As synthetic drugs grow stronger, experts warn that overdoses pose an even greater threat, particularly to young people.
Dr. Nicholas Chadi, a pediatrician at Sainte-Justine Hospital, is sounding the alarm about the rising dangers of these substances.
“Substances that are circulating are getting stronger and stronger,” said Chadi.
According to Chadi, children as young as 11 are increasingly exposed to these synthetic drugs, including non-medical use of prescription medications, opioids, and various sedatives.
While Chadi notes that fewer young Quebecers are using drugs compared to two decades ago, those who do are encountering more potent substances.
“The fact that one pill can be so strong that it can lead to overdose is quite concerning,” he said.
Chadi pointed to data from Western Canada, where drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 18.
“This isn’t a trend that we’ve documented in Quebec or Ontario …