Drugs

Drugs

470 Islanders died from toxic drugs in 2023

Robyn Bell
January 24, 2024

Last year marked the highest toxic drug death rate in BC since recording began

Drugs

A chilling trend: Drug deaths rise as winter begins

Robyn Bell
December 17, 2023

Experts in Victoria say the combination of cold weather and the holidays increases risk of overdoses

Drugs

Panel recommends increased access to safer supply as toxic drug deaths rose on the Island

Robyn Bell
November 1, 2023

A non-prescription safer supply among recommendations from BC Coroner's Service panel

Drugs

Under shifting legislation, people who use drugs are caught between rules & risks

As BC tightens public drug use rules, exemptions around possession may be losing their intended impact

Drugs

More Victorians are getting their drugs checked before using

By Brishti Basu
January 9, 2023

The Island’s drug checking project tested 400% more samples over the holidays compared to last year

Drugs

‘One drink is the same mortality risk as one cigarette,’ UVic researcher says

By Shannon Waters
January 1, 2023

Most of us know alcohol is not good for us, but do we really understand the risks?

Drugs

BC becomes first Canadian jurisdiction to decriminalize possessing small amounts of certain illicit drugs

By Brishti Basu
May 31, 2022

Critics say the announcement is a step in the right direction but the maximum amount that can be carried is too low

Drugs

Victoria faces growing need for inhalation services at overdose prevention sites

By Alec Lazenby
April 21, 2022

Inhalation is the most common means of consuming drugs, but only two sites allow it—putting more users out on the street