Infographic: Opioid-related harms in Canada
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Organization: Health Canada
Type: Infographic
Published: 2018-06-19
Related Topics
Deaths
3,987 apparent opioid-related deaths occurred in 2017.
This means about 11 lives were lost each day related to opioids.
- Circles indicate number of deaths
- Rate per 100,000 population
| Province/territory | Rate range per 100,000 population in 2017 | Number of deaths |
|---|---|---|
| British ColumbiaFootnote a | 20.0 and higher | 1,470 |
| Alberta | 15.0 to 19.9 | 759 |
| SaskatchewanFootnote b | 0.0 to 4.9 | 46 |
| Manitoba | 5.0 to 9.9 | 122 |
| Ontario | 5.0 to 9.9 | 1,263 |
| QuebecFootnote c | 0.0 to 4.9 | 181 |
| New Brunswick | 0 to 4.9 | 37 |
| Nova Scotia | 5.0 to 9.9 | 65 |
| Prince Edward IslandFootnote b | 0.0 to 4.9 | 3 |
| Newfoundland and LabradorFootnote b | 5.0 to 9.9 | 33 |
| YukonFootnote b | 15.0 to 19.9 | 7 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 to 4.9 | 1 |
| Nunavut | Suppressed | Suppressed |
92% were accidental (unintentional)
The number of accidental deaths involving fentanyl or fentanyl analogues increased by 81% between 2016 and 2017
Overdoses: Hospitalizations
An average of 17 people were hospitalized due to opioid poisoning in Canada each day in 2017 – an increase from 16 per day in 2016
Overdoses: Emergency medical services dataFootnote d
Based on available data, 2/3 of suspected opioid-related overdoses occurred among men.
Suspected opioid-related overdoses were most common among individuals between the ages of 20 and 29.
You have the power to save a life
Know the signs of an opioid overdose
- Blue lips or nails
- Dizziness and confusion
- Can't be woken up
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
Suspect an overdose?
- Call 911
- Administer naloxone if you have it
- Stay with the person until help arrives
Footer
Together we can #stopoverdoses
Learn more at Canada.ca/opioids
Notes
- Footnote a
Includes deaths related to all illicit drugs including, but not limited to, opioids.
- Footnote b
Includes deaths with completed investigations only.
- Footnote c
Includes deaths related to all illicit drugs including, but not limited to, opioids, from July to December only. This number is expected to rise.
- Footnote d
Based on data from Alberta (Edmonton and Calgary), Manitoba (Winnipeg), New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador for suspected opioid-related overdoses requiring the administration of naloxone by Emergency Medical Services Providers.
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