The opioid crisis has escalated into a widespread public health emergency, affecting communities across all socio-economic backgrounds. With opioid-related overdoses increasing dramatically, it is no longer a crisis confined to the margins of society; it impacts everyday people, from suburban neighborhoods to urban centers. The normalization of substance use, coupled with the devastating impact of opioids like Fentanyl, which is responsible for 95% of all accidental and intentional overdoses, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive community training and stigma reduction.   

Everyday in Canada twenty people between the ages of 15 and 25 years of age – die from an unintentional overdose – that’s 600 kids a month or over 7,000 a year.  If a 747-jet airliner crashed every month and killed everyone, would that make the news? – of course it would and yet we are still not addressing the problem!  It’s not just – THOSE PEOPLE living in the allies and parks – it’s the high school and post secondary age kids and the everyday people working that are getting exposed to tainted drugs.  

 

In Emergency Response and Emergency Medicine we refer to the 15–25-year-olds as the “high-risk crowd”.  The people learning how to drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, try drugs, have sex, travel or live on their own away from home, learning their limits!  There questions are what is normal and what are the limits? How fast will my parent’s car go and how much can I drink?? and so on. 

 

Understanding the Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. While often prescribed to treat pain, opioids have high potential for dependency and overdose, especially with potent synthetic opioids like Fentanyl, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin. 

The normalization of opioid use in various contexts, from medical treatment to recreational use, has led to a broad spectrum of individuals at risk, spanning all demographics and age groups. This widespread issue calls for a community-centric approach to education and prevention, targeting not just potential users but everyone in the community.  

Stigma-Busting and Community Care 

One major barrier to effective action against the opioid crisis is the stigma associated with drug use. There is a critical need to shift the narrative from judgment to empathy, understanding that 95% of individuals who overdose do so accidentally. They are victims needing support and protection, not condemnation. This stigma-busting approach is essential in fostering a caring community that supports its members through understanding and acceptance. 

Parents, educators, and community leaders must be equipped with accurate information about opioids, their effects, signs and symptoms of overdose, and the risks associated with their use. By providing clear and accessible information, we can protect our communities, particularly vulnerable groups like high school and post-secondary students who are at significant risk. 

Training Your Community 

Community training programs are vital in combating the opioid crisis. These programs should focus on:

  • Education on Opioids: Understanding what opioids are, their uses, and their dangers is the foundation of prevention. Resources like Safety Services Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/controlled-illegal-drugs/fentanyl.html offer valuable information and training tailored to community needs https://safetyservicescanada.online-compliance.com/AboutUs.php 
  • Recognizing Overdoses: Training on how to spot the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose is crucial. Symptoms may include severe sleepiness, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing, or being unable to respond. 
  • Responding to Overdoses: Communities should be trained in administering first aid in the event of an overdose, including how to use naloxone kits. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if administered quickly, so the person can keep breathing or remain conscious until 9-1-1 Emergency Services arrive.  
  • Community pharmacies are giving out free Naloxone (Narcan) Kits https://naloxoneontario.ca/ to the public and while they do a good job of explaining how to use or administer the Naloxone Nasal Spray, most people don’t remember the steps and hope it doesn’t happen to them or their family and friends.  The Naloxone Kit gets stored away at home in the medicine cupboard or drawer and when needed people panic. 
  • Mental Health Support: Addressing the mental health aspect of drug use and addiction is key. Support networks, counseling, and accessible mental health services can deter substance use and provide necessary support to those at risk. 

 

Implementing Community Programs 

Implementing effective community programs involves collaboration among local health departments, educational institutions, law enforcement, and community-based organizations. Programs need to be inclusive, addressing various facets of prevention, education, and recovery support. 

High schools, colleges and universities are pivotal in these efforts, serving as platforms to educate young people about the risks associated with opioid use. Seminars, workshops, and health classes can integrate opioid education into their curriculums, providing students with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. 

The Good Samaritan Law protects people that are drinking underage or using illegal drugs like Fentanyl from being arrested or charged. At the party or gathering if people are doing illegal drugs and someone overdoses or gets injured, others are afraid to call 9-1-1 because they feel they might get in trouble because of their association with the incident. People need to know that the Good Samaritan Law focuses on the care of medical emergency and people at the scene will not be charged – the focus of 9-1-1 responders to save lives and focus on the patient and not arrest those involved. Don’t be afraid to call for help. While your parents or family and friends might be upset or mad at you, you will not be arrested by the police.  Watch our Good Samaritan video on YouTube.  

Please watch this quick 2 minute video – we think this is the very most important video today - for kids today and their parents!!!   

Conclusion 

The opioid crisis is a complex issue that requires a compassionate, well-rounded approach to address effectively. By fostering a caring community free of stigma, providing targeted education, and equipping individuals with the tools to prevent and respond to overdoses, we can make significant strides in combating this epidemic. It is everyone's responsibility to contribute to a safer, more informed community where the tragedy of opioid overdose is met with proactive, preventive action and where every individual is valued and supported in their journey toward health and safety.  Learn how people can be intentionally exposed to opioids, to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to easily administer Narcan Nasal Spray. 

Together, by educating ourselves and those around us, we can fight the opioid crisis and protect future generations from its grasp and tragedy!!