Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, recently released his 2023 Annual Report, titled „Balancing Act: An All-of-Society Approach to Addressing Substance Use and Harms.“ The report, authored by Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and Dr. Lisa Simon, Associate Medical Officer of Health, delves into the challenges posed by substance use and the increasing rates of substance-related harms in Ontario. It provides evidence-based recommendations for a comprehensive approach to tackling these pressing issues.
The report focuses on the use of mood-altering substances in Ontario, including cannabis, alcohol, opioids, tobacco, and vaping products containing nicotine. Data from the COVID-19 pandemic revealed alarming trends in substance use and harms, such as a surge in opioid-related deaths, increased use of nicotine-containing vaping products among non-smokers, higher rates of cannabis use leading to emergency department visits, a rise in alcohol toxicity deaths, and more youth reporting frequent use of alcohol, cannabis, and vaping products.
While cigarette smoking rates are declining, the increase in vaping among youth and non-tobacco users is concerning. Additionally, Simcoe Muskoka has seen rising rates of alcohol, cannabis, and opioid-related harms. On average, 25 suspected overdose emergency department visits occur weekly in the region, with 144 opioid-related deaths in 2023 and 98 deaths recorded in the first half of 2024.
Despite the predictability of regulated substances like alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, their use still results in numerous hospitalizations and deaths due to the large number of users and the long-term nature of consumption. Alcohol-related deaths surpass opioid-related deaths, while tobacco-related fatalities outnumber those from all other substances combined. In Simcoe Muskoka, alcohol-related deaths averaged 211 annually between 2014 and 2018, with smoking-related conditions causing an estimated 861 deaths, 3,516 hospitalizations, and 7,058 emergency room visits each year among adults aged 35 and older.
Recognizing the profound impact of substance-related harms on individuals, families, and communities, a collaborative, evidence-based approach involving various stakeholders is essential. Dr. Moore emphasizes the importance of engaging communities, individuals with lived experience of substance use, government entities, Indigenous organizations, and health, public health, and social service sectors to implement strategies aimed at preventing substance use and reducing harms.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is actively involved in the Simcoe Muskoka Drug Strategy, a partnership dedicated to addressing the drug toxicity crisis in the region. The health unit offers programs to prevent substance use, such as the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children initiative and vaping prevention education. Additionally, efforts are underway to create healthy environments and policies that promote reduced substance use and harm. The health unit also provides vital harm reduction services to support individuals in need.
For more information on the health unit and its programs, visit smdhu.org. To speak with a public health professional, contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stay informed about local news by signing up for Doppler’s email digest and supporting local journalism.