An overview of the opioid crisis

The objective of this paper is to highlight the current state of the opioid crisis in Canada, framing it in the context of the global drug problem. The effects of the Opioid Crisis seen in London are part of a larger crisis occurring in North America. The USA has declared the opioid crisis a national emergency and we can expect a similar statement here in Canada as opioid related hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise. Although media attention continues to increase, we continue to see worsening statistics highlighting a flaw in how this complex issue is currently being addressed. Much like how attempts to prevent worsening of the opioid crisis have failed, globally, attempts to reduce the use and misuse of all illicit drugs have failed. Two key documents written by The Global Commission on Drug Policy will be reviewed to provide further insight while highlighting the need to challenge how we currently approach not just the opioid crisis but also the “war on drugs”.