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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