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The Overdose Crisis
We have seen a significant increase in the harms of fatal and non-fatal overdoses since the start of the pandemic and unfortunately rates have remained elevated. A broad multi-faceted response is needed to help address the overdose crisis. This is a complex issue compounded by interrelated challenges of increased mental health concerns and an increase in the number of residents needing homelessness services in the community.
These data provide an early signal of changes in suspected overdose-related emergency department (ED) visits and deaths in Ottawa. These early data are based on the chief complaint at triage for ED visits and, for deaths, evidence from the scene/investigation or preliminary autopsy findings. While not all the ED visits and deaths shown here will be proven to be related to an overdose, changes over time will provide useful information about substance related harms. These data are based on all patients seen in Ottawa hospitals and deaths that occurred in Ottawa. Data will be refreshed as it becomes available from the various data sources provided to Ottawa Public Health.
Additional data is available on The Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Community Dashboard and Open data.
- For statistics on self-reported substance use, check out the "Do people feel well?" page.
- For statistics on drug use and overdose related harms, check out the "Are people experiencing harms from unmet needs?" page.
- For statistics on harm reductions services (e.g. naloxone, needle distribution program), check out the "Do people have access to harm reduction services" page
- For statistics on substance use health services and wait times (e.g. data from system navigation services), check out the "Can people get services when and where they need them?" page
Interpreting the data from Ottawa's Overdose Overview :
- The number of suspected drug overdose ED visits in the most recent week is lower than the previous week.
- The number of suspected drug overdose deaths in the most recent week is lower than the previous week.
- The number of confirmed opioid overdose-related ED visits in May 2024 is lower than the previous month. The highest number of confirmed opioid overdose related ED visits in the past 4 years was in the third quarter of 2023.
- The number of confirmed opioid-related deaths in the fourth quarter of 2023 is higher than that seen in the third quarter of 2023. The highest number of confirmed opioid-related deaths within the past 5 years was in the first quarter of 2023.
- All areas of Ottawa are affected by opioid-related harms, but the largest numbers and rates tend to be in the downtown areas of Ottawa.
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Myths
| People with mental illnesses and/or addictions are usually homeless. Agree or disagree? |
| In fact, while many homeless people have mental health or substance use health issues, not all people with mental illnesses and/or addictions or substance use disorders are homeless. Many people living with mental illness and/or addictions or substance use disorders have jobs, go to school, and have families |
| People living with an addiction lack willpower. Agree or disagree? |
| In fact, addictions and substance use disorders are not a choice, a moral failing or a lack of willpower. There are many complex health and social factors that contribute to the development of addictions and substance use disorders (i.e. genetics, early life experiences, environment and stressful life events. |
| People living with an addiction don’t want help |
| In fact, stigma is one of the largest barriers preventing people experiencing challenges with substance use from seeking help or health care. Other barriers include self-stigma, structural stigma, not knowing where to go for help and a lack of supportive social networks. |
| People living with an addiction will never get better. |
| In fact, treatment measures for addictions and substance use disorders are effective and generally as successful as those for other chronic medical conditions. Recovery is possible and attainable! |
| People are more likely to hire someone with a mental health condition compared to someone with a substance use disorder |
| According to a November 2021 population survey, a greater number of Ottawa residents strongly agreed that:
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| True or false? Stigma is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking help. |
| True. Stigmatizing language like “drug abuse” or “addict” can inflict a sense of shame that stops someone from seeking help. |
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