Overdose deaths in Ontario increasingly involve more than 1 drug, new report says

An alarming trend in Ontario has been the increase in overdose deaths involving the use of multiple drugs, with opioids and stimulants being identified as a particularly deadly combination, according to a recent report. The research, conducted by the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network and Public Health Ontario, indicates that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in deaths attributed to two or more substances rather than just one.

Between 2018 and 2022, the report reveals a 75% increase in overdose deaths involving a single substance, a 167% increase in deaths involving two substances, and a staggering 186% increase in deaths involving three or more substances. In total, over 12,000 accidental overdose deaths in the province were directly linked to opioids, stimulants, alcohol, and benzodiazepines during this period.

Epidemiologist Tara Gomes, who is affiliated with Unity Health and contributed to the report, highlighted the concerning trend of opioids and stimulants contributing to a significant number of overdose deaths. Moreover, the report found that opioids, particularly illicit fentanyl, were present in nearly 84% of drug toxicity deaths, while stimulants, alcohol, and benzodiazepines were also common substances involved in overdose fatalities.

In terms of interactions with the health-care system, the researchers discovered that a substantial number of individuals who died from overdoses had engaged with healthcare services in the week leading up to their death. However, there is a need to ensure that emergency departments are adequately equipped to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Gomes emphasized the importance of implementing specialized addiction medicine programs within hospitals to provide comprehensive care and facilitate connections to community-based services.

The opioid crisis in Ontario has been exacerbated by the proliferation of illicit fentanyl and the mixing of opioids with benzodiazepines, which can have lethal consequences. As the province grapples with rising overdose deaths, there is a shift towards an abstinence-based treatment model and the establishment of new homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs. Additionally, plans are in place to create supportive housing units to address the complex needs of individuals battling substance use disorders.

The evolving landscape of substance use and overdose deaths in Ontario underscores the critical need for comprehensive and integrated healthcare services to support individuals struggling with addiction. By addressing the underlying factors driving the opioid crisis and enhancing access to specialized care, the province aims to mitigate the devastating impact of drug-related deaths and promote recovery and wellness for all residents.