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A Shared Look

Last updated on June 17, 2026
This page highlights findings from the 2025 BC Prescription Drug Atlas (PDF, 3.2 MB) on opioid and sedative use in British Columbia and why these trends matter for health and safety.

On this page

Each year, the Ministry of Health looks at data about prescriptions dispensed in pharmacies to understand how medications are used across the province. This helps identify trends in prescribing and reduce possible risks.

The BC Prescription Drug Atlas (PDF, 3.2 MB) looks at prescription medications filled at B.C. pharmacies from 2016 to 2024 for:

  • Opioids – strong pain medications, such as hydromorphone, morphine, and oxycodone
  • Benzodiazepine/z-drug (BZRAs) – sedative medications that can help with anxiety or sleep, such as lorazepam, clonazepam, and zopiclone

Why it matters

Using opioids or sedatives for a long time, at high doses, or at the same time, can lead to health risks, including:

  • Falls
  • Other health problems, such as memory loss and cognitive decline
  • Dependence (i.e., addiction)
  • Overdose

Using a higher dose or stronger opioids increases the risk of developing an opioid use disorder. Beyond a certain opioid dose, increasing the amount only minimally improves pain, but raises the risk of harm, including for opioid use disorder, opioid overdose and death. Taking benzodiazepines and opioids together further increases the risk of overdose compared to taking opioids alone.

What the data shows

From 2016 to 2024, the number of B.C. residents receiving benzodiazepine-related medications, or opioids prescribed for reasons other than treating opioid use disorder or harm reduction decreased. Fewer people took these medications in combination as well. Over the same period, the number of prescribers grew. This means fewer patients were treated using these medications, but more clinicians were involved. However, the average daily opioid dose dispensed to patients increased over the same period.

Of B.C. residents in 2024:

  • 69% filled at least one prescription for any prescription medication
  • 9% received an opioid prescription
  • 6% received a BZRA prescription
  • 2% received both an opioid and a BZRA
    • 0.3% took both medications at the same time ("concurrent use”) for over 60 days
    • Of those taking both medications at the same time, 2.9% were on high doses

Groups in B.C. at higher risk

  • There are more older adults 60+ that receive prescribed opioids and/or BZRAs compared to any other age group
  • Women are more likely than men to receive both types of medications

Overall, fewer people in B.C. are being prescribed opioids and sedatives than in past years. But some groups are more likely to be prescribed these medications—and could be at higher risk of harm.

What you can do

  • Ask questions: talk to a prescriber or pharmacist about your medications—especially if you’re taking opioids or sedatives regularly, or at the same time. It’s OK to ask if they’re still needed or safe
  • Review your medications: especially if you’re 60 or older, or you’re using more than one type of medication
  • Know the risks: combining opioids, sedatives, or alcohol increases health risks, including overdose
  • Explore alternatives: if you’re concerned, ask about non-medication treatment options or alternative therapies like counselling or physical therapy

Working together for safer prescribing

While opioid and BZRA prescribing in B.C. is generally stable or declining, there is still a large population, especially older adults and women, taking these medications, alone or in combination, and therefore at higher risk of falls, dependence or overdose.

Health care providers, policymakers, and clients all have a role to play. By staying informed about risks, asking questions, and reviewing medications regularly, patients/clients can contribute to safe medication use and better health outcomes across the province.

Resources

  • Call the Opioid Treatment Access Line to speak with a health provider who can prescribe opioid agonist treatment: 1-833-804-8111 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days/week)
  • Consider keeping a Take Home Naloxone kit so you’re prepared to help in an emergency: Take Home Naloxone (THN) kits are available at many pharmacies
  • Sign up for toxic drug alerts: Text JOIN to 253787 to receive Toxic Drug and Health Alerts for your region
  • HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca lists over 2,600 mental health and addiction supports in B.C.
  • Contact PainBC's Pain Support Line at 1-833-261-PAIN (7246) if you need help living with chronic pain
  • Contact PainBC’s Guide Line for people working in the trades living with chronic pain. Text ‘TRADES’ to 1-833-261-PAIN (7246) for tools to deal with chronic pain
  • Call the Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service (ADIRS) for free, confidential, multilingual referral services for people with any kind of substance use issue. Available 24/7 at 1-800-663-1441
  • Visit HealthLinkBC’s directory of supports for people experiencing substance use challenges, as well as supports for Indigenous Peoples, young people and families, health professionals
  • Substance use - Canada.ca has a wide range of resources for people facing substance use disorders and their families