Shedding stigma remains key factor in battle against opioids

Alberta also saw a five-year high in fatalities from opioid overdoses, which totalled 1,128 in 2020.

That increased sense of isolation was highlighted by Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Jason Luan Tuesday, who said about 70 per cent of those deaths occurred in private homes in the province.

Provincial data suggests that trend is similar to previous years. From 2018 to 2020 in Edmonton and Calgary, between 60 to 80 per cent of all opioid-related overdose fatalities occurred in suburban neighbourhoods, away from the downtown core.

With that, Chair of the Community Opioid Response Task Force in Grande Prairie Dylan Bressey says many who become victims of opioids are simply average, everyday people.

“That have a job, and often look on the surface like they are not suffering from anything,” said Bressey. “It’s those people that are the least willing to reach out for help, and don’t have people around them who know that they are struggling, that are the most likely to die from opioid overdose.”

This is why Loset says being able to have an open conversation about drug use, addiction and supports that are available without the fear of shame would be one big step to addressing this complex issue.

“People who are using substances at home and they are passing away aren’t telling people that they’re (using) because they are worried about what people will say or think because they use substances,” said Loset.

“I think it has to start with the individual, like how we treat people who use drugs, what our thoughts are about people who use drugs,” she adds. “I think that will help a lot, just de-stigmatizing substance use will help more people get more support.”

Loset and Bressey both point to the many supports and services in the area for those who are suffering from addiction.

Bressey says a great place to start for anyone who is in need of support, or is looking to help someone they know access support, is through the Community Opioid Response Task Force’s website, Everyone is Impacted.

“On there, we’ve got some stories about local people that have gone through their own challenges, and we’ve also got local, community-based resources that people can access for help,” said Bressey. “Whether you’re curious, or you need help, everything you need to know is on everyoneisimpacted.com.”

Loset adds the Northreach Society is also available to help provide referrals for any supports and services in the community.

“If you need to learn more about what recovery and addictions services and supports are offered in our community, we can help with that too.”

Loset adds she is encouraged to see more publicly funded addiction treatment services, like increased bed space at the Northern Addictions Centre in Grande Prairie for its 21-day treatment program.

The provincial government also announced Tuesday that they will be piloting an app in Calgary this summer, which will trigger a call to the STARS emergency centre if an individual using opioids while alone is not responsive to a preset timer.

FULL STORY: Province to pilot app aimed at curbing opioid overdoses in private homes

Bressey urges anyone in need of resources and support to not hesitate and reach out for help.

“Reaching out for help is something to be proud of, not to be ashamed of.”

by Shaun Penner

Shedding stigma remains key factor in battle against opioids

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