Opioids in Canada

Healthc Q. 2019 Apr;22(1):11-13. doi: 10.12927/hcq.2019.25842.

Abstract

The opioid crisis in Canada is a complex issue with devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities. Pan-Canadian data that provide a better understanding of the crisis are a high priority to help guide efforts for reducing opioid-related harms. The objective of this study is to summarize recent trends of opioid-related harms and opioid prescribing across Canada. Opioid-related harms examined in this study include opioid poisonings, opioid use disorders, adverse reactions to opioids and infants born with neonatal withdrawal symptoms. Data are reported at the pan-Canadian, provincial and community levels.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage*
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / trends
  • Hospitalization / trends
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / trends*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid