International Overdose Awareness Day – Drug Overdose Statistics in Canada

Posted by on Aug 31, 2018 in Blog | 0 comments

International Overdose Awareness Day – Drug Overdose Statistics in Canada

Since its inception in 2001, August 31st has been International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). It began in Melbourne, Australia and since then has been adopted by both government and non-government organizations to hold events to raise awareness and commemorate the loss of life. The climbing accidental opioid-related death toll in Canada has made many Canadians well aware of the danger of overdose. This blog will look at what an overdose is, as well as the current state of opioid-related overdoses in Canada. What is an Overdose? An overdose is when your body cannot handle the amount or combination of drugs you have ingested, injected, or inhaled. Depressants are a class of drug that slow the body’s vitals, like breathing and heart rate. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol all slow the central nervous system. When too much of a depressant is taken into the body, a person can stop breathing or their heart can stop beating. Stimulants can cause overdoses too. Amphetamines, a class of stimulants, can cause heart attack, stroke, or seizure when taken in excessive doses. It is also important to remember that many overdoses do not result in death. They are still extremely dangerous as they can cause long-term mental and physical health problems. Overdoses in Canada The federal government reported 3987 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada in 2017. 92% of these deaths were ruled as accidental. People can overdose on a large variety of substances, however, most data currently available is specific to opioids as they are the greatest threat right now. Across Canada, 78% of accidental opioid-related deaths happened to men, and while age varied across the country, the highest percentage (28%) was among 30 to 39 year olds. In 2016 just over half of opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogues, this increased to 72% in 2017. It is important to note that 71% of all accidental opioid-related deaths in 2017 involved one or more types of non-opioid substances. Mixing drugs is one of the leading causes of overdose and death. If you have any doubt about what the ingredients of your drugs are, do not take them. Contact our specialist if you are looking to reduce your drug consumption and need resources. References: International Overdose Awareness Day Apparent Opioid-Related Deaths   JMC – 2018.07.25 The post International Overdose Awareness Day – Drug Overdose Statistics in Canada appeared first on Canada Drug...

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New Alcohol Withdrawal Training for Doctors

Posted by on Aug 29, 2018 in Blog | 0 comments

New Alcohol Withdrawal Training for Doctors

A new study out of Canada, published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association has called for new training for emergency and family doctors to better help those with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The study urges the use of a questionnaire called the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale. In their research 530 studies involving 71, 000 patients were looked at, with St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver being the only hospital in Canada to use the questionnaire. Dr. Evan Wood is the lead author of the study as well as the executive director of the BC Centre on Substance Use. He believes the use of the questionnaire at St Paul’s has led to improved patient care and noticeable savings to the health care system. How the Questionnaire Works There are ten questions that include whether the patient has previously experienced alcohol withdrawal, if they’ve ever had a seizure or blackout, and if they have consumed alcohol in conjunction with another substance in the last 90 days. In combination with a blood test, these questions can help doctors give their patients more effective treatment. There are a few different prescription medications that can help patients reduce cravings and binge drinking and the BC Centre on Substance Use is planning to release guidelines later this year to assist doctors with the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is also one of the treatments the Centre is advocating for. Why Effectively Managing Those Going Through Alcohol Withdrawal is Important People who consume a significant amount of alcohol can experience seizures, hallucinations, and become violently ill. Many of those trying to detox at home end up in emergency rooms due to the severity of their withdrawal symptoms. The Canadian Centre for Substance Use Research and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction have conducted research that concludes that alcohol use costs Canadian taxpayers an annual $14.6 billion in health care, lost time at work, and the criminal justice system. The goal of the study is to train both family doctors who are doing ongoing care, and emergency room doctors who are seeing patients in distress to alleviate patient’s symptoms while setting them up for better long-term care that results in fewer hospitalizations. If you or a loved one is trying to detox from alcohol contact our specialist for help. References: Improve Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment by Training Doctors: B.C. Study The post New Alcohol Withdrawal Training for Doctors appeared first on Canada Drug...

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PEI Mental Health and Addictions Plan (Prince Edward Island)

Posted by on Aug 23, 2018 in Blog | 0 comments

PEI Mental Health and Addictions Plan (Prince Edward Island)

