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Prescription drug deaths on the rise in Ontario "One of the key things is that out of all opioid deaths that occur, the majority of them are acciPolice are not just dealing with illicit street dental, which means people are taking the medicadrugs like heroin and cocaine anymore, but a tion, but they're not intending to die. But because proliferation of prescription narcotics, added of misuse, they do end up overdosing and dying. Fletcher. Two-thirds of drug deaths in Ontario are When you add alcohol into the picture, that incaused by prescription opioids (pain relief medi- creases the risk of death." In 2008, the number of opioid-related deaths in cations), said Dr. Sangrit Sharma, an Ontario Ontario had surpassed that of deaths from motor coroner, who spoke about drugs and death. vehicle accidents, said Dr. Sharma. "In 2002, the number of opioid-related deaths was approximately 165. In 2013 in Ontario, the number of opioid-related deaths was 475. That's a three-fold increase in opioid-related deaths," she said. By 2008, Ontario statistics showed a "huge rise" in oxycodone deaths, said Dr. Sharma, the www.insideHALTON.com reason being not just an increase in the number of prescriptions, but the strength of those prescripEditorial 6 Sports 26 tions. Artscene 23 Classified 29 The Integrated Drug, Gun and Gang Unit of the Ontario coroner Dr. Sangrit Sharma was one of the Halton Regional Police Services relies heavily on guest speakers Monday evening at Crime Stoppers of Browse flyers from your favourite national and local retailers the community for information, especially through Halton's open house and theme launch. For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Crime Stoppers, said Det. Sgt. Brad Murray. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631Crime Stoppers plays a vital role within his unit, 6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com Browse flyers from your favourite national and local retailers (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/ with anonymous tips often tipping the scales in faHaltonPhotog) continued from p.1 vour of the police, said Murray. "In order to achieve our goals to create a safer community, we have to work with our community as partners. The Crime Stoppers program allows the public to be a silent partner in our fight against crime," said Murray. "I would encourage the public to call Crime Stoppers with any or all information. Information that may seem small and trivial to you may be the final piece of the puzzle to us." David Forster, president of the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, said Halton's awardwinning Crime Stoppers program is recognized throughout Ontario and the world for its innovation and leadership. The audience also heard from former drug user Nicole about her experiences, which began innocently "with prescription opioids" and escalated to cocaine use. She credited her involvement with a courtordered drug treatment program for her success in beating her addictions. If you want to connect with Crime Stoppers, call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), visit www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or text "Tip201" with your message to 274637 (crimes). 3 | Friday, January 9, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com inside today's (MJHPTZY\JJPQ^^JWX Beaver AND SAVE! (MJHPTZY\JJPQ^^JWX AND SAVE! (MJHPTZY\JJPQ^^JWX (MJHPTZY\JJPQ^^JWX Browse flyers from your favourite national and local retailers (MJHPTZY\JJPQ^^JWX Browse flyers from your favourite national and local retailers Browse flyers from your favourite national and local retailers AND AND SAVE! AND SAVE! SAVE! Braden, Braden, Grade Grade 7. 7. Current Current philanthropist philanthropist and conservationist, conservationist, future future veterinarian. veterinarian. Visit Visit flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips. Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, February 4. Call 905-389-1367, or visit www.hsc.on.ca, for details. flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips. Visit flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips. Don't Compromise on Driver Training Visit Visit coupons. deals. savings tips. flyers. flyers. coupons. deals. savings tips. upComing Courses January 30, 31, February 1, 7 4 Days 9:30 am to 3:30 pm semester Turn Around February 21, 22, 28 march 1 4 Days 9:30 am to 3:30 pm march 16, 17, 18, 19 4 Days 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Located in Downtown Oakville for over 25 years! www.drivewiseoakville.com 905-845-7200