THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Illegal drugs and problematic drug or substance use are not new in Canada. However, the opioid crisis has brought to light the devastating effects these drugs are having on individuals, families and communities across Canada. Since 2016, there have been more than 57,000 apparent opioid related deaths. In early 2025, approximately 15 lives are lost each day because of opioid overdoses. Hospital admissions, emergency department visits and repeat overdoses (non fatal harms) have increased.
The numbers tell us that:
- The opioid crisis continues.
- Males aged between 20–49 years are the most severely affected.
Young Canadians aged 15 to 24 are the fastest-growing population requiring hospital care from opioid overdoses.
apparent opioid related deaths since 2016
lives per day lost in 2025 from opioid overdoses
%
of opioid overdose deaths happen by accident
How are illegal opioids driving the crisis?
Canada’s street drugs have become tainted with powerful opioids, such as fentanyl. This is leading to a high rate of overdoses and deaths. Fake pills are being produced using unknown amounts of fentanyl. As well, sometimes drugs that are made illegally may accidently contain fentanyl when produced on surfaces and equipment contaminated with fentanyl. You can’t see, taste or smell fentanyl, and a few grains of salt worth of fentanyl can be enough to kill you.
Are Canada’s prescription opioids contributing to the crisis?
The opioid crisis is a complex issue. Illegal drugs with fentanyl added to them are causing many of the opioid-related harms and deaths. However, prescription opioids have also contributed to the crisis. While opioids offer benefits, they also come with risks. High rates of opioid prescribing mean that more people are being exposed to the risks of opioids.