Posted on 2022-02-09 1:00 AM By ConnexOntario
Earlier this month a $32 million investment into Ontario’s opioid crisis was announced. Camille Quenneville, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division announced “that 2020 was the worst year on record for opioid-related deaths. More than 2,400 died last year, a 60% increase from 2019”.
With this investment CMHA is encouraging the government to further support people and communities struggling with substance use issues. This article will explore Ontario’s Opioid Crisis and what is being done about it.
WHAT ARE OPIOIDS
Opioids are a broad collective of medications that relieve pain. These drugs interact with opioid receptors in your brain, spine, and other areas throughout the body. In essence, opioids tell your brain not to feel pain. These drugs are only available through prescription from your doctor and require management to ensure you are not taking too much, too often. Opioids include (but are not limited to:
Codeine
Fentanyl (Abstral, ...