Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of a rise in drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in Sudbury and districts.
The cause of the increase is unknown. This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. If you use drugs, take steps to reduce your risk. Share this information to help save lives.
Key information
In the last five days, community services have reported more complex drug poisonings involving substances that do not respond to naloxone.
Heavy snow