Vital Perspectives - The Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis is one of the fastest-growing health problems in Canada. Every day, about 20 people die from opioid poisoning — that’s more than 7,000 deaths each year.

But the harms from opioids go beyond death. People who use opioids, and their loved ones, may experience:

• Physical harm – like infections or damage to organs

• Mental health issues – like anxiety or depression

• Social problems – like trouble with work, family, or friends

Why is this happening?

The opioid crisis is complex. Factors like mental health, poverty, homelessness, and discrimination all play a role. That means the solutions need to be just as wide-ranging. We need to work together on:

• Prevention – stopping opioid use before it starts

• Harm reduction – helping people stay safer if they use opioids

• Treatment – helping people recover from opioid addiction

• Enforcement – stopping the illegal sale of opioids

Other things like housing, jobs, and community support are also important for change.

Stories from our community

Local voices, lived experiences, and dedicated partners are helping shape a more compassionate response to the opioid crisis.