Health Crisis in the Making: OxyContin withdrawal in First Nation Communities
The dangers associated with OxyContin abuse have been known for some time:
- OxyContin – Information Brochure : http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/oxycontin_straight_talk.pdf
The high number of people in First Nation communities who are struggling with OxyContin addition is also well noted:
- News Article 1: http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/02/16/oxycontin/ Radio http://www.vancouversun.com/story_print.html?id=6172388&sponsor=escapes.ca
- News Article 2: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/story/2012/02/27/tby-end-of-oxy-worries.html http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/details.asp?c=39697
- Radio Interview: http://www.cbc.ca/ontariotoday/2012/02/17/replacing-oxycontin-could-spell-trouble/
A crisis is looming. So, what's the plan?! Where are the resources?
“Enforcement and health agencies are ringing alarm bells about the potential of a serious withdrawal crisis,” concluded [MP Carol] Hughes . “What exactly is the government doing to work with enforcement and health agencies to deploy a plan to prevent this looming health crisis?”
The Minister brushed aside Hughes’ concerns and accused her of fear-mongering despite the fact that Hughes had brought the legitimate concerns of First Nations to the attention of the one person who has the ability to help.
“It speaks to the government’s lack of commitment to their primary responsibility to provide health care to First Nations,” said Hughes outside the House. “I think they are being penny-wise and pound foolish if they can’t see the role they are obligated to play in this crisis.”
Source: SooToday: http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/details.asp?c=39697
“In the North we lack addiction treatment programs and facilities. Our communities do not have resident health professionals for community treatment services. There is an overall shortage of community-based recovery programs. Our efforts to enhance the training of our workers are challenged by the absence of training institutions and trainers for community workers to learn addictions interventions,”
Mike Metatawabin, NAN deputy grand chief
Source: Wawatay News: http://wawataynews.ca/archive/all/2011/9/15/response-prescription-drug-abuse-minimal-nan_21848
Remind government leaders to take action now:
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Send a message to the Prime Mister: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/contact.asp
- Send a message to the Minister of Health: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/contact/ahc-asc/minist-eng.php
Know someone who’s addicted to OxyContin? Get informed. Find out what you can do to help.
Are you addicted to OxyContin? Reach out for help. You are not alone!