TORONTO, Canada – Data from a recent report by Statistics Canada indicates a rise in cocaine usage among Canadians, contributing to an increase in drug-related deaths. The report focuses on the period from January to May 2022 and suggests a continued overall increase in cocaine levels. Additionally, the report states that drug overdoses in Canada rose by more than 30 percent from 2020 to 2021, with nearly half of the accidental opioid deaths involving a stimulant, highlighting the concerning trend.
According to the report, several major Canadian cities, including Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Toronto, are among the top ten places with the highest levels of cocaine in their wastewater. Notably, Halifax has been identified as the Canadian city with the highest levels of cocaine, underscoring the severity of the issue.
The rise in cocaine usage has had serious consequences, particularly in Nova Scotia, where it has been linked to an increase in drug-related deaths and overdoses. Nearly half of the accidental overdose deaths in Nova Scotia last year involved cocaine, reflecting a significant spike compared to a decade ago.
In Ontario, the latest available data also indicates a rise in deaths from consuming toxic substances, including stimulants. The report suggests that the illicit opioid supply has been contaminated with other substances, leading to a surge in deaths resulting from multiple toxic substances.
Moreover, the report revealed that Canadian cities exhibit significantly higher levels of methamphetamine and amphetamine compared to cities in other countries. The widespread usage of these substances poses a challenge, especially due to the affordability and availability of crystal meth.
Experts have emphasized the need for comprehensive programs and services to address the complexities of poly-substance use, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the drugs and the risks associated with their widespread usage. The troubling trend observed in Canada mirrors similar challenges faced by other countries, highlighting the global extent of the stimulant crisis.
The rise in usage and the associated harms linked to various drugs underscores the need for a holistic approach to address the issue. These trends affect various populations across all demographics, emphasizing the widespread impact of stimulant usage on public health.
This sobering report sheds light on the urgency of addressing the rise in stimulant usage in Canada and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the intertwined challenges of drug usage and associated harms.