Statistics are sometimes easy to shrug off, but recent numbers from BC Coroners Service detailing the number of illicit drug overdose deaths in BC so far this year are alarming, to say the least.
More than 300 overdose deaths have been reported in BC between January 1 and May 31, a 75 per cent increase compared to the same time period in 2015.
Powell River is no exception. The number of drug-related deaths locally has surged from an average of less than 1.5 per year over the past 10 years, to five overdose deaths in just six months this year.
More frightening statistics show that 56 per cent of BC overdose deaths in 2016 have been victims aged 20-39, and that over 50 per cent of all overdoses can be traced back to fentanyl.
The prevalence of the potent, synthetic drug, known to be cut into other drugs such as heroin and cocaine, has risen dramatically since 2012 when it accounted for five per cent of overdose deaths in BC. That number rose to 15 per cent in 2013, 25 per cent in 2014 and 31 per cent in 2015. We can all see the pattern here.
Enough with the scary statistics. What do we do? How do we warn recreational users and addicts alike of the increasingly dangerous drugs that can be found in our community? How do we protect loved ones and community members from ending up as another statistic from a BC Coroners Service report?
Before anything else, we need to reframe how we think about drug users in general. Drug users, recreational and otherwise, can be our family members, friends and neighbours. Although addicts often resort to criminal activity to feed their disease, drug use and criminal behaviour such as theft and violence are not intrinsically linked.
Harm reduction, needle exchanges, safe-injection sites, making overdose prevention drugs more readily available and, most importantly, educating the public about drugs will all work toward saving lives.
But beyond that, there is acceptance. Acceptance that drug use is a very real part of our community. Acceptance that some of those close to us are using drugs and are looking for our understanding and support.
If we want to avoid anyone else becoming a statistic, we need to begin with a helping hand, whatever form that might take.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
