Grant: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Opioid addiction is a major health concern in Canada, with many people facing serious health risks due to uncontrolled drug use. The situation has worsened because fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become increasingly common in street drugs. Despite available treatments, issues like relapse and ongoing fentanyl use make recovery challenging. Although the risks of overdose and other immediate dangers of fentanyl use are known, there is limited research on its long-term effects and treatment outcomes. Our research aims to address this knowledge gap using novel statistical methods. We will explore three main questions: (i) Does fentanyl use lead to more chronic health problems, such as liver or heart issues, among people with opioid addiction? This will help clinicians improve screening and intervention strategies; (ii) Does fentanyl use increase the need for healthcare services, such as emergency room visits and hospital stays, for people who use opioids? This will help healthcare systems plan resources better and enhance service delivery; and (iii) Can we identify patterns that predict which individuals with opioid addiction are more likely to stop their treatment due to fentanyl use? This will assist clinicians in developing more effective and personalized treatment plans. By addressing these questions, our research will contribute to a better understanding of the long-term health impacts of fentanyl use, ultimately informing public health strategies and improving care for people with opioid addiction in Canada.