As the United States continues to plow ahead through the onslaught of opioids and addiction, we shouldn’t forget our next-door neighbor is also struggling with an epidemic that is right on par with ours. Over the course of more than 20 years, Canada has slowly but surely been struggling against a wave of opioid abuse and addiction, a trickle-down effect that eerily mimics our problem in the States. Every time they implement a new strategy to prevent this tirade, the Canadians hit another roadblock. Let’s peer through the window into Canada’s Opioid Crisis.
Current Programs Aren’t Enough
Much like our health epidemic in the states, the Canadian Opioid Crisis is a tragic example of a hard lesson: the unsuccessful rate of intervention programs. Although government officials have permitted the establishment of naloxone distribution and opioid substitution therapy, the superpower is still battling these small pills and injectables.
What’s to Blame?
Ultimately, Canadian officials have blamed this influx on three different problems:
- Medical opioid prescriptions (particularly, the potent ones) have been increasing since 2000, equal to the rate in the United States. From 2008 to 2010, one out of five Canadians were using a potent opioid drug.
- In an effort to combat opioid prescription abundance, Canada implemented strategies to fight addiction, such as the de-scheduling of opioid drugs, but, as a result, the availability of dangerous street synthetics was unaccounted for.
- Overall, opioid-related fatalities in Canada are triggered by toxic exposure, a problem that would require systematic intervention, similar to the course of action taken for viruses.
Overall, this string of opioid-related fatalities poses a much greater threat to the Canadian public than the opioid epidemic of the 1990s. Although drug addicts do require more interactive protection from health officials, observations need to be carried out into actual programs, as Canadian researchers have indicated.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder is easily one of the most terrifying substance use disorders on the planet, mostly because opioid addiction partially stems from a large number of drugs that are legally regulated by the federal government. For decades, our country has suffered beneath the weight of dangerous synthetics and legal painkillers, and millions of Americans have suffered from addiction throughout the 20 years the crisis has been brewing. However, you can make the right decision by taking a stand against your addiction and regaining your health and happiness.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of opioid withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
