Steve Fischer answered questions about his opioid series

Earlier this week, the CBC's Steve Fischer continued his award-winning reporting on the rise in abuse of fentanyl and other prescription drugs in our area.

From a mother scared she's losing her son to addiction, to a drug dealer who intentionally limits the people he sells fentanyl to because of its potency, to a doctor who's taking a more personal approach to treating those trying to quit, opioidshave established themselves as a dangerous addition to Ottawa-area streets.

• Teen's opioid addiction 'descent into hell' for Ottawa mom
• Drug dealer explains lure and risk of fentanyl abuse
• New clinic aims to reduce stigma around opioid addiction
• Fentanyl coverage earns CBC Ottawa health reporting award

The number of deaths as a direct result of oxycodone use rose from 35 to 142 in the same time frame.

Steve talked about the stories behind the stories how the series came together, how the characters are doing in a live chat on Thursday. You can click on the link below to see the recap.