The Opioid Epidemic in Canada: Trends in Diversion of Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs in Ontario

  • Maria A. Levi-Minzi
  • , Genevieve Martin
  • , Steven P. Kurtz
  • , Oliwier Dziadkowiec
  • , Marie-Claire Le Lait

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

    Abstract

    The Drug Diversion Program surveys law enforcement agencies in Ontario who report on new cases of prescription drug diversion quarterly. Data were collected between October 2014 and September 2016. Cumulative and standard unit rates were calculated for buprenorphine (n = 23), codeine (n= 65), fentanyl (n=181), hydromorphone (n=318), oxycodone (n=262), and morphine (n=69). Cumulative population and standard unit rates were calculated by dividing total quarterly diversion cases for each drug substance by total covered quarterly populations and standard units sold, respectively. Quarterly population estimates were obtained by extrapolating from the 2006 and 2011 Canadian censuses at census division level, intermediate geographic areas between the levels of province, and municipality. Cumulative standard unit rates were calculated using the estimated total standard units sold in the covered area for each drug.

    Original languageAmerican English
    StatePublished - Nov 13 2017

    Keywords

    • Ontario (Canada)
    • epidemic
    • opioids
    • prescription drugs abuse

    Disciplines

    • Arts and Humanities
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences

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