Home / Health / Nova Scotia Opioid Deaths Shift: Illicit Drugs Rise
Nova Scotia Opioid Deaths Shift: Illicit Drugs Rise
28 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Illicit opioid deaths increased in Nova Scotia as pandemic waned.
- Pharmaceutical opioid deaths decreased early in the pandemic.
- Nova Scotia historically struggles with prescription opioid misuse.
A recent study from Dalhousie University reveals a concerning shift in opioid-related deaths in Nova Scotia. While pharmaceutical opioid deaths saw a temporary decline during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, fatalities linked to illicit drugs like fentanyl and heroin have significantly increased as the pandemic subsided.
Researchers observed that the illicit drug trade continued and even intensified during the pandemic, particularly in the Halifax region. Despite this rise in illicit drug-related deaths, Nova Scotia has historically recorded a higher proportion of pharmaceutical opioid fatalities compared to other Canadian provinces, often stemming from prescription misuse and unintentional overdoses.
While national data shows a recent decrease in opioid toxicity deaths, the trend in Nova Scotia has remained largely unchanged. The province's long history of prescription opioid misuse, dating back to the 1990s, continues to be a critical factor in its ongoing opioid crisis.
