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Several provinces canada experienced drop:
Several provinces in Canada experienced a drop in deaths apparently linked to opioids. In addition, show new data from the Canadian Center on dependencies and use of substances (CCDUs). However, this is not the case of Quebec, where there is an upward trend.
The data indicates that there was a decrease of 17 % of deaths apparently linked to an opioid poisoning in. Furthermore, 2024 in Canada compared to 2023. In addition, Despite this drop. For example, the CCDUS underlines in a report that the number of deaths remains high in the country, with regional variations. In addition, Overall, there are almost 7,150 deaths in 2024, which represents 20 deaths per day on average.
The majority (80 %) of the deaths apparently linked to opioid poisoning took place in British Columbia (2. For example, 299 deaths), Ontario (2,231 deaths) and Alberta (1181 deaths).
Quebec reached several provinces canada experienced drop fourth row with 645 deaths in 2024. Consequently, It is more than double in comparison with 2022. Furthermore, In 2023, a total of 536 deaths had been reported.
“In terms of absolute figures. Moreover, Quebec has always displayed rates lower than that of other provinces and territories, even if it seems to have experienced a constant increase in recent years,” comments Samantha King, analyst, research and politicians, at the CCDUS.
There is a displacement to the east of the country of substances, such as fentanyl, adds the expert. However, “We know that it was a problem in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Until recently, Quebec has been a little more spared, and stimulants have always been the main concern in Quebec. But in recent years. fentanyl derivatives, such as Para-Fluorofentanyl or Carfentanil, have become more common in Quebec, which could contribute to the increase observed in this particular province. »»
Mme King specifies several provinces canada experienced drop that opioids and stimulants are often combined. Thus, when you examine the deaths linked to opioids, many of them overlap and also involve stimulants.
On the other hand. there is also an increase in deaths between 2023 and 2024 for Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories. News in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island remain practically unchanged.
Several provinces canada experienced drop
The trend towards inhalation. a protective effect
In its report, the Canadian Center on the dependencies and the use of substances raises that there has been a change in consumption mode for some time, going from injection to inhalation. But the role of this change in the decrease in deaths linked to opioids is uncertain.
In Thunder Bay, Ontario, we know that the number of deaths linked only to substances consumed by inhalation has increased. In Quebec, there is also an increase in drug consumption by smoke / inhalation compared several provinces canada experienced drop to injection.
Mme King specifies that this trend is observed throughout the country. where we go from the injection of opioids to their inhalation. She explains that this mode of consumption has a certain protective effect. because by ceasing to inject the drugs, people can consume more slowly and have a better idea of the dose.
“But if someone chooses to inhale opioids. stimulants, or both, at present, throughout the country, including in Quebec, we do not have adequate support, nuanceme King. If people are looking for risk reduction services. there are not many which are specifically intended for the consumption of drugs by inhalation. »»
No more contamination
The report puts forward certain hypotheses which may explain the deaths apparently linked to opioids. but deeper investigations remain to be confirmed, indicates Mme King.
For example. there have been frequent changes in the supply of drugs, in particular with the presence of new substances, several provinces canada experienced drop such as Xylazine or other depressants of the central nervous system. These new substances contaminate unregulated supply and are associated with additional risks.
“There are more or less powerful substances that can be put on the market. Different substances end up being mixed with other new substances that we have not yet seen. People are therefore exposed to several substances at the same time. And in the absence of drug control services, they cannot predict what the product contains. This exposes people to a number of risks, including mortality linked to opioids, ”explains Mme King.
“This is a very complex situation,” she continues. No factor alone can explain the declines that we observe at the national level. She specifies that the objective of the report was to preliminary present the trends observed in the different regions.
Health coverage of the Canadian press is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The several provinces canada experienced drop Canadian press is solely responsible for this journalistic content.
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