Wastewater analysis in Canadian cities has revealed alarming trends in stimulant drug use, with cocaine and amphetamines making headlines for their continued presence and impact on public health. The latest report, released on November 1, 2023, by the Public Health Agency of Canada, highlights how stimulants are significantly contributing to accidental drug toxicity deaths in the country. This revelation is particularly concerning, given the sharp increase in drug overdoses, which rose by over 30% from 2020 to 2021.
Stimulants encompass a range of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), and amphetamines, which are sometimes prescribed for conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The report underscores that these drugs are not only being used recreationally but are also contributing to accidental opioid toxicity deaths. Approximately half of these overdose cases involved a stimulant, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue.
The data presented in the report is based on the Canadian Wastewater Survey (CWS), which has been monitoring wastewater samples from various municipalities across the country since 2019. It aims to provide timely insights into drug use trends and emerging patterns, enabling more informed public health responses and law enforcement activities.
One striking observation is the sustained increase in cocaine use in most municipalities. Cocaine levels in wastewater have been on the rise since January 2022 and show no signs of abating in 2023. The report points out that five Canadian cities rank among the top 10 in terms of cocaine levels in wastewater when compared to European cities. The United Nations Global Report on Cocaine for 2023 has also highlighted that half a million Canadians reported using cocaine in 2022, and the drug is widely available in the country, with prices lower than in many other nations.
Methamphetamine, often referred to as “crystal meth,” is another concerning element in the stimulant landscape. Canadian cities display exceptionally high levels of methamphetamine compared to their international counterparts. Alongside the United States, Czechia, Australia, and New Zealand, Canada ranks among the countries with the highest levels of methamphetamine use in 2022. While methamphetamine use in Canada remained relatively stable, amphetamine levels exhibited a marked increase from 2020 to 2022.
Interestingly, while methamphetamine use has not shown significant changes in recent years, amphetamine levels in wastewater spiked in the first half of 2022, particularly in cities like Montréal, Toronto, and Metro Vancouver. This increase in amphetamine levels does not correlate with methamphetamine levels, indicating a surge in amphetamine and other related drugs, including prescription medications used for ADHD. The report underscores the importance of further research to discern whether this increase is driven by prescription or illicit amphetamine use.
In 2023, the data suggests that methamphetamine and amphetamine levels have not seen substantial changes compared to 2022. These trends serve as a vital reference point for policymakers and public health officials to develop strategies and interventions to address the ongoing stimulant crisis.
The report’s regional analysis reveals that cities in the Prairies, including Edmonton, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon, consistently report higher levels of both methamphetamine and amphetamine in wastewater. Prince Albert stood out with the highest average levels in the early months of 2022 and 2023.
The implications of this report are clear: Canada faces a significant challenge with stimulant drug use, which is contributing to a growing number of accidental drug toxicity deaths. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that combines public health initiatives, law enforcement efforts, and continued monitoring to mitigate the impact of stimulant drugs on Canadian communities.