Both Canada and Switzerland have implemented various measures to address the opioid crisis, recognizing its severe impact on public health and social stability. Canada has focused on distributing free naloxone kits, providing drug prevention education in schools, and disseminating informational wallet cards.
References APA
Canada, H. (2019, April 9). Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/canada-opioid-crisis-fact-sheet.html.
Craig, S., Mayer-Goodman, B., Wrobel, M., & Craig, S. (n.d.). Timeline of the Opioid Crisis in Canada: News. Retrieved from https://thelinknewspaper.ca/article/timeline-of-the-opioid-crisis-in-canada.
Gouverneur, C. (2018, November 9). Switzerland's Experiment With Addiction Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.thenation.com/article/switzerland-addiction-prescribed-heroin/.
How's life? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/#/11111111111.
Taylor Knopf, North Carolina Health News. (2019, November 14). Switzerland couldn't stop drug users. So it started supporting them. Retrieved from https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2019/01/21/switzerland-couldnt-stop-drug-users-so-it-started-supporting-them/.
Any actions that have been taken in order to improve this situation: Switzerland
-police have a greater focus on stopping dealers than users
-methadone prescription
-experimental heroin prescription program
-heroin-assisted treatment program
Documents or regulations that are in place to prevent or improve this situation: Switzerland
-harm reduction, treatment, prevention and repression (Four Pillars Drug Policy)
-safe injection sites (with treatment, food, place to stay)
-drug check sites
-supplying drugs to users
Living conditions (demographic, economic, political situations) and the implications/ connections that this has to your issue: Switzerland
-population of 8.5 million, life expectancy of 84 years
-80% of working age people are employed, higher OECD average for earnings/income
-"participatory form of direct democracy", low voter turnout
-the great living conditions in Switzerland don't seem to connect to the past drug crisis
-the improvement of the issue is a good reflection of the country and its people
Causes/Background: Switzerland
-opioid use was a big issue in the 80s, especially heroin
-people were using and overdosing out in the open (Needle Park)
-overdose and disease were prevalent due to needle sharing
-no issues with Fentanyl
Significant Events:
The opioid crisis is significant because it affects the overall health of those who use the drugs. This is important because individuals and their families are impacted by the negative side effects that come with using. People can become very sick or even die from these drugs so there is a greater need for health and support programs to help these people.
Continuity and Change:
During the opioid crisis, death caused by overdose have stayed constant. People becoming addicted through prescription and "street" use has stayed the same. What has changed over time is the amount of people who have received treatment and help as well as how many people are prescribed opioids.
Cause and Consequence:
Taking opioids can lead to regular use because of their addictive properties. When someone becomes addicted, they may lose their job or commit crimes because of their focus on the drug. These negative effects can lead to overdose because of the strength of the drugs. Increased overdose means more supports available in hopes to reduce deaths.
Any actions that have been taken in order to improve this situation: Canada
-free naloxone kits
-drug prevention education in schools
-informational wallet cards
-"Canada Guideline for Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain"
Documents or regulations that are in place to prevent or improve this situation: Canada
-safe injection sites (first aid, medical/mental assistance)
-Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
-hydromorphone pill vending machines
-drug checking programs
-supplying drugs to users
Living conditions (demographic, economic, political situations) and the implications/connections that this has to your issue: Canada
-population of 37.6 million, life expectancy of 82 years
-73% of working age people are employed, high OECD average for earnings/income
-parliamentary democracy, good voter turnout
-the good living conditions in Canada make the current opioid crisis seem unlikely despite the reality
-current work to reduce the effects of the crisis seem more appropriate for Canada
Causes/Background: Canada
-Oxycontin is available for purchase, 1996 (drug is deemed not addictive)
-Montreal Fentanyl bust, 2013
-public health emergency in Ontario, 2017
-almost 4,000 deaths due to opioid abuse, 2017
-Fentanyl is still a big issue
