdoses. It is possible that drugs currently in circulation contain decrease drug overdoses ottawa less of these ingredients additional.

But since the drugs sold in the street are illegal and unregulated, their composition is extremely difficult to control.

Decrease drug overdoses ottawa

Drug screening device

In order to learn more about their composition. theOich And scientists from the University of Ottawa have teamed up in order to test drug samples sold in the street. They received an exemption from Health Canada to lead this analysis which takes place in a supervised consumption center. in the city center.

At this place, we find Andrew campaign. The head of the team of theOich Use a drug test appliance called SCATR. which dissects samples decrease drug overdoses ottawa in less than 15 minutes.

This analysis thus allows customers to obtain A quick. real -time analysis of the composition of their drugsexplains Mr. Campagna.

The identified substances are compared to a database on drugs. but everything decrease drug overdoses ottawa that is not in this list is considered unknown.

The situation could still get worse

Despite positive statistics that suggest an apparent reduction in drug toxicity. stakeholders from various organizations in Ottawa are cautious. They remain on their guard.

I would compare this to a tsunami, when we suddenly see decrease drug overdoses ottawa the tide withdrawsays Mr. Boyd.

When these waters come back, they come back with even more forcehe adds. I think we should in no case lower our guard.

The latter underlines that the interventions of the staff of theOich have doubled recently. This increase occurred after the closing of two supervised consumption centers in the city.

There is another fear in his eyes. People who get used to less toxic drugs will have lower tolerance if. when toxicity levels will increase again, advance Rob Boyd.

We are really at the mercy of uncontrolled markets. The situation could always get worse, this is the only thing we have learned over the years.

With information from Jayden Hillof CBC News