Opioid Poisoning Crisis: The Story of Alcohol Prohibition Repeating Itself

Public Health Insight

In the period between 2016 and 2021, more than 19,000 Canadians have died of overdoses related to the toxic street supply of drugs. Opioid-related deaths have further increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of a variety of factors, such as disruptions in wrap-around support services, reallocation of resources, and challenges to overall mental health and well-being. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Andrea Sereda joins us to talk about:

• The causes of the current drug poisoning crisis and similarities to the alcohol prohibition period in the 1920s;
• Some factors that contribute to the likelihood of people using opioids or substances;
• Distinction between problematic substance use, addiction, and similar concepts; and
• How the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted opioid poisonings and harm reduction services.

Podcast Guests

• Dr. Andrea Sereda

Podcast Hosts

• Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®
• Ben Umakanthan, HBSc, MPH

References for Our Discussion

• London InterCommunity Health Centre: Safer Opioid Supply Program
• Opioid Crisis: The Other Pandemic

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