.png)
Starting Conversations: Opioid Crisis
“Stigma is at the heart of what’s keeping people from stepping forward and getting help, and practicing harm reduction. It’s pervasive. The stigma surrounding opioid and other drug use problems eclipses anything we’ve seen in terms of the stigma associated with mental illness.”
– Stephanie Knaak, Ph.D., Mental Health Commission of Canada
For the second straight month, BC is reporting the highest monthly total for deaths due to illicit substances, with a reported 175 lives lost in June. Results suggest an increase in cases with extreme fentanyl concentrations.
There are many factors that lead to use of substances, and it is important to educate ourselves and have conversations with those around us about the impacts and how to mitigate harm.
Since being commissioned by Green Thumb in 2005, CRANKED by Michael P. Northey has been performed more than 400 times for young people across Canada and the world. For the past two seasons, we have been touring CRANKED with updated content in light of the current opioid crisis. While our upcoming tour of the show has been postponed due to COVID-19, we remain committed to participating in vital conversations around issues that affect young people and our communities at large.
Here are a few resources that shed light on the ongoing opioid crisis and ways to approach conversations with young people and adults:
Opioid facts from Canadian Addiction and Mental Health
How to Recognize and Respond to an Opioid Overdose
Overdose Resources for Schools and Parents - Fraser Health
BC Center for Disease Control Overdose Response Indicator June 2020
Green Thumb’s CRANKED Study Guide offers further definitions and resource links
An overdose may look different from one person to the next and depending on the drugs involved. An overdose is a medical emergency. Always call 911.
2019 Production photos of Chirag Naik as Stan and Elizabeth Wellwood as DJ Drive in CRANKED
Photos by Tim Matheson
Directed by Patrick McDonald
Stage Managed by Melissa McCowell
Written by Michael P. Northey
Set by Justus Hayes
Music & Lyrics by Kyprios, Stylust, and Michael P. Northey
