Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 89 addictionhelp.com Deaths Caused by Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Canada Drug abuse, addiction, and misuse can cause users many emotional, social, and physical issues. However, the worst risk is death. Overdoses, car accidents, and diseases caused by drug use can all be deadly. • In 2016 there were 865 opioid-related deaths in Ontario alone, equal to an opioidrelated death every 10 hours. • 47,000 Canadian deaths are linked to substance abuse each year. • Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol account for 12.3% of alcohol-related road deaths in Canada. • In 2020, 4,395 people died of opioidrelated causes in Canada (equal to 12 opioid-related deaths per day). • 1 in 9 deaths of Ontarians ages 25-34 is opioid-related. • Female addicts are 54% more likely to die prematurely because of drug use than male addicts. • Tobacco is the leading cause of premature death in Canada. Addiction in Young People in Canada Drug use is especially common and especially detrimental for young people. Canadian youth and young adults account for a high percentage of drug users. Below are some substance use statistics for young people in Canada. • Young people ages 15-24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group. • 60% of illicit drug users in Canada are between the ages of 15 and 24. • 23% of students in Ontario report that they have been offered, sold, or given a drug in school in the past year. • Top 4 substances used by Ontario students: • Alcohol (58%) • Marijuana (35%), • Non-prescribed use of pain relievers (17%) • and tobacco (11.7%). • 23% of 14-year-olds and 70% of 17-yearolds in Saskatchewan reported binge drinking at least once in the past month in 2008 (older study). • About 1 in 20 Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 reported using cocaine in the past year in 2005 (older study). Canadian Addiction Treatment Statistics Addiction treatment is accessible and affordable in Canada. Many people struggle with a substance use disorder, but treatment can help. Key Canadian Addiction Treatment Facts and Statistics: • 1 in 205 Canadians were in treatment for substance abuse from 2016 to 2017. • 62% of people receiving treatment were male. • Alcohol is the most common problem reported by people receiving substance use treatment. ADDICTION STATISTICS IN CANADA (continued) Photo credit - drugfreekidscanada.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==