More people died in B.C. from illicit drugs this year than ever before

The BC Coroners Service says 201 people died of illicit drug toxicity deaths in October, the largest number of suspected deaths ever recorded in a month.

It equates to about six people killed every day.

The total for 2021 now stands at 1,782 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths, the highest ever recorded in a calendar year with still two months to go. B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe calls it a failure of government.

“Sadly we cannot reverse in terms of the lives lost. We have lost more than 8,500 people in our province since this drug toxicity crisis was declared. That is a loss that we will live with. Families are living with now, and I think [it’s] a stain on our province for decades to come,” Lapointe said Thursday.

“It is the leading cause of death of all causes for those 19 to 39 years of age.”

The province’s minister for mental health and addictions says she understands the grief and frustration.

“Almost every person in the province knows someone whose life has been touched by the poisoned drug crisis. I am so sorry for each loss and send strength to everyone who is mourning someone they love,” Sheila Malcolmson in a statement.

201 deaths from toxic drugs in October.
Worst month ever in BC's tragic history of deaths
85% had fentanyl present
median age of death 43
deaths second only to cancer when it comes to lives lost in BC (#covid19 is 12th)#bcpoli #opiods @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) December 9, 2021

Advocates heartbroken but not surprised by the numbers

Traci Letts with Moms Stop the Harm is among those who feel these deaths are even more tragic because they are preventable. The organization is made up of Canadian mothers and families whose loved ones have died due to substance misuse and has long been advocating for safe supply.

Letts, speaking with emotion in her voice, says families are just not being heard despite being brave enough to share their stories publicly over and over again.

“Every month when the numbers come out, or every couple of months, it’s just a gut-wrenching feeling that you get and then my mind goes directly to all the families that are affected,” Letts said.

“Over 200 families, it’s just heartbreaking. And then it turns to anger pretty quick after. We are just not responding in any fashion that’s quick enough to save lives.”

Phone numbers to call:

• Call 310-6789 for crisis emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.
• Call 1 800 784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.
• Call 1 800 588-8717 for culturally aware crisis support for Indigenous Peoples in B.C.
• Call 1 800 663-1441 for alcohol and drug information and referral.
• Or visit stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca

The exhaustion of fighting misconceptions

Letts says many people ask her why drug users don’t just stop.

“It’s just not that easy and I think we need education campaigns around that and understanding why people use substances in the first place,” she said.

That stigma and misunderstanding also impacts how families are able to grieve due to the stigma that exists.

“You don’t get that same compassion and empathy from the people around you. It’s a very isolating feeling. A lot of families don’t even speak to it.”

The other big misconception, she argues, is that the province is doing something about these tragedies.

Letts says pats on the back about safe supply and new beds in recovery centres are not going at all far enough to help people.

“The safe supply program that we have in B.C. isn’t really a safe supply program, it’s selected to very few individuals. It’s higher barrier to access, it’s not available to people across the province. The rollout has been a dismal failure because what they are offering is not what people want,” she said.

The coroner says we don’t have time to wait

Lapointe says we know from the evidence and studies that safe supply works, but there is still some hesitancy from key stakeholders and all levels of government. She struggles to understand why the crisis is not being treated the same way as the pandemic is being treated.

“We do need to see a provincial plan on an urgent basis. We do know that more than 8.6 million vaccinations have been distributed in our province in the last year and a half. That was a massive response, well coordinated, extremely effective. I have no doubt that should the province puts its mind to the rollout of safe supply on the same level, we can see a better response,” Lapointe said.

She says when it comes to controlled substances and the transportation and storage and management are all very challenging. She says there’s also many doctors and others in the health sector who say they are not satisfied with the evidence on effectiveness to safe supply.

She urges everyone – including those physicians –  to get to the table and address those concerns, move forward, and stop waiting for a perfect plan which does not exist.

Malcolmson says this time of year is especially difficult for drug users and urges everyone to download the Lifeguard app if they plan to use alone.

“As we approach the holiday season, my thoughts are with every person in our province who has been affected by these crises and is lonely, grieving or feeling uncertain. This time can be especially difficult for those suffering from addiction, and I’m urging everyone to stay safe, and to look out for one another,” Malcolmson said.

B.C. families paying out of pocket while waiting for treatment

For Letts, waiting for everyone to get on the same page is directly hurting families who have no other options.

She says the province keeps promising new treatment facilities but they are not helping.

“Treatment options, when we get to that point, are not easy to access. They’re not there for people. We are still looking for six, eight, sometimes up to 12 weeks waitlist to get in for referral to get into places,” adding, “I think the province is purposely misleading us into believing that they are doing more than they are.”

Many desperate families are also faced with a financial barrier when it comes to getting help. Those who can afford it turn to private treatment options through expensive rehab centres. She says there seems to be no regulation or oversight as to what is going on within these places, and some can cost up to $21,000 per month.

“You go into panic mode with your child. I’ve been there, I know exactly what it’s like to be in that position,” she said, adding, “you re-mortgage [your home], you do what you can because you love that child.”