According to government of Canada (2019), opioid crisis and illegal drug use is not

new and is devastating for most of the individuals, Families and for the community. There

were almost 9,000 opioid related deaths in Canada in 2016. The opioid crisis is very critical

issue and at the same time illegal street drug usage is bringing harm to many Canadians.

Regardless of age, race and background mostly people experience problem with the

drug use in their life. Some just started as a curiosity and some just started to use recreational

drug to ease their problem, depression, anxiety and to have good time. However, its not illegal

drug such as heroin, cocaine but some prescribed medication also build addiction among

individuals such as painkiller, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. Theses prescribed medication

also cause same problems and level of dependency as illicit drugs (Robinson et Al, 2019).

There are more risks and harms associated with medications and illicit drug usage

compare to safeguards. Some commonly harms that can result from drug abuse whither its

prescribed or illegal, are as fallow

Physical harms: bloodred eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual, change in eating and

sleeping patterns. Sudden weight loss or gain, smell in breath and from clothes. Impaired

coordination, slurred speech and tremors (Morgan et Al, 2013).

Behaviour harms. Significant decline in performance and attendance in school while sudden

change in favourite hangouts, hobbies and friends. Involving in suspicious activities and

frequent getting into fight, accidents and illegal troubles (Morgan et Al, 2013).
Phycological harms: there will be no motivation to do task on time and sudden mood swing,

irritability and angry outbursts. Unexplained change in personality and behaviour occurs.

Person appear fearful and anxious (Morgan et Al, 2013).

Benefits of using medication and illicit drug are also present. For example, feeling

more confidant and free from stress and any depression while having strong feeling of

satisfaction. There is no sign of pain after using it. Waking up to energetic and improve the

memory and attention are also positive points associated with drug use. Herbal cannabis,

marijuana and skunk have more benefits compare to other illegal drugs such as heroin and

cocaine. It boosts the memory and person is able to focus more on the work (Morgan et Al,

2013). It is also giving feeling of enjoyment and person sleep batter to put all worries of daily

living on side.

As we can see that in recent years prescribed medication overdose became the

escalation problem among Canadians and many painkillers, antianxiety and seductive

medication usage is increasing and people are developing dependency on it. To avoid

prescribed medication addiction it is important to use one medication at a time or talk to

health care provider to avoid overdose and addiction (Robinson et Al, 2019). Harm associated

with illicit drugs can also be minimize by taking safe dose and fallowing safety guideline. At

the end communication and seeking timely help can prevent harms and crisis associated with

medication and illicit drug use.

 References

Government of Canada (2019) Canada opioid crisis fact sheet. Retrieved from

            https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/canada-

opioid-crisis-fact-sheet.html

Morgan, C. J., Noronha, L. A., Muetzelfeldt, M., Feilding, A., & Curran, H. V. (2013). Harms

and benefits associated with psychoactive drugs: findings of an international survey of active

drug users. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(6), 497-506.

Robinson, lawrence, Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2019). Substance Abuse and addiction. doi:

10.4135/9781473936393