Toxic Drug Crisis 

​Overview of the Toxic Drug Crisis in Canada

Canada is grappling with a severe public health crisis marked by a significant rise in overdoses/drug poisonings and deaths linked to a toxic and unpredictable illicit drug supply. This crisis has profoundly affected individuals, families, and communities nationwide.​

Evolution of the Crisis:

• Late 1990s to Early 2000s: There was a notable increase in opioid prescriptions for pain management, leading some individuals to develop dependencies. As a result, many turned to the illicit drug market, where the potency and composition of substances are often uncertain, increasing the risk of harm.​

• 2010 to 2015: The availability of diverted or illegally produced opioids grew, exposing more individuals to these substances.​

• Around 2016: The illicit drug supply became contaminated with more potent opioids, such as fentanyl, leading to a sudden rise in overdose-related deaths—a trend that has persisted.​

Impact of COVID-19:

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the toxic drug crisis due to several factors:​

• Increased Toxicity of Illicit Substances: The illicit drug supply became increasingly unpredictable and dangerous during the pandemic.​

• Reduced Access to Services: Health and social services faced disruptions, limiting support for individuals using drugs.​

• Isolation: Public health measures led to increased isolation, resulting in more individuals using drugs alone, which heightens the risk of fatal overdoses.​

Since 2020, the crisis has intensified, with fentanyl dominating the illicit drug market. Additionally, the mixing of benzodiazepines and other substances with fentanyl has:​

• Complicated treatment efforts.​

• Reduced the effectiveness of naloxone, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses, as naloxone is only effective in overdoses related to opioids​.

• Increased the overall risk of overdose/drug poisoning and associated harms.​

Contributing Factors:

A primary contributor to the high rate of opioid-related overdoses in Canada is the toxic and unpredictable nature of the illegal drug supply. Potent opioids and other substances are frequently mixed into the supply, creating uncertainty about the drugs' composition and potency. Without access to drug checking services, individuals cannot be certain of what they are consuming.​

Furthermore, barriers to accessing harm reduction and treatment services, along with the stigma surrounding substance use, discourage individuals from seeking help. This stigma can lead people to hide their drug use or use drugs alone, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses and reducing engagement with available health and social services.​

Addressing this complex public health issue requires a comprehensive approach focused on saving lives, reducing harms, and providing individuals with the support they need.