case study: opioid crisis Flashcards
what are opioids?
prescribed pain relief medications such as codeine (in Tylenol 3), fentanyl (Duragesic), morphine (Doloral), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet),hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and medical heroin.
opioids can also be produced or obtained illegally
how are opioids made?
naturally occurring (made from liquid harvested from the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy flower, e.g., codeine and morphine)
semi-synthetic (modifying the chemical structure of naturally occurring opioids, e.g., heroin, oxycodone)
synthetic (manufactured chemicals, e.g., methadone)
which gender appears to be more impacted by opioid?
disproportionately affect men 30-39, then 40-49 (they just take it more)
what are the causes of opioid overdoses?
causes are multifactorial, but primarily include:
high rates of opioid prescribing
emergence of strong synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) in the illegal drug supply (fentanyl is a cheap way to make street drugs more powerful)
what are the policy responses of the opioid crisis?
eliminate/abolish/prohibit unhealthy or harmful practices or Behaviours
- ‘Prevalence reduction’, often via criminalization
harm reduction: a set of strategies to reduce the negative consequences associated with unhealthy or harmful practices or behaviours
what are examples of ways the general public is being targeted by policies regarding opioids?
raise awareness about opioids, overdoses, and other policies directed at reducing opioid-related harms
opioid response training (e.g., St. John’s Ambulance)
free naloxone kits and training
what are the types of strategies being used in regards to the opioid crisis
prevention strategies, e.g., opioid prescribing guidelines, handouts for patients
treatment strategies, e.g., promoting evidence-based approaches to treatment
enforcement strategies, e.g., reduce controlled substances being diverted from otherwise legal activities, like pharmacies
harm reduction strategies, e.g., safe consumption sites
evidence strategies, e.g., systematically collect information about opioids and their harms
funding strategies, e.g., provide grants to community-led organizations to respond to drug issues
consultation strategies, e.g., to gather input from impacted communities
what are examples of ways individuals are being targeted by policies regarding opioids?
Wellness Together Canada (help line)
National Overdose Response Service (NORS hotline)
drug rehab services
narcotics anonymous
Overdose Intervention App
harm reduction supplies (e.g., sterile needles)
supervised consumption sites and services
what is the good samaritan drug overdose act?
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act: federal law that came into force in 2017 that provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 or their local emergency number for help
can protect individuals from:
- charges for possession of a controlled substance
- breach of conditions in probation orders, parole, etc.
- applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose
Seek exemption from Section 56.1 of the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to operate a supervised consumption site
what are safe consumption sites?
people can use their own drugs under the safety and support of trained personnel
AKA safe injection sites, supervised injection sites, overdose prevention sites, etc.
what are the primary objectives of safe consumption sites?
help prevent overdose deaths (via drug checking and emergency medical care, and because people are not rushing or using alone)
provide health care (e.g., wound care)
facilitate entry into addiction treatment programs and other health and social services (e.g., housing, employment assistance, and food banks)
reduce the spread of bloodborne infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis C), by providing access to clean drug use equipment and safe disposal, as well as testing/screening
reduce the strain on emergency medical services
what are the pros of safe consumption sites?
safe consumption sites may also reduce public drug use and discarded drug equipment. SCS are cost effective and do not increase drug use and crime in the surrounding area
what are urgent public health need sites?
similar to supervised consumption sites, but established on a temporary basis to respond to urgent needs in a specific region or community
KA ‘overdose prevention sites’
class exemptions under the Controlled
Drugs and Substances Act authorize the Minister of Health in each province and territory to establish urgent public heath need sites as required
it is the Minister of Health’s discretion if they wish to implement the class exemption or not
