Putting a face to opioid use
Understanding opioid use in our community.
Deaths related to opioid use are rising. Last year in Peel there were 109 deaths related to opioids. Thats a 137% increase from 2016.
Peel Public Health is working with community partners to prevent overdose deaths, reduce harm associated with substance use, and decrease the stigma experienced by people who use drugs. Stigma, or negative attitudes and beliefs about people who use drugs result in discrimination, judgement, and isolation. It can also interfere with someone accessing health and support services.
Opioids are powerful drugs commonly used to relieve pain following dental and medical procedures. Examples include morphine and oxycodone. For some people, opioid use can lead to addiction. Putting a face to opioid use in Peel is the focus of our new campaign. We are challenging ourselves to consider how we talk and think about drug use.
Reg, a former client of Peel Public Health’s Harm Reduction Program, is a war veteran who experienced addiction due to chronic pain related to his service. Here’s some of his story:
“I have a lot of ailments that torment me. I was using Oxycontin to create a false reality, anything was better than what I was going through... The pain I was in became so depressing and so life taking.”
Reg’s recovery was supported by the Harm Reduction Program. New needles, syringes and other drug equipment allow people who use drugs to do so more safely by reducing risks associated with sharing drug use equipment. Referral to treatment and support services are provided at a client’s request.
“They never told me to quit. They gave me other options and ways to deal with things without getting sick, getting a disease that would kill me or make me suffer for the rest of my life... this team saved my life.”
You or someone you may know may be directly or indirectly affected by opioids and substance use. For more information visit www.peelregion.ca/opioids.