The PEI mental health and addictions 10-year plan was developed only a few years ago and covers 2016 to 2026. The document, Moving Forward Together, Prince Edward Island’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy has five main pillars: mental health promotion for people of all ages; access to the right service, treatment, and support; an innovative and collaborative workforce; invest early – focus on children, young people and families, foster recovery and well-being for people of all ages. Mental Health Promotion for People of All Ages The priorities the committee has outlined to accomplish this pillar are relatively general. Mental health promotion and illness prevention activities and programs are to be implemented for people of all ages at multiple levels of government and community organizations. There are a few specifics like implementing the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.  Although, there doesn’t seem to be any specifics about what kind of promotion and prevention activities will be implemented and how they will help accomplish the priority. Access to the Right Services, Treatment, and Support To address wait times and access to services the committee is proposing an evidence-based model that is used in other countries like the UK, Australia, and NZ. This “Tiered Model” helps with planning, and organization and delivery of treatment and services. As you can see in the below diagram, this tiered approach to care is designed to provide the most appropriate and least intrusive services for patients and only step up to the next level as required. The committee has noted however that in tiers 3, 4, and 5 crucial infrastructure and services are missing to make this Tiered Model a reality. Tier 3 still needs therapeutic group homes and mental health urgent care, tier 4 calls for adult day treatment that is not available, and tier 5 requires a secure care unit which PEI does not have. These are all critical pieces of care infrastructure that are necessary for a functioning mental health and addictions system and need to be addressed immediately if any of their other goals are to be achieved. However, PEI only has a population of 150 000 and it can be hard to invest in large structures when realistically they won’t be accommodating a huge amount of people. An Innovative and Collaborative Workforce PEI has a shortage of mental health workers at all levels ie. psychologists to social workers to carers in group homes. In this plan, they are hoping to not only recruit more workers but also train and educate workers in core clinical competencies and evidence-based care. Invest Early – Focus on Children, Young People, and Families The committee acknowledges that 70% of mental illnesses develop before the age of 25. Their priorities are to help young people manage their mental health include closing service gaps, build capacity in primary care, and encourage more community programs and services. Foster Recovery and Well-being for People of All Ages This plan supports the notion of the mental health and addiction system being recovery-oriented. This is an evidence-based method of getting patients both the acute and long-term care they need. Conclusion The committee acknowledges that much of its plans for the future are not based on new ideas, but rather they are evidence-based and reflect what was found out during consultations. PEI is a small province with unique challenges. The plan is not necessarily ground-breaking but there are many good first steps outlined in this document. This action plan will be updated every two years, so when the 2018 update is published you will be able to read...

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Pop-Up Overdose Prevention Site Snubs Ontario Government

Posted by on Aug 21, 2018 in Blog | 0 comments

Newly-elected Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been busy shaping the province since taking office in June of this year. One of his recent decrees has been to halt the establishment of any new supervised injection sites in Ontario. However, two Toronto activist groups have jointly opened an unsanctioned overdose prevention site in a west-end park in defiance. The Toronto Harm Reduction Alliance and the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society have partnered to offer overdose prevention services in the wake of Premier Ford’s decision. The Health Minister’s office ordered the freeze just three days prior to the scheduled opening of a previously approved site.  The groups opened their new site close to where this previously approved site was to open. Police warned of a recent uptick in overdose deaths in this area during the first two weeks of August and the groups felt the need to act was great. The overdose prevention site has clean drug paraphernalia, naloxone, oxygen, and a defibrillator. The Toronto Overdose Prevention Society is not new to offering unsanctioned services. Just last year they opened a tent in Moss Park and within a year of operation acquired federal approval and a permanent location. The Society said that out of over 9000 uses at the Moss Park site, 251 people overdosed and all were brought back, without the use of the defibrillator. Ontario as a whole saw over 1200 overdose deaths in 2017. Despite overwhelming scientific and anecdotal evidence that taking a public health approach to addictions saves both lives and government dollars, the Health Minister and Premier are looking at investing more in law enforcement to tackle the issues. Police did not dismantle the Moss Park site, so it remains to be seen if they will act on this new site. References: Activist Group Opens Unsanctioned Overdose-Prevention Site in Toronto, Despite Ford Government Freeze The post Pop-Up Overdose Prevention Site Snubs Ontario Government appeared first on Canada Drug...

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How to Access Drug Rehab, Alcohol Treatment, and Addiction Services in PEI (Prince Edward Island)

Posted by on Aug 16, 2018 in Blog | 0 comments

How to Access Drug Rehab, Alcohol Treatment, and Addiction Services in PEI (Prince Edward Island)

It can be overwhelming when you first start looking for drug rehab or alcohol treatment options. Especially if you live in a smaller province like PEI (Prince Edward Island) where there are limited services and resources. This blog will help you find the government-funded addiction services you need to begin your recovery in Prince Edward’s Island. Addiction Services for Adults: Drug Rehabilitation and Alcohol Treatment Programs in PEI Addiction Services is the PEI government’s central hub for all things addiction related. You can access community programs and mental health and addiction healthcare professionals. It is also closely linked with Mental Health Services to help those with concurrent disorders get the best care. To start, you can call Addiction Services toll free here to find out your options, or call our specialist here if you are looking for both public and privately funded options. PEI has an Opioid Replacement Therapy Program with clinics in Montague, Charlottetown, and Summerside. This is to help those coming off of opioids and it provides them with a prescription of Methadone or Suboxone as well as a treatment plan. PEI has one publicly funded detox. It is called the Provincial Addictions Treatment Facility and is located in Charlottetown. It is best to call in advance to ensure there is space, but wait lists don’t last usually longer than a few days. If the staff there believe you will be able to withdraw at home rather than onsite they will provide you with outpatient treatment. Following withdrawal, there are outpatient programs to help you remain sober. If you feel you would prefer to stay in a residential facility to help you set up a successful recovery there are four provincial residences available: Talbot House for men, Lacey House for women, St Eleanor’s House for men, and Deacon House overnight shelter for men. Addiction Services for Youth and Families: Drug Rehabilitation and Alcohol Treatment Programs in PEI There are services specifically for youth like the CAST Program and the Strength Program. Coping and Support Training (CAST) is administered in junior and senior high schools through youth addiction counselors who help young people struggling with substance use, mental health, or academic performance. The Strength Program is in the Youth Recovery Centre in Summerside and helps youth who require more intensive treatment. Community Reinforcement Approach Family Training (CRAFT) is an evidence-based program for families hoping to get their loved ones into treatment. There are also multiple education and support groups offered to families of people with substance use issues. There are Addiction Services locations in Charlottetown, Souris, Montague, Summerside, and Alberton. Contact our specialist if you require any assistance finding the appropriate drug rehab or alcohol treatment you require. JMC – 2018.07.25 The post How to Access Drug Rehab, Alcohol Treatment, and Addiction Services in PEI (Prince Edward Island) appeared first on Canada Drug...

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Drug Fact Sheet: Crystal Meth

Posted by on Aug 14, 2018 in Blog | 0 comments

Drug Fact Sheet: Crystal Meth

Methamphetamine, often referred to as meth, is a strong and toxic illegal drug. It is part of the stimulant category and its only use is as a recreational drug. It has no pharmaceutical purpose, although it is cousins to amphetamine which is used to treat conditions like ADD. It can be consumed by snorting as a white powder, injected when the powder is mixed with water, tablets that are swallowed, or by smoking “rocks” or crystals which is where the name crystal meth comes from. Short-Term Effects Depending on the method of consumption, methamphetamine’s effects can be felt right away or up to 20 mins. However, despite its quick onset, it has staying power compared to things like cocaine, and its effects generally last 6-8 hours but can last up to 24 hours. Mentally, users experience high levels of energy, alertness, confidence, and excitement. This huge rush of energy contributes to insomnia and a lack of appetite which can lead to days long benders of little to no sleep or food. Physically, increased blood pressure, body temperature, and heartbeat are all hallmarks of meth use. Users experience extreme dry mouth, headaches, stomach ache, and problems breathing. Long-Term Effects Due to the highly addictive nature of methamphetamine, all the short-term effects/symptoms can cause terrible long-term damage in the majority of users. Brain damage occurs and affects many facets of the person’s life including the loss of memory, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, paranoia, and suicidal feelings. The physical impact of having such a high temperature, blood pressure, and heartbeat can have irreversible effects on the heart and other organs. Stroke, heart attack, and organ failure are the main causes of death as a result of meth use. The lack of appetite leads to malnutrition and many users end up underweight with brittle bones. “Meth mouth” is a colloquial term because it is such a common affliction of those who use meth. The extended dry mouth allows bacteria to grow and create serious dental problems. The Current State of Meth Use The opioid crisis is dominating the headlines currently, but before that was methamphetamine. The only real positive about the opioid crisis is that we now have medication like methadone and Suboxone in our arsenal to help people come off the drugs. However, there is no medical replacement therapy for amphetamines. Doctors working in clinics in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside are at a loss on how to help their patients being devoured by this drug. The aggression, paranoia, and psychosis that is associated with its use make it difficult to treat patients.  (Check out our resource on Vancouver Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment programs). Additionally, meth is one of the cheapest street drugs and has one of the longest highs. While heroin still tops the list of drugs most frequently used at Insite, Vancouver’s supervised injection site, meth use has increased 600 times since 2005. It is half the price of heroin and many believe more addictive. Active meth users as well as support workers like those at Insite and physicians, advocate for more community programs to help users break the cycle and become more integrated back into regular life. The first step to ending crystal meth addiction is to safely go through detox, then find a program that works for you to stabilize and maintain your progress to recovery. If you are looking for a directory of drug rehab and alcohol treatment programs in Canada, please use the CDR website and then contact our specialist for resources. References: Methamphetamine Crystal Methamphetamine: the ‘elephant in the room’ in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside JMC – 2018.07.25...

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Where Addicts are Treated Like Human Beings