BC on track for second consecutive year of 2,000 deaths from toxic drugs – BC News

November 8, 2022 3oliver

Photo: Brendan Kergin

The rate of illicit toxic drug deaths in the Okanagan is up this year, but down slightly in the Thompson-Cariboo.

The latest statistics released by the BC Coroners Service confirm 171 people lost their lives to toxic drugs in BC in September, putting the province on track to surpass 2,000 such deaths for a second consecutive year.

The September total is roughly the same as in August (169) and is equivalent to about 5.7 deaths per day. So far in 2022, 1,644 lives have been lost to toxic drugs, which is the largest number ever recorded in the first nine months of a calendar year.

“Both those who use drugs occasionally and those who are substance-dependent are at risk of sudden death from the unpredictable illicit market. Individuals who have been abstinent for a period of time or those who normally use stimulants are at increased risk. Their opioid tolerance is low and the prevalence of fentanyl in the illicit supply is high,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner.

Thirty-three of those who perished in September were in the Interior Health zone. That’s up from 30 in the same month last year.

The rate per 100,000 population in the Okanagan is up to 46.2 from 42.7 in 2021, while in the Thompson-Cariboo it has dropped to 60.1 from 61.5. The overall rate for Interior Health is unchanged at 45.7 deaths per 100,000 population, which is the third highest after the Northern and Vancouver Coastal health authorities.

There have been 64 deaths in Kelowna this year, 66 in Kamloops, 24 in Penticton and 30 in Vernon. Merritt is a hotspot with the fifth highest rate per capita for a Local Health Area By Local Health, after Lillooet, Cowichan Valley West, Terrace and Alberni/Clayoquot.

People between the ages of 30 and 59 were the most likely victims. 79% were men. Illicit drug toxicity death rates among 19-39 and 60+ years increased in September.

No deaths have been reported at supervised consumption or drug overdose prevention sites. Analysis of post-mortem toxicology results shows no indication that prescribed safe supply is contributing to illicit drug deaths regionally or provincially.

The detection rate of benzodiazepines rose rapidly from 15% of samples in July 2020 to 52% of samples in Jan 2022. It has since decreased to 22% in August 2022. Benzodiazepines are dangerous because they do not react to naloxone, the drug used to reverse overdoses.

Lapointe is again urging the province to expand access to a safe supply of drugs. “It is of critical importance that a safer option be available to the tens of thousands of people in our province currently at risk of serious harm or death.”

Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, points out that since 2020 more than 14,000 people have accessed prescribed safer supply. She also notes that the government has opened hundreds of treatment beds and services to help build a system of mental-health and addiction care.

“Although progress on building a system of care is being made, the illicit drug supply is more lethal than ever, and we know there is more to do. We won’t stop working until all British Columbians can get the help they need, when they need it,” adds Malcolmson.