Trends, characteristics, and circumstances surrounding stimulant toxicity deaths in Ontario, Canada from 2018 to 2021

Background
The drug toxicity crisis is a global issue, and harms related to non-opioid substances, such as stimulants, are increasing alongside it.

Objective
This study aims to describe trends in accidental stimulant toxicity deaths, who is most affected, and the circumstances surrounding these deaths.

Methods
We conducted a population-based repeated cross-sectional study, of all accidental stimulant toxicity deaths between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, in Ontario, Canada. We reported monthly rates of stimulant toxicity deaths per 100,000 people living in Ontario and the circumstances surrounding death.

NOTE
This study builds on findings from 2 previous reports* that provided insights into the patterns of substance-related toxicity deaths in Ontario:
Characteristics of Substance-Related Toxicity Deaths in Ontario
and
Prescribing patterns, substance use disorder diagnoses, and access to treatment prior to substance-related toxicity deaths in Ontario

* Small differences in numbers may arise between reports and published papers due to updates in data or variations in analysis methods.

Results
Between 2018 and 2021, there were 5,210 stimulant toxicity deaths in Ontario. The death rate more than doubled, rising from 0.4 to 1.0 per 100,000 people per month. Cocaine and methamphetamine were found together in 16% of deaths, with cocaine alone in 56% and methamphetamine alone in 28%. Over 80% of deaths also involved opioids. Most deaths occurred in men (75%), in people aged 25–44 (53%), and in private residences (65%).


Conclusion
Stimulant toxicity deaths have more than doubled over three years, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive support systems. Social supports, mental health services, harm reduction strategies, and tailored treatment programs are critical to addressing the needs of people using stimulants, either on their own or with other substances.

Citation
Ledlie S, Leece P, Yang J, Iacono A, Kolla G, Boyd R, Bozinoff N, Franklyn M, Shearer D, Smoke A, Wu F, Gomes T ]. (2024). Trends, characteristics, and circumstances surrounding stimulant toxicity deaths in Ontario, Canada from 2018 to 2021. Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment.

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Date Released: December 21, 2024

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