Men between 19 and 59 new focus of B.C.’s deadly overdose epidemic
VANCOUVER — Too many men working in trades are overdosing on opioids, says a chief medical health officer in British Columbia who wants the industry to be involved in identifying interventions that could save lives.
Dr. Victoria Lee of Fraser Health said men between the ages of 19 and 59 are disproportionately affected by a hidden epidemic that’s shrouded in secrecy among those too ashamed to get help.
She said men who are injured on the job may be ensnared into dependence on illicit substances after being prescribed pain medication.
“Some people start to self-medicate. It can be for physical and emotional reasons as well,” Lee said in an interview.