A recent increase in drug overdoses and suspected overdose-related deaths has prompted local health officials to issue a warning.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit says the cases have occurred in the Pembroke and Renfrew catchment areas. Although specific substances related to the overdoses have not been confirmed, RCDHU says it is important to remember that all street drugs must be considered highly toxic and potentially fatal.
It is important to call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect that you or someone is experiencing an overdose. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can protect you, the person who is overdosing and others at the scene from simple possession charges or breaches in pre-trial release, probation orders, conditional sentences or parole related to simple possession.
Also, officials warn that street drugs may contain other substances, as areas of the province have reported the presence of potent tranquilizers for which the overdose reversal drug naloxone is not effective.
Friends, family members and individuals who use street drugs can work together to reduce the risk of an overdose by putting the following measures in place:
- Don’t use alone – If you overdose and are with someone, they can get urgent help.
- Carry naloxone (Narcan®)- Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose and kits are available for free throughout RCD at local pharmacies and other locations. For more information on where to get a kit please visit this link.
- Don’t mix drugs – Don’t mix drugs with other drugs or alcohol, as it puts you at higher risk of overdosing.
- Go slow – The quality of street drugs is unpredictable. If you are using street drugs, start by using in small amounts (testers or test doses) to check the strength of what you are using.
- Know your tolerance and set a limit for yourself – Risk of overdose increases if you are a new user or have not used in 3 or more days.
- If you have no other choice than to use alone, always call the Overdose Prevention Hotline 1-888-688-6677 (National Overdose Response Service) to have someone standing by to call for help if needed. A volunteer will check in periodically and call 911 if there’s no response.
Understanding the signs of an overdose can help to save a life. These signs can include, but are not limited to:
- Person can’t be woken up. • Breathing is slow or has stopped. • Snoring or gurgling sounds.
- Fingernails and lips turn blue or purple.
- Pupils are tiny or eyes are rolled back.
- Body is limp.
- Person may be having a seizure. It is possible an individual treated with naloxone may have a re-emergence of the opioid overdose once the naloxone ‘wears off’, since the duration of action of most opioids exceeds that of naloxone.
All overdoses are a medical emergency and calling 9-1-1 is an important step in saving someone’s life.
The health unit asks that people who are aware of overdoses assist by completing RCDHU’s anonymous online Overdose Reporting Form, which is used to support tracking overdoses within the community. The Overdose Reporting Form does not ask for any identifying information and can be completed directly on RCDHU’s website.
Support is available; the Renfrew County Addiction Treatment System delivers assessment, counselling and treatment programs to individuals who use substances.
It’s ok to not be ok…if you, or someone you know are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, grief etc. supports can be accessed here.
(Sherry Haaima)