Patients in Canada and the U.S. filled far more opioid prescriptions than similar people in Sweden, according to a new study.

"I had a fentanyl patch on my left arm, I was taking 20 Percocets a day, and 160 milligrams OxyContin at the same time."

The U.S. attorney's office alleges that the doctor used his family practice to illegally prescribe opioids.

Researchers say 23.9 per cent of initial opioid prescriptions in Ontario during that time had a daily dose of more than 50 milligram morphine equivalents.

A new study suggests that opioids are no better for treating some kinds of chronic back and arthritis pain than other, non-addictive painkillers.

Health Quality Ontario has issued a report tracking the number of opioid prescriptions given to patients who had not been using the powerful painkillers for at least six months.

The study recommends provincial and federal governments consider adding alternative medicine to coverage under public health care.

The opioid crisis is having a significant impact on the health system as a growing number of Canadians seek emergency hospital care for overdoses related to the potent narcotics, a report released Thursday warns.

This morning, I began assembling this Saturday's and Sunday's programs and was jolted back into reality by one email in particular.

Nearly 12 per cent of Ontarians were described opioids for pain in 2016.