Opioids
All levels of government and local community organizations are part of ongoing efforts to save lives and reduce harms from opioids. In Peel, our local response includes the Peel Opioid Strategy which focuses on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and enforcement and justice.
To receive a copy of the strategy in an accessible format you can email us.
The issue of drug toxicity and overdose is most often associated with opioid use. Opioids are drugs used to treat pain. Not all opioids are harmful and can be prescribed by doctors. However, when drugs contain toxic substances, they can be harmful. Learn more about opioids.
The impacts of opioid use in Peel
A poisoned drug supply is causing deaths in our communities. We’ve seen 682 deaths in the last 5 years (2018 to 2022).
Many people are dying
Deaths attributed to opioid toxicity increased by 68% from 2018 to 2021. The death rate returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and remains elevated today.
Increasingly toxic drug supply
Fentanyl contributed to 9 out of 10 deaths in 2021 and 2022.
Additional strain on emergency services
The highest rate of emergency department visits for opioid toxicity on record occurred in 2021.
Less frequent resuscitation and naloxone use
46% of deaths included a resuscitation attempt and naloxone was used in only 24% of deaths in 2021 and 2022.
Learn more about how we closely monitor trends in emergency department visits, paramedic calls, hospitalizations and deaths related to opioid use in Peel. View data on opioid overdoses in Peel.
Supervised drug consumption services
Peel Region’s supervised consumption services is closed. The closure is due to Bill 223, passed by the Ontario government on December 4, 2024.
Reducing deaths and harm
In partnership with community agencies, Peel Public Health provides access to naloxone and training and provides safer drug use materials and education. Refer to the Harm Reduction Program to find out how to access services in Peel.
Harm Reduction Programs help reduce harmful health effects for people who use substances, including the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, and prevent fatal overdoses.
Access responding to Canada’s opioid crisis for more information.
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.
The Act is intended to reduce fear of police attending overdose events and encourage people to help save a life and applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives. The Act also protects anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives.
Using Naloxone for an opioid overdose
Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose and restore breathing within 2 to 5 minutes.
Some local pharmacies carry naloxone kits. Find out where to get a free naloxone kit.
Watch how to administer naloxone.
Related:
- Harm Reduction Program
- Ontario Ministry of Health opioid overdose information
- Stigma around substance use
Treatment
Our partners in the health sector are working to ensure access to effective addictions and mental health treatment services. Treatment services for opioid use disorder include:
- assessment
- support groups
- education
- counselling
- withdrawal management programs
Medications like methadone or suboxone can help with opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Access supports and services:
Peel Regional Police and Caledon OPP support residents who interact with the justice system and are working to decrease the supply of illicit substances (drugs), including those contaminated with fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
Toronto, Vancouver, and British Columbia have submitted separate exemption requests to Health Canada to decriminalize simple drug possession under subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. In May 2022, British Columbia was granted an exemption between January 31, 2023, and January 31, 2026, to permit Canadians 18 years or older to possess up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.
Research suggests that alternatives to criminalization can help minimize harm from substance use. Peel Public Health is exploring policy options appropriate for our community with partners and people with lived/living experience of substance use.
In November 2022, a working group was established to explore alternatives to the criminalization of drugs. The working group will provide insight into the local context, current practices and opportunities, and potential health and social equity-based alternatives to drug criminalization in Peel.