Benzodiazepines in apparent drug toxicity deaths in Canada, 2018 to 2023: Infographic
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Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada
Published: 2025-02-26
What are benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of substances that slow down brain activity and are used to treat conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders and seizures. Benzodiazepines are only legally available by prescription and should be consumed as recommended by a physician. Their use can lead to substance use disorder, overdose and death, especially when consumed with alcohol or other drugs.
Benzodiazepines contributing to more deaths in Canada
The rate of apparent benzodiazepine toxicity deaths increased by approximately 5 times from:
- 1.2 per 100,000 population in 2018, to
- 5.6 per 100,000 population in 2023
Over the same period, the rate of apparent opioid toxicity deaths increased by approximately 2 times.
30% of opioid-related deaths in 2023 also had benzodiazepines contributing to death, compared to 12% in 2018.
| Year | Crude rate (per 100,000) of apparent benzodiazepine toxicity deaths |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1.2 |
| 2019 | 0.9 |
| 2020 | 1.3 |
| 2021 | 2.1 |
| 2022 | 2.6 |
| 2023 | 5.6 |
Increasing presence in toxic drug supply
In 2023, identifications of benzodiazepine from seized samples in Canada were almost 4 times more often compared to 2018.
33% of opioid samples also contained at least one benzodiazepine in 2023, compared to 7% in 2020.
| Year | Number of identifications including benzodiazepines |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2,806 |
| 2019 | 2,994 |
| 2020 | 4,279 |
| 2021 | 9,733 |
| 2022 | 10,315 |
| 2023 | 10,665 |
Source
The information presented in this report was obtained from 6 to 8 provinces and territories through an ad hoc request to the data providers of the Substance-related Overdose and Mortality Surveillance Task Group (SOMS-TG) and is not a part of ongoing national surveillance activities.
Drug Analysis Service and Cannabis Laboratory. Ottawa: Health Canada; October 2024.
Findings presented here may differ from other data from the Health Canada Drug Analysis Service as these data are presented and analyzed in a different manner. Additional information about the work of the Health Canada Drug Analysis Service can be found here: https://health-infobase.canada.ca/drug-analysis-service/analyzed-drug-report.html
Acknowledgements
Access to the information in this report would not be possible without the collaboration and dedication of P/T offices of Chief Coroners and Chief Medical Examiners as well as P/T public health and health partners and Public Health Officers.
References
Government of Canada. (2024). Status determination of benzodiazepines. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/mandate/regulatory-role/what-health-canada-regulates-1/controlled-substances-precursors/overview-substance-control-status-determination-process/benzodiazepines.html
Government of Canada. (2024). Health Canada Drug Analysis Service.