North Bay’s drug strategy committee heard from a local coroner on Thursdays that says doctors have a dilemma when it comes to prescribing pain medication.
The misuse of opioids is a rising epidemic around the world, but the numbers have hit an all-time high locally.
According to Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, a public health physician, North Bay has the highest opioid prescription rates in the province and she says she can't help but feel partially responsible, as a physician who has prescribed them.
“In the early 90s we were told that we weren't being compassionate physicians or we weren't treating pain effectively unless we got rid of people's pain. So, it was in part a message that was promoted by drug companies and they provided some false information.” said Zimbalatti.
The drug strategy committee says it would like to see prescribed opioids disappear altogether.
Pat Cliche is a member of Community Drug Strategy North Bay & Area.
“I think we have to realize people don't always need a narcotic prescribed for pain, and they should start with a non-narcotic, because that's how people get hooked on prescriptions.” said Cliche.
According to North Bay police, the street use of opioids in the city has always been high, but they say they would like to see dealers held accountable.
“Our community is the highest in the province and our province is the highest in the country and our country is the second highest in the world. That's a problem. So, now it comes down to accountability.” said Constable Brad Reaume, of North Bay Police Service.
The officer says the North Bay Police Service is currently investigating four opioid overdose deaths where criminal negligence is suspected.
