Thank you.
This question is for the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
As you may well know, Surrey, along with other areas in British Columbia and Alberta, has been hit hard by the opioid crisis, particularly by fentanyl-laced recreational drugs. My colleague Sukh Dhaliwal held an emergency summit with health professionals who work with individuals on the street who have substance abuse issues.
Through these dialogues, I've heard conflicting conclusions as to whether or not opioid prescriptions should be reduced. I'm curious. Could you disclose what your research indicates on this matter? Some have stated that the prescriptions should not stop and that some of the opioid-based prescriptions are helpful in reducing addictions; otherwise, the alternative is fentanyl-laced drugs. Others have said that prescription-based opioid use is very high. What's your opinion on that?