Communications toolkit for employers of men in trades: Presentation
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Show these slides to your employees or use information in your presentations.
Presentation includes information about:
- the overdose crisis
- the impact of substance use on men in trades
- stigma and how to reduce it
- recognizing the signs of an overdose
- information on naloxone and the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
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Slide 1: It takes strength to ask for help. Ease the Burden
It takes strength to ask for help. Ease the Burden Men in trades, substance use and the overdose crisis
Government of Canada
Slide 2: The overdose crisis
- Since 2016, there have been over 44,592 opioid-related deaths in Canada
- On average, 22 people die per day in Canada
- 17 are hospitalized per day in Canada
- In 2023, (January to December), 82% of opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl, a very strong opioid that is found in other illegal drugs
Slide 3: The chain of events
- Over-reliance on opioid prescriptions
- Increase in diverted or illegally produced opioids
- Unprecedented rise in synthetic opioids (for example, Fentanyl)
- fentanyl dominates illegal market & is mixed with other drugs causing toxic illegal drug supply
Slide 4: Men in trades are disproportionally impacted
- Since 2016 around 3 out of 4 opioid-related deaths were men
- Men in trades are overly represented:
- of people who were employed at the time of death, 30 to 50% were employed in trades
Presenter notes
- The overdose crisis in Canada is taking a toll on men in particular and specifically men who work in the trades and construction industries.
- Men account for around 3 quarters of opioid-related deaths in Canada
- In fact, 30 to 50% of people who were working at the time of their death were employed in physically demanding jobs.
- Work-related injuries, stress and pain are common for people who work in construction or trades. Some people may not have or know where to find the resources they need to take care of these issues, which can lead to using pain medications and other substances more often to cope.
Slide 5: Work hard, play hard
- Many trades workplaces have a "work hard, play hard" culture, especially outside of work
- Men are more likely to use substances to cope with stress or mental health issues
- Men are less likely to reach out for help because there is a pressure to be "strong"
Presenter notes
- Some trades and construction workplaces have a "work hard, play hard" culture. This can reinforce heavy alcohol and other substance use after work, which can expose people who may be susceptible to addiction to situations that might be harmful to them.
- Pain is common among workers in physically demanding occupations, with 60 to 75% reporting ongoing musculoskeletal pain, and men are less likely to acknowledge and seek care for pain, more likely to receive high doses of prescription opioids, and more likely to use alcohol and other substances as coping strategies.
- The stigma associated with substance use is severe, and masculinity-related expectations to be independent, self-sufficient, and invulnerable means less help seeking and makes it more challenging to reach them with services. Add to this lack of paid sick leave and fear of job loss.
- Trades workers may not talk about substance use problems at work for fear of losing their jobs.
- But conversations can happen elsewhere with those that they can trust, such as family and friends.
Slide 6: Hard, physical labour takes a toll
- Hard, physical labour takes a toll on the body
- It increases the risk of injury and can result in pain
- When taken properly, pain medication, like prescription opioids, can help people manage pain
- But some take higher doses of opioids or seek illegal opioids to keep working through pain which creates a higher risk for addiction and harms
Presenter notes
- Work-related injuries and associated pain are relatively common among people working in construction and other physically demanding occupations, the majority of whom are men.
- Given the lack of alternative treatments, pain medications such as opioids are often the only available option to help manage pain.
- Men are less likely to acknowledge and seek care for pain. They may come back to work before they are ready and take higher doses of opioids or seek opioids from the illegal market to help manage their pain.
- This increases the risk of addiction and opioid harms and death.
- Preventing the problem before it happens can be thought of as looking 'upstream' to prevent health problems that may occur further 'downstream' — that's why it's important to have adequate training and safety protocols at job sites to prevent injuries.
- In the long term, injuries and pain can lead to loss of work for the individual and for companies the loss of a valuable workforce.
Slide 7: What can you do to help?
- We need to talk about the impact addiction and substance use is having on our friends and coworkers
- Reducing the stigma of seeking help and sharing resources can help save lives
- Learning more about how to use prescription opioids safely, combining pain treatments, and ways to help others who may be struggling with addiction will also save lives
Presenter notes
- A healthy workforce benefits everyone, especially when there is a shortage of skilled workers.
- The culture of our workforce needs to change to be more receptive.
- We can also help those using substances to reduce the harms and be safer.
Slide 8: Addiction is a treatable medical condition. Not a choice.
Presenter notes
- Addiction is not a choice or a moral failing, it's a treatable medical condition.
- It changes the brain and body causing a person to have intense cravings for the drug or alcohol that are beyond their control, making it hard to stop even if someone wants to.
Slide 9: Many people choose to use substances but no one chooses to become addicted.
