The latest news articles featuring BC Centre on Substance Use.
‘Public is not picking this up’: Study warns of rise in stimulant-related deaths
July 16, 2025 | CTV News
A growing number of overdose deaths in North America involve a dangerous combination of opioids and stimulants, a trend that researchers in a new study are calling a “silent epidemic.” Led by the University of Alberta, the study warns that while public attention remains focused on opioids like...
Health minister says forced addictions treatment lacks evidence, feds won’t intervene
June 03, 2025 | Vancouver Is Awesome
OTTAWA — Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel says there’s no evidence that forcing people into addictions treatment works — but she won’t weigh in on whether provinces should pursue involuntary treatment. “I will tell you that I think every single Canadian has the right to ...
The Fight Over Forced Rehab
May 26, 2025 | Maclean's Magazine
As a teenager in Los Angeles, Marshall Smith earned a reputation as a party boy. He moved to British Columbia after high school and continued to drink throughout his twenties while working in the provincial corrections system, first as a guard and later in administrative roles. In 2001, he took a jo...
Inquest into UVic student’s fatal overdose recommends improvements to B.C. and campus emergency response
May 14, 2025 | CBC Radio - On The Coast
It’s been almost a year and a half since University of Victoria student Sidney McIntyre-Starko died after taking fentanyl. The coroner’s inquest has made recommendations to the University of Victoria, for campus security, 911 services, and others moving forward. Gloria sits down with res...
New hope for people with stimulant use disorder
May 14, 2025 | Michael Smith Health Research BC
Every day in British Columbia, five people lose their lives to unregulated drug toxicity. It is a crisis that demands new solutions. April 14, 2025 marked the ninth anniversary of BC declaring the toxic drug crisis a public health emergency. Thousands have passed away from drug poisoning in the ...
