Understanding the Implications of a Shifting Opioid Landscape in Ontario

Abstract

North America is currently in the midst of an opioid overdose crisis, leading to changes in drug policy and clinical practice guideline recommendations. Data from Ontario's prescription monitoring program and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario can be used to characterize changing prescription opioid trends and their role in fatal opioid overdoses. A better understanding of historical patterns of opioid use and overdose can help inform a more nuanced drug policy in the future.