Presenter notes
- People use substances for many reasons, like for pleasure or to manage pain, but no one chooses to become addicted.
Slide 10: This misconception is preventing people from asking for help.
Presenter notes
- The misconception that people with addictions can just "stop using if they want to" is causing stigma. It makes people feel that it's their fault, it stops people from understanding that addiction is a treatable medical condition that deserves the same compassion as any other medical condition (like cancer)
- This is preventing people from asking for help for fear of judgment
Slide 11: Addiction changes the brain's "reward" system
When someone is affected by an addiction:
- They experience powerful cravings for the drug (or alcohol) that are extremely hard to ignore
- They continue using even though it may cause harm to themselves or others
- The need to obtain the drug/alcohol often overtakes their normal social behaviours and their ability to get help
- They may be unable to stop, even if they want to
Presenter notes
- Addiction changes the brain's "reward" system
- When someone is affected by an addiction:
- They experience powerful cravings for the drug (or alcohol) that are extremely hard to ignore
- They continue using even though it may cause harm to themselves or others
- The need to obtain the drug/alcohol often overtakes their normal social behaviours and their ability to get help
- They may be unable to stop, even if they want to
Slide 12: Recovery is possible
- Counselling
- Peer support
- Abstinence
- Medical treatment (for example, opioid agonist therapy)
Presenter notes
- Recovery is possible and looks different for everyone.
- Recovery from addiction is possible but the pathway looks different for everyone. Some people may benefit from non-use/abstinence, whereas others may need different support, which could include medications, counselling, and withdrawal management.
- Resources are available to help if you or a friend is struggling with substance use.
- With the right supports, it is possible for you to improve your or their health.
Slide 13: Stigma surrounding addiction
Stigma surrounding addiction can:
- Create barriers
- Prevent people from asking for help
- Lead people to use drugs alone
Presenter notes
- Stigma, in the form of negative words, attitudes, and behaviours, can create barriers to accessing appropriate and compassionate health and social services. Stigma can make people who use drugs worry that others will not be kind and respectful towards them, which can prevent them from even reaching out for help. Sadly, this can lead people to use drugs alone.
- We know that many accidental overdose deaths occur when people are alone, so it is very important to do what you can to speak and act compassionately about people who have an addiction.
- It's important to share messages of hope: addiction has one of the highest rates of recovery among all mental conditions.
Slide 14: How can you help?
- Help reduce stigma
- Be a buddy and support your crew
- Remember that addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a choice
- Don't judge, just listen
- Don't use slang such as "addict" and "junkie"
- Let them know that support is available
Visit Canada.ca/Ease-The-Burden for more resources available to you
Presenter notes
- Stigma can cause people to hide their drug use and use drugs alone, which can result in overdosing and dying alone.
- By reducing stigma we can help to break down these barriers to getting help.
Slide 15: See the real impact of stigma
Slide 16: It takes strength to reach out for help
- A lot of focus is put on being strong in physically demanding jobs
- People may not ask for help for fear they may be seen as weak, be judged, or get in trouble
- But addiction is not a choice, it's a heavy burden to carry alone
- We can make it easier for those who may be struggling if we share and normalize that it takes real strength to ask for help
Slide 17: Talking to healthcare provider about opioids
- Using only medication may not take away your pain
- Treatment options (for example, medication, exercise, movement, physical activity, physiotherapy, massage therapy or speaking to a psychologist) are most effective when used in combination
- Opioids, like all medications, come with risks and potential serious side effects
Presenter notes
- Talking to your healthcare provider about opioids.
- Opioids are medications that are prescribed to treat pain. When taken properly, prescription opioids can help people manage pain. As with all medications, opioids have risks and potentially serious side effects.
- If you are prescribed an opioid, it is important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider—such as your physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner, to find out if this medication is right for you, and how to use it safely.
- Using only medications will not take away your pain. Talk to you healthcare provider about other parts of your treatment plan like exercise, movement, and physical activity, or about getting help from other treatment like physiotherapy or massage or speaking to a psychologist.
Slide 18: Know the potential risks of using opioids
Side effects:
- Impotence
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches, dizziness and confusion
Presenter notes
- Know the potential short term risks of using opioids. For example, short term effects can include:
- Impotence
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches, dizziness and confusion
Slide 19: Know the potential risks of using opioids
- Physical dependence
- Liver damage
- Worsening pain
- Addiction
Presenter notes
- Examples of long-term effects may include:
- Physical dependence
- Liver damage
- Worsening pain
- Addiction
Slide 20: Prescribed an opioid?
- Always follow the instructions
- Use the lowest dose possible
- Take for the shortest amount of time possible
- Ask your healthcare provider about alternatives to treating pain
Presenter notes
- If you are prescribed an opioid, make sure you:
- always follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider
- use the lowest dose of opioids possible to control your pain
- take the medication for the shortest amount of time possible
- have regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to discuss how the medication is addressing your pain
- get naloxone—more on this later in the presentation
- Other treatment options
- It is important to discuss how best to manage your pain with your healthcare provider, particularly if your pain is expected to last more than 1 to 2 weeks. Opioids may not always be the best treatment option for your pain. Other medications or treatment options that do not use opioids may be available to help you manage your pain.
Slide 21: You can't see, taste or smell fentanyl
- You can't see, taste or smell fentanyl
- Fentanyl is being added to many illegal drugs
Presenter notes
- However, Canada's illegal drug supply is increasingly being contaminated with illegal fentanyl
- It can be mixed with other drugs such as heroin and cocaine, and is also being found in counterfeit pills that are made to look like prescription opioids
- 82% of accidental opioid-related deaths in Canada involve fentanyl
- There is no way to know how much fentanyl has been mixed into illegal drugs because you can't see, smell or taste it
- Many overdoses have occurred in individuals who were not aware they were consuming fentanyl
- Consuming as little as a few grains of salt worth of fentanyl can kill an average-sized person
Slide 22: Signs of an opioid overdose
- Blue lips or nails
- Dizziness and confusion
- Can't be woken up
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
Presenter notes
- How can opioids cause an overdose?
- Opioids affect how your brain controls your breathing. If you take more opioids than your body can handle, you will start to show signs and symptoms of an overdose
- If you use illegal opioids or other street drugs:
- don't mix them with alcohol or other drugs
- don't use alone—stick with a friend
- know the signs of an opioid overdose
- carry a naloxone kit
- get your drugs checked at a supervised consumption site
- Overdoses can happen if you take an opioid:
- that was not prescribed for you
- above your prescribed dosage
- with alcohol or other drugs
- that has been tampered with
- that has been illegally produced or obtained
- after a period of non-use
Slide 23: Naloxone
- Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within 2 to 5 minutes.
- An overdose is always an emergency. Even if naloxone has been administered, always call for help.
Presenter notes
- What is naloxone?
- Naloxone (pronounced na-LOX-own) is a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose
- Naloxone can restore breathing within 2 to 5 minutes
- Naloxone is safe for everyone of all ages
- It works only if you have opioids in your system
- It is safe to keep on-hand because it cannot be improperly used and does not create dependence
- Why does naloxone work only temporarily?
- Naloxone is active in the body for only 20 to 90 minutes, but the effects of most opioids can last longer
- This means that the effects of naloxone are likely to wear off before the opioids are gone from the body, which could cause breathing to stop again
- Naloxone may need to be used again, depending on the amount, type or method of consumption of the opioids (for example, oral, injection)
- An overdose is always an emergency. Even if naloxone has been administered, always call 9-1-1, or your local emergency number
- In Canada, 2 types of take-home naloxone kits are available:
- Naloxone nasal spray is sprayed directly into the nose where it is absorbed. It starts to take effect in 2 to 3 minutes
- Injectable naloxone is injected into a muscle in your body: the upper arm, thigh or buttocks are best. It starts to take effect in 3 to 5 minutes
Slide 24: Get a kit for free
- Take-home naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies or local health authorities
- No prescription is needed
- Go to Canada.ca/Opioids and search for "naloxone"
Presenter notes
- Take-home kits are available at most pharmacies or local health authorities; no prescription is needed.
- Whether you are prescribed opioids or you use them illegally, you should carry a naloxone kit.
- Some provinces and territories also offer free kits. You can consult your provincial, territorial or local health authority to see where these kits are available.
Slide 25: The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
Even if you've taken drugs or have some on you, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you from:
- simple drug possession charges
- violation of conditions regarding simple possession in:
- pre-trial release
- conditional sentence
- probation orders
- parole
In other words, you will not get in trouble if you are high or have some drugs on you if you are calling to save someone's life.
Presenter notes
- If an overdose occurs, the number one priority is saving that life by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number
Slide 26: Call, stay and help
Watch this video about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
Presenter notes
If you witness an overdose, stay and help:
- Overdoses are a medical emergency
- Call 9-1-1 (or your local emergency help line) and stay at the scene
- Staying at the scene to help can save someone's life
- Give naloxone, if you have it
- If you've taken drugs, or have some on you, you are protected from simple drug possession charges by the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
- This law applies to the person who seeks help and anyone else at the scene when help arrives
Slide 27: If you think that you, or a friend or family member, might need help with substance use support is available
- Men in trades
Canada.ca/Ease-The-Burden
Presenter notes
- Whether you are looking for help for yourself, a friend or a family member, support is available.
- Visit Canada.ca/Ease-The-Burden for more information
Slide 28: Canada
Canada
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