Addiction is not a choice.
We know that asking people to not do drugs is ineffective. Evidence shows that meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at” reduces stigma associated with substance use, and by extension, reduces barriers to access to supports and assistance (including emergency response). While some gains have been made in reducing stigma around certain conditions (e.g., depression), little progress has been made in removing the stigma around substance use disorders. In fact, no physical or psychiatric condition is more associated with social disapproval and discrimination than substance dependence.
To ensure our communities and our community partners are supported, the Anishinabek Police Service embraces a harm reduction approach to substance use that is founded in people-first, evidence-based principles. Harm reduction acknowledges that many individuals coping with addiction and problematic substance use may not be in a position to remain abstinent from their substance of choice. Moving beyond the traditional abstinence-only model focuses on keeping people safer today while they still use substances.
The goal: keep people alive.
This is why the communities we serve are seeing consistent messaging from us regarding:
• significant overdose occurrences in the community
• how to recognize signs of a drug poisoning
• the importance of calling 9-1-1 if a drug poisoning is witnessed
• the importance of carrying naloxone
• protections afforded by the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
• safer drug use practices
Information is being shared regularly through our social media channels, through media engagement, and through distribution of materials directly to our 16 First Nation communities. The tone and content of the messaging respects human dignity, meets people without judgment, and recognizes that people who use drugs deserve compassion, support, and access to care like anyone else with health challenges.
August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. We remember those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind. Please visit the Supports page on our website for a catalogue of culturally appropriate, trauma-informed hotlines, programs and counselling services available to those impacted by drugs.
Ganawenim Anishinabek – protecting our people.
Background
The opioid toxicity mortality rate in every one of our associated public health units exceeds the provincial average. The Thunder Bay district had the highest per-capita rate of fatal drug overdoses in the province last year with 80 deaths – a rate of 69.14 per 100,000 people. Fort William remains under an active state of emergency related to the drug crisis. Sault Ste. Marie had 38 fatal overdoses last year (48.36 per 100,000). Every fatal overdose is a preventable tragedy.
The factors that increase vulnerability to drug-related harms for Indigenous Peoples are well-known. These include “the historical and ongoing traumas related to colonization, including the residential school experience, poverty and child apprehension and involvement in the child welfare system, as well as inadequate access to education, health services and social supports.” Public health units in our communities also cite increased isolation due to the large geographic area, difficulty with transportation to access mental health and treatment services, and substance-related stigma.
