Stats
True or False:
Hamilton's only safe injection site will close and shut down completely this year.
False.
It will not be shut down if it is converted to a HART Hub.
True or False:
The combined use of non-opioid substances (alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine) is a risk factor for opioid-related deaths.
True!
What is the drug administered to counteract an opioid overdose?
naloxone (Narcan)
What are two examples of harm reduction strategies/programs?
safe injection sites, educational sessions, counselling, needle exchange programs, drug decriminalization
What is the age range with the highest percentage (28%) of apparent opioid related deaths in Canada?
30 - 39 years old
What are three special populations with a higher risk for opioid use/related death?
1. Indigenous peoples
2. people experiencing homelessness
3. people in prisons/penitentiaries
True or False:
Naloxone can only be accessed and used by HCPs.
False.
Naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies for free and anyone request one!
What are two benefits of safe injection sites?
preventing spread of disease, preventing death from overdose
Of those 15 years and older in 2019, what percentage reported using opioids in the last year?
14%
What are the three main reasons for opioid use/addiction, according to the government of Canada?
1. illegal contaminated drugs
2. opioid tolerance and dependency
3. over-prescription
What is the most common synthetic opioid used for the treatment of opioid withdrawal and cravings?
methadone
What is the goal of harm reduction?
to prevent negative outcomes and improve health
How many deaths per day occurred from opioid overdoses in 2020?
12 deaths per day
What pandemic-related factors contributed to the surge in overdoses?
social isolation and stress, people using drugs alone, limited access to substance abuse treatment
How long will it take to see the therapeutic effects of Naloxone in an overdose patient?
2-5 mins
Which condition, which is commonly transmitted through shared needles, is a major concern for people who inject drugs and is often screened for at safe injection sites?
hepatitis C, HIV