The History of Drugs in Canada

In the late 1980’s, Canada endorsed a $210 million campaign on the “battle against drugs”. It basically dealt with the supply and demand of prescription drugs. For example, the more those drugs were supplied, the more they were needed. It all relates to addiction and the idea that the more illicit drugs you gets, the more that you need! In recent years the drug, Oxycontin, has become prevalent and is very addictive.

The government of Canada feels that there are 6 areas that they should be concerned with, especially related to oxycontin in regard to their supply and demand as follows:

1)    International Cooperation

Canada and the United States work together to curtail the transporting of illegal drugs across the U.S /Canadian borders. Although the United States seems to take a stronger stand on the punishment for drug abuse, Canada is doing everything in its power to crack the whip, so to speak, on drugs.

2)    Education & Prevention of Drugs

Canada is teaching more about drugs with relation to their causes; prevention, adverse affects, and cures. When people are taught about the detriment of drugs in relation to their lives, they tend to be more careful and stay away from these harmful and destructive substances. Canadians feel that the more they educate their population about the subject of drugs, the fewer individuals will be tempted by these substances.

3)    Control & Enforcement of drugs

There has been a “crackdown” on prescription drugs in Canada. Physicians are not writing as many scripts as were once permitted. When there are fewer prescriptions written, there seem to be less temptation to sell these meds “on the streets”, due to the lack of an oversupply.

4)    National Awareness & Prevention of illegal drugs

Canada is making its citizens more aware of the substance abuse problems that lie within its territories. Through this awareness, comes prevention. With parents talking openly about drug problems and issues with their children, the pressure on the younger generation seems to lessen.

5)    Treatment & Rehabilitation regarding addiction to Drugs

For those unfortunate persons who have managed to become addicted, Canada has licensed treatment centers that are equipped in handling these problems related to substance abuse. Here addicts are enrolled in programs to help with a cure, so that a relapse will not occur.

6)    Research & Information

Canada has implemented many programs and agencies to further research and collect data on its problems pertaining to drugs. With this information, the steps toward positive solutions can be administered.

All in all, Canada is striving to make its country one without drugs, however it will take time!