Drug warning: Increase in suspected overdoses

Issued: Friday, December 9, 2022

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The Community Drug Strategies for the City of Greater Sudbury and Manitoulin Island have received reports of unexpected reactions and increase in overdoses from the use of substances in Sudbury and on Manitoulin Island.

While we cannot confirm the substance that has caused the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that a more toxic substances may be circulating locally.

An overdose occurs when a person uses more of a substance, or combination of substances, than their body can handle. As a consequence, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal.

Prevent opioid overdose / save lives:

• Avoid mixing drugs, including prescribed, over the counter, and illegal drugs.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using other drugs.
• Use caution when switching substances: start with a lower dose than you usually would.
• If you have not used in a while, start with a lower dose. Your tolerance may be lower.
• When using substances, consider the following options:

• • Have a trusted person with you who can provide support as needed.
  • Visit an overdose prevention site such as The Spot.
  • Connect with the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 (NORS line).
  • Access the Brave App.

• Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
• Carry a naloxone kit.
• Call 911 if you suspect an overdose.

Overdose symptoms include:

• fingernails and lips turn blue or purplish black
• skin turns bluish purple, grayish or ashen depending on skin tone
• dizziness and confusion
• the person can’t be woken up
• choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
• slow, weak or no breathing
• drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

Reported symptoms of the unknown substance:

• confusion
• loss of time
• lack of spatial awareness
• distorted depth perception
• slurred and erratic speech

How to respond to an overdose:

• GIVE NALOXONE. This will help reverse an opioid overdose, and will do no harm if the overdose is not opioid related. This may improve breathing, but the person may not regain consciousness due to sedation.
• Call 911 to get medical help and keep monitoring their breathing.

Please distribute this information widely to help share the message.

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This item was last modified on December 9, 2022