Summary
- Fentanyl problem is a huge issue in Canada. It was involved in 75% of apparent opioid toxicity deaths in the first nine months of 2024.
- In total, over 50,928 apparent opioid toxicity deaths were reported in Canada from January 2016 to September 2024.
- Fentanyl is 20 to 40 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
- The drug is so potent that life-threatening effects of it can occur within two minutes of use.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a very strong opioid. It is used in hospital settings as a pain reliever, but it is so potent that a few grains can be enough to kill a person. Doctors can also prescribe to control severe pain but in certain circumstances.
Fentanyl is 20 to 40 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Most of the time its use becomes deadly because people accidentally overdose on it. It is not only tasteless but also odourless, and even those who take it do not know they are taking it.
People use fentanyl with other drugs, such as mixing it with cocaine or heroin. Since it is mixed with other drugs, people fail to control its quantity, and thus this drug is several times more deadly because it causes deaths.
Short-term effects of fentanyl include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, etc., while long-term effects of it include depression, suicidal thoughts, weight loss and so many other such issues. The drug is so potent that life-threatening effects of it can occur within two minutes of its use.
How Big is the Fentanyl Problem in Canada?
Fentanyl problem is huge in Canada. Fentanyl is such a big issue that it was involved in 75% of apparent opioid toxicity deaths in the first nine months of 2024. Fentanyl and its analogues were also involved in 47% of opioid-related poisoning emergencies in the same period.
In total, over 50,928 apparent opioid toxicity deaths were reported in Canada from January 2016 to September 2024. About 83% of such deaths were only reported from three provinces: British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario in the first nine months of 2024.
Canada and the US: The Politics of Fentanyl
Ever since Donald Trump has become the President of the US, he has been attacking Canada on a number of issues. One of the top ones is the fentanyl problem in North America and fentanyl trafficking from Canada into the US.
Trump says the fentanyl problem in the US is because of Mexico and Canada. However, leading media organisations have been countering Trump’s claims and maintaining that only 0.2% of the fentanyl in the US is coming from Canadian borders.
To pacify Trump, Canada has been ramping up its efforts to crackdown on the fentanyl smuggling. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have increased border patrolling to curb illicit drug smuggling, especially targeting the fentanyl smuggling.
Fentanyl problem is a growing concern in the US, but most of this smuggled drug comes from Mexico. Its ingredients are mostly imported from China and then manufactured in the Mexican laboratories.
Despite all this fact-checking from leading global media organisations, Donald Trump is not convinced, and he is continuously attacking Canada on the fentanyl problem.
Experts say Canada has one of the strongest regulatory regimes for chemicals in the world. This is just opposite in the US. Due to this careless regulatory regime in the US, the country has now become the epicentre of the fentanyl problem. Therefore, blaming Canada for this crisis is neither appropriate nor factual.
What Can Community Support Workers Do?
Community support workers (CSWs) provide care to people who need mental or physical support. In many cases, community support workers are also trained to deal with people who abuse drugs and need support, and this is where CSWs can play a significant role.
The high number of deaths due to drug abuse, especially due to fentanyl, requires comprehensive and continuous scrutiny from the government. People who are facing mental problems underachieve in personal capacity. Such individuals also fail to contribute to the development of the nation.
Drug abuse and mental health issues are strongly interlinked. Every year, Canada loses about $50 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity due to mental illness problems.
CSWs work in government agencies, correctional facilities, substance abuse centers, mental health organisations, addictions and counselling centres, etc. CSWs also work with young people who face drug abuse issues; therefore, they can be very useful in saving young lives, too.
CSWs also assess which type of social benefits people require and how the government can help patients. They also help people in relocating and getting emergency shelter services.
Conclusion
The fentanyl problem has been a huge issue for Canada for a number of years. The drug is definitely not crossing the southern border, but it is still killing people in large numbers in Canada.
CSWs are already playing a key role in the health industry of Canada. If used properly, they can further help the government in providing critical support to people who are dealing with drug abuse and associated health problems.
Join the Community Support Worker Diploma Program at Edison College
If you want to join the growing healthcare industry, then take a look at Edison College’s 8-month diploma program in Community Support Worker: Addictions and Mental Health Specialization.
This Community Support Worker Program Online Course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful Community Support Worker. You will also gain valuable experience through our practicum placement opportunities.
Contact us today to learn more.
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