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.
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