World Mental Health Day - MHTN

The Silent Threat Behind The Toxic Drug Crisis: Brain Injuries

Bookmark Article

Share

Share

Bookmark Article

KEY POINTS

Canada’s toxic drug crisis has a hidden consequence: a brain injury epidemic. Overdoses, often involving fentanyl, cause oxygen deprivation in the brain, leading to cognitive impairments and even death. Research suggests there have been over 600,000 overdose-related brain injuries in Canada. Hosts Patricia Wu and Jessica Reyes break down the story with medical speech-language pathologist, Meaghan Arnold in Psychology Behind the Headlines.

Staying Informed Among Drug Crisis

These injuries often go unrecognized, as many overdoses occur in private residences and routine brain injury screening isn’t common practice after an overdose. This lack of awareness prevents many survivors from accessing much-needed support services.

Hope For The Future

Bill C-277, the National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act, passed by the House of Commons, offers hope. It mandates a national strategy to support and improve brain injury awareness, prevention, and treatment, including enhanced mental health resources.

Curbing Canada’s Crisis

Prevention is crucial, with harm reduction services and naloxone playing key roles. Rescue breathing during overdoses can also reduce the risk of hypoxic brain injury. A coordinated nationwide effort, bolstered by Bill C-277, is needed to address this hidden epidemic.

For more insights from Meaghan Arnold, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

Editorial Team
Editorial Teamhttps://mhtn.org/
At the heart of MHTN - America's pioneering 24/7 Mental Health TV Network - is our editorial team, a dynamic group of professionals united by a shared commitment to transforming the conversation around mental health. Our team is composed of seasoned journalists, mental health experts, researchers, and storytellers, each bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy.

Read more

Advertisement

Related Articles