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Inverness Fights Drug Epidemic: Community Demands Action
16 Jan
Summary
- 300 residents attended a meeting on the rising drug use in Inverness.
- Addiction issues have evolved from alcohol to opiates and crack cocaine.
- Lack of staffing forced Cape Breton Regional Hospital to alter services.
Inverness, Nova Scotia, is grappling with a significant increase in drug use, prompting an urgent community meeting attended by approximately 300 residents. Dwayne Beaton, who organized the gathering, expressed his distress over the escalating situation, particularly after losing a friend to an overdose. He noted that while alcohol addiction has long been an issue, the problem has worsened with the rise of opiate and crack cocaine use.
Attendees shared personal struggles, with many families witnessing loved ones battle addiction. The sentiment was that the issue has progressed significantly over the past one to two years and is not confined to Inverness County alone. A key demand from the community is the expansion of overnight detox services across Cape Breton Island.
Health officials acknowledge the growing concerns. Dr. David Martell stated a new physician specializing in addiction medicine is expected to join the Cape Breton Regional Hospital by the end of January, potentially stabilizing withdrawal management services. Nadine Wadden confirmed plans to reopen inpatient beds at the hospital and leverage provincial resources for on-call addictions support.
