"Doctors Urge Canada to Strengthen Addiction Services Amid Youth Opioid Crisis"

Doctors are urging Canada to enhance addiction services as opioid use among youth surges, warning of a looming crisis unless immediate action is taken.

In a recent editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, physicians Shannon Charlebois and Shawn Kelly highlight the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among Canadian youth.
The editorial emphasizes that existing addiction services in Ontario are insufficient to address the needs of young people grappling with prescription drug addiction and related issues.
Doctors warn that without bolstering addiction treatment services, the youth opioid crisis, exacerbated by substances like hydromorphone, could persist for decades to come.

Why It Matters

This call to action is critical as it underscores the urgent need for effective addiction services in Canada, especially given the rising trend of opioid use among youth, which could have long-term societal impacts.