Fentanyl use 'great cause for concern' in Yukon, says territory's top doctor
Brendan Hanley says there have been 2 overdose deaths in Yukon involving fentanyl
Yukon's top doctor says the territory is at about "the same level" as other parts of Canada when it comes to fentanyl-related deaths.
"We have information now that two people have died from overdose involving fentanyl, either as chiefly responsible, or at least as part of a mixed drug ingestion," said chief medical officer of health Dr. Brendan Hanley.
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Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate narcotic primarily used to treat pain. Street sales of the drug have been linked to hundreds of overdose deaths across Canada.
Hanley said he's reviewed the last five years of emergency room visits in Yukon and found opioid use to be "surprisingly common" and seemingly consistent over recent years.
But Hanley feels there is "great cause for concern," as fentanyl is becoming more readily available, and sought after.
"People are, believe it or not, actually seeking out fentanyl as they have heard it's a cheap high."
Another concern, he says, is "unintentional usage" by recreational drug users. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and even pot are sometimes cut with fentanyl powder.
"Know your source, [and] never take drugs alone," Hanley said.
With files from Sandi Coleman