There were a total of 47,162 apparent opioid toxicity deaths reported between January 2016 and March 2024. In 2020 there were approximately 12 deaths per day in Canada related to Opioid toxicity. In 2024 (January to March) that number is at 21 per day.
So far in 2024 (January to March), most (84%) of the accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths in Canada occurred in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Most of those were males (72%) 30 to 39 years old.
Of all accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths so far in 2024, 81% involved fentanyl. This percentage has increased by 42% since 2016 when national surveillance began but appears to have stabilised in recent years. Of all accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths so far in 2024, 84% involved opioids that were non-pharmaceutical and of all accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths so far in 2024, 61% also involved a stimulant.
By Ashley Legere
