The toxic drug crisis is not only about fatalities. A much larger number of people survive overdoses, and are left with brain injuries. A national strategy to support and treat them is crucial.
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Articles on drug poisoning
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Researchers found a sharp rise in calls to US poison centers about magic mushrooms coincided with their decriminalization in several US cities and states.
Decriminalizing drugs is not intended as a solution to drug problems. Rather, it is a critical first step that’s necessary, but not sufficient, for replacing prohibition with a public health approach.
A police policy of not making arrests for simple possession is a way to essentially decriminalize personal drug use. However, confiscating drugs — even without arrests — can be harmful in many ways.
Most consumables in Canada have quality controls that inform purchasing and consumption decisions. People who use illicit drugs deserve the same. Drug checking provides that harm-reduction service.
Harm reduction is grounded in evidence. But policies, stigma and ignorance about substance use still create barriers in battling Canada’s drug poisoning crisis.
More than 50 overdoses happen in bathrooms every month in British Columbia. Public bathrooms can be made safer for everyone, including people who use substances.
Top contributors
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PhD Candidate, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia
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Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria
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Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student, University of Toronto
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Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
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Professor, School of Social Work, University of Victoria
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Professor, Chemistry, University of Victoria
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Master of Arts student, Social Dimensions of Health Program, University of Victoria
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Research Scientist at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use & St. Paul's Hospital Chair in Substance Use Research and Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
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Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Virginia
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Researcher of Epidemiology, University of Virginia
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Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph
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PhD Student, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria
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Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Victoria
