Uptick in overdoses leading to hospitalization reported in almost all Canadian provinces
A national study by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and the Canadian Institute for Health Information has revealed an increase in opioid-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits, according to a report by CBC News.
In 2007-2008, there were 10.2 opioid overdose-related hospitalizations per 100,000 Canadians nationwide, according to the study. By 2014-2015, that number had risen to 13.5 per 100,000.
Saskatchewan had the highest opioid-related hospitalization rate (20 per 100,000 people), while Alberta experienced the highest surge over the seven-year gap. Only Prince Edward Island saw a decrease.
Since the numbers covered only overdoses that were treated in hospital, “these figures underestimate the number of Canadians experiencing opioid-related harms,” wrote the authors of the study.
Seniors were found to be the most at-risk age group, with the most common cause being “accidental” overdosing due to confusion or misunderstanding of dosage instructions. Youth aged 15-24 were the next biggest group, wherein more than half of the patients admitted their overdose was “intentional” and meant to inflict “self-harm.”
"Many who reported using opioids got it from their parents' medicine cabinet, so I think this points to the importance of prescription take-back days, safe storage of medication and disposal when it is no longer required," said Matthew Young of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Hospital stays for opioid overdose lasted eight days on average, longer compared to confinement due to other conditions such as heart attacks (5.1 days), pneumonia (6.9 days), and hip replacement surgery (7.3 days). The longer duration could have been required to address possible lingering brain damage from oxygen deprivation, or to help addicted patients deal with their drug dependency, according to Young.
Tallies of emergency room visits were also examined, though the study was restricted to Alberta and Ontario, the only two provinces with comprehensive data.
In 2010-2011, heroin accounted for just 1% of opioid poisoning emergency visits in Alberta and 5% in Ontario. In 2014-2015, it reached 14% and 15% for Alberta and Ontario, respectively.
Related stories:
National opioid strategy urged to rein in over-prescriptions, overdoses
Advocacy group concerned over proposed rules to control opioid prescriptions
In 2007-2008, there were 10.2 opioid overdose-related hospitalizations per 100,000 Canadians nationwide, according to the study. By 2014-2015, that number had risen to 13.5 per 100,000.
Saskatchewan had the highest opioid-related hospitalization rate (20 per 100,000 people), while Alberta experienced the highest surge over the seven-year gap. Only Prince Edward Island saw a decrease.
Since the numbers covered only overdoses that were treated in hospital, “these figures underestimate the number of Canadians experiencing opioid-related harms,” wrote the authors of the study.
Seniors were found to be the most at-risk age group, with the most common cause being “accidental” overdosing due to confusion or misunderstanding of dosage instructions. Youth aged 15-24 were the next biggest group, wherein more than half of the patients admitted their overdose was “intentional” and meant to inflict “self-harm.”
"Many who reported using opioids got it from their parents' medicine cabinet, so I think this points to the importance of prescription take-back days, safe storage of medication and disposal when it is no longer required," said Matthew Young of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Hospital stays for opioid overdose lasted eight days on average, longer compared to confinement due to other conditions such as heart attacks (5.1 days), pneumonia (6.9 days), and hip replacement surgery (7.3 days). The longer duration could have been required to address possible lingering brain damage from oxygen deprivation, or to help addicted patients deal with their drug dependency, according to Young.
Tallies of emergency room visits were also examined, though the study was restricted to Alberta and Ontario, the only two provinces with comprehensive data.
In 2010-2011, heroin accounted for just 1% of opioid poisoning emergency visits in Alberta and 5% in Ontario. In 2014-2015, it reached 14% and 15% for Alberta and Ontario, respectively.
Related stories:
National opioid strategy urged to rein in over-prescriptions, overdoses
Advocacy group concerned over proposed rules to control opioid prescriptions
