Local health officials are sounding the alarm following a recent increase in overdoses and suspected overdose-related deaths in the Renfrew catchment area.
“Although specific substance(s) related to the overdoses have not been confirmed, it is important to remember that all street drugs must be considered highly toxic and potentially fatal,” reads a press release from the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU).
Do you know the signs of an overdose?
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.
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 Renfrew County and District 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 9-1-1 if there’s no response. Understanding the signs of an overdose can help to save a life.
It is essential to give naloxone (if available) and call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing an overdose. While opioids like fentanyl are often involved in overdoses, street drugs may contain other substances, including potent tranquilizers for which the overdose reversal drug naloxone is not effective. It is also possible that 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. Note that 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,” reads the release.
(Sherry Haaima)
