A surge in crystal meth overdose cases in Quebec has raised significant public health concerns. Dr. Anne-Frédérique Lambert-Slythe reports that stimulants now make up one-third of fatal overdoses. With methamphetamine becoming cheaper and more accessible, users are increasingly shifting from cocaine. The lack of effective treatment options and antidotes compounds the crisis. Supervised consumption centers are overwhelmed, with no plans for expansion despite rising inhalation drug use, highlighting a critical need for resources and intervention.
The alarming rise in overdose incidents linked to crystal meth in Quebec highlights the growing prevalence of this highly dangerous and addictive substance.
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The Public Health Directorate of Quebec has noted this troubling trend.
“We are increasingly hearing about stimulant overdoses [like methamphetamine]. The numbers continue to climb,” states Dr. Anne-Frédérique Lambert-Slythe, a physician specializing in public health at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale and a clinical physician at the Quebec Addiction Rehabilitation Center.
According to CIUSSS data, stimulants accounted for one-third of the substances involved in fatal overdoses in the region during 2022 and 2023. Information for 2024 has yet to be released.
“In recent years, we have observed a shift among users from cocaine to methamphetamine, whether through injection or inhalation. This change is largely due to cost, as methamphetamine is significantly cheaper and more accessible,” Dr. Lambert-Slythe explains.
The Coroner’s Office data, which includes over 1,350 reports related to fatal overdoses in Quebec, indicates that nearly 39% of overdose fatalities since 2021 are associated with methamphetamine use.
Dr. Lambert-Slythe further emphasizes the lack of medication options available for treating methamphetamine addiction.
Additionally, unlike opioids, there is no available antidote like naloxone to reverse methamphetamine overdoses.
“This is a very concerning issue […] as we are witnessing an increase in toxic psychoses related to this […] Our patients are increasingly exhibiting severe symptoms,” she adds.
The consumption of crystal meth can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular issues, skin problems, and dental concerns.
In instances of overdose, symptoms may include anxiety, feelings of persecution, paranoia, irregular heart rhythms, hallucinations, and seizures that can result in loss of consciousness.
Full Capacity at Supervised Consumption Centers
At Interzone, a supervised consumption center located on Saint-Vallier East Street, the inhalation spaces for drug use, including crystal meth, are operating at “full capacity.”
“We are noticing the issue as people are waiting to use the inhalation facilities […]. Initially, we did not anticipate such high numbers […]. We had set up more spaces for injection, leading to a shortage of inhalation cubicles,” Dr. Lambert-Slythe explains.
She notes that queues often form outside the center, which can create “more complicated” situations.
“Some individuals are less patient and can be more irritable,” the physician recounts.
On average, Interzone, which has been serving the community since March 31, 2021, sees between 90 and 100 visitors each day.
No Plans for Additional Inhalation Spaces
Despite the significant increase in inhalation drug use across the province, Health Quebec has confirmed that there are currently no plans to expand inhalation drug consumption facilities.
Presently, only four centers in Quebec provide supervised inhalation consumption services, located in Quebec City, Gatineau, Laval, and Montreal.
– With the collaboration of Charles Mathieu
Fatal Overdose Statistics Related to Methamphetamine in Quebec Since 2021
- Montreal: 120
- Quebec: 57
- Gatineau: 28
- Longueuil: 24
- Sherbrooke: 17
- Trois-Rivières: 15
- Total in Quebec: 524 cases since 2021
Source: Coroner’s Office
Artificial intelligence was utilized to identify cases in the coroner’s reports where methamphetamine was detected in toxicological analyses.
Interzone Usage Statistics
- 2021-2022: nearly 8,500 visits (opened on March 31, 2021)
- 2022-2023: nearly 20,000 visits
- 2023-2024: 25,501 visits
- From April 1, 2024, to January 11, 2025: 26,662 visits
- Gender distribution: 73% men – 26% women
Source: CIUSSS and SABSA