Documents show drug-related deaths in N.L. in 2023 almost twice as high as the previous year

Drug-related deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador nearly doubled in 2023 over the previous year, with cocaine being the main culprit, according to the latest numbers released by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The data, obtained through an access-to-information request and shared by independent researcher Matt Barter, revealed a staggering 97 per cent increase in drug-related deaths in the province, with a total of 73 cases reported in 2023 compared to 37 in 2022.

Broken down by health regions, the Eastern zone recorded the highest number of deaths with 51, followed by seven in the Central zone, 10 in the Western zone, and five in the Labrador-Grenfell zone.

Cocaine emerged as the leading cause of death, accounting for 34 fatalities, followed by benzodiazepines with 13 deaths, alcohol with 11 deaths, and fentanyl with nine deaths. The report also mentioned that the numbers could rise as more drug-related deaths are confirmed.

Tina Olivero, a mother who lost her son Ben to a drug overdose last year, emphasized the urgent need for more action to address the province’s drug crisis. She highlighted the prevalence of drugs in schools and called for a more proactive approach to combat the issue.

Olivero welcomed the recent introduction of naloxone kits in junior and senior high schools, which can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. She stressed the importance of having guidelines and resources in place to manage drug-related emergencies in schools, similar to other life-threatening situations like allergies.

In response to the escalating drug crisis, the Department of Health and Community Service announced a review of inpatient addiction treatment services in the province. With $100,000 allocated for the review, an external vendor will be hired to assess best practices and make recommendations for improving inpatient addiction treatment.

The review will focus on areas such as wait-time reduction, length of stay, discharge practices, withdrawal management, and gender-informed practices. Olivero, who has been advocating for more compassionate care for individuals with addictions, hopes that the review will lead to meaningful changes in how addiction treatment is provided in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As the province grapples with the devastating impact of drug-related deaths, stakeholders are working towards implementing solutions to address the crisis and prevent further loss of life.