B.C. on pace for another record year of illicit drug deaths

Nearly 200 British Columbians died due to toxic illicit drugs in May, painting a grim picture for 2022 as a whole.

“After a catastrophic 2021, I am saddened to report that we are, once again, on pace to lose a record number of our community members in 2022,” said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe with the BC Coroners Service.

The service says 195 lives were lost in May, up 20 per cent compared to the month before. This is the highest number of toxic drug deaths ever recorded in the month of May, and equates to an average of 6.3 deaths per day.

These latest numbers mean at least 940 lives were lost to toxic drugs in B.C. in the first five months of the year.

Related article: B.C. records 161 deaths in April due to toxic drugs

The BC Coroners Service says fentanyl and/or its analogues were found in 91 per cent of tested samples since July 2020. Benzodiazepine was found in 44 per cent.

“Additionally, between July 2020 and May 2022, etizolam was found in 40% of suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths that have undergone expedited testing. Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analogue and non-opioid sedative that does not respond to naloxone and creates life-saving challenges for first responders,” reads a statement from the service.

Lapointe urges people who use illicit substances to take precautions to protect themselves.

“Please start with a small amount of the drug, and make sure someone is present who can provide naloxone and call for emergency assistance if you experience a negative effect. Your life is at risk.”

Illicit drug toxicity is the leading cause of “unnatural death” in B.C.

The Coroners Service says the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health authorities have seen the most deaths this year (302 and 263 deaths, respectively). The Northern Health Authority has had the highest rate of deaths at 53 per 100,000 people.

Last month, B.C. was granted an exemption that will allow the province to decriminalize small amounts of certain drugs for personal possession. The exemption will apply to all adults over the age of 18 within B.C. Personal possession only up to a cumulative amount of 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA are included in this.

“One of the reasons that people continue to lose their lives is the stigma that surrounds addictions and substance use,” said Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson. “Shame and fear keep many people from accessing the care they need. The fear of being criminalized has led many people to hide addiction and use drugs alone – and using alone can mean dying alone.”

With files from Claire Fenton