Stimulant Use and Related Harms in Canada: Recent Trends

This report highlights a growing concern around stimulant use and related harms in Canada, particularly involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Data from multiple national sources show that stimulant-related deaths have significantly increased, with the rate of toxicity deaths doubling between 2018 and 2024.

At the same time, stimulants are increasingly involved in opioid-related deaths, indicating a rise in polysubstance use across most provinces and territories. The health impacts of stimulant use differ from opioids, with the main risks linked to cardiovascular complications, while opioids primarily cause respiratory depression.

Overall, the findings point to an evolving drug landscape where stimulants play a growing role in overdose and health harms, requiring attention alongside ongoing opioid-related challenges.