Deaths from opioid overdose in Canada in 2020, by province

During 2020, there were a total of 6,214 deaths from opioid overdose in Canada, 1,738 of which occurred in the province of British Columbia. This statistic shows the number of deaths from opioid overdose in Canada in 2020, by province.

Opioid Use and Misuse

Opioids are commonly prescribed as both short-term and long-term pain management strategies. Unfortunately, opioids are sometimes used problematically, including taking increased amounts, tampering with the route of administration, or using with the goal to improve mood, all of which can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death. In Canada, the majority of hospitalizations for opioid poisoning are due to accidental causes.

Opioid Crisis in Canada

Among Canadian adults, the majority view the opioid issues of the country as a serious problem or a crisis. Moreover, many opioid deaths also involve the use of a stimulant, which adds to the polysubstance nature of the opioid crisis. Efforts against the opioid crisis in Canada are multi-faceted. One way is focused on reducing possible harm from using illicit opioid sources such as heroin or other street opioids through the use of opioid agonist treatment methods including methadone and naloxone.