The Opioid Crisis

Brian Sankarsingh discusses the opioid crisis and provides some thoughts on a synchronized multi-faceted method on preventing people from needlessly dying

The latest news from Belleville show that the overdose crisis is the most pressing public health issue in Canada. It has claimed countless lives and destabilized communities in Ontario. In response, various strategies have been proposed and implemented to address the multifaceted nature of this crisis. Some of the strategies we are seeing coming out of the United States, stand out as cold, unfeeling and uncaring. These approaches ignore the fact that people are dying in record numbers. Other solutions severely underestimate the raw power of addiction. The problem is that we are all okay with that approach until it happens to our family members. What many fail to realize is that it is “a person” who is dying. Not a “drug addict;” and that person has a family.

This article argues that the approach to pushing back the tide of the overdose crisis must include a combination of highly synchronized actions. This is due to its deadly repercussions, the easy availability of a tainted drug supply and the addiction itself. This article argues that the approach should be a combination of supervised consumption sites, empathetic healthcare staff, a supportive community, and humane policing. This comprehensive strategy not only aims to reduce harm associated with drug use but also fosters a compassionate and supportive environment conducive to long-term recovery and social reintegration.

However, because hundreds of people are dying and these deaths are preventable, we must start by first preventing these deaths. We cannot simply go gather up these people and force them into rehabilitation because there are many problems with this approach. So, we begin with supervised consumption sites (SCS) as a cornerstone of this approach. These facilities provide a safe and hygienic environment where individuals can use drugs under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. By offering sterile equipment, overdose prevention measures, and access to medical assistance, SCS significantly reduces the risk of fatal overdoses and transmission of blood-borne diseases. Moreover, they serve as entry points for individuals to access addiction treatment and other essential healthcare services, facilitating their journey towards recovery. This point cannot be over-exaggerated.

Central to the success of supervised consumption sites are empathetic healthcare staff. Compassionate and non-judgmental interactions with individuals struggling with substance use disorders are paramount in building trust and rapport. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in not only addressing immediate medical needs but also in providing ongoing support, counseling, and referrals to specialized treatment programs. Their empathetic approach helps reduce stigma, encourages individuals to seek help, and fosters a sense of belonging within the healthcare system.

A supportive community is essential in addressing the underlying social determinants of drug use and addiction. What are communities made up of but families and people; these many families and people are the same whose children, brothers, sisters struggle with addiction. Communities that understand and embrace harm reduction principles and prioritize the well-being of all members create an environment where individuals feel valued and supported in their recovery journey. Community-based organizations, peer support groups, and outreach initiatives play a pivotal role in providing social support, housing assistance, employment opportunities, and educational programs tailored to the needs of individuals with substance use disorders.

Furthermore, humane policing practices are integral to promoting public safety while upholding the dignity and rights of individuals struggling with addiction. Law enforcement agencies should adopt a harm reduction approach, focusing first on educating their officers on support and outreach initiatives instead of punitive measures. By collaborating with healthcare providers and community organizations, police officers can connect individuals with resources and support services rather than perpetuating cycles of incarceration, violence, and marginalization.

At the base of all these methodologies lies two fundamental principles: Education and Basic Humanity. People need to understand the power of addiction, and this begins with education. This will help remove the stigma and misunderstanding that people who struggle with addiction “should just stop” or “choose to continue.” This starts with an understanding that these are human beings who are suffering and dying preventable deaths. We cannot claim to value life and be complacent while people are needlessly dying.

By far there are many other more in-depth approaches to addressing the overdose crisis but if you can take away anything from reading this article it is that people are dying and the solution demands – among other things - a multifaceted approach that combines supervised consumption sites, empathetic healthcare staff, a supportive community, and humane policing practices. We need a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes harm reduction, compassion, and social inclusion, leading to healthier communities and improved outcomes for individuals affected by substance use disorders. We can only achieve this by working together to mitigate the devastating impact of the overdose crisis and pave the way for a future where every individual has an opportunity to lead a fulfilling and drug-free life.

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Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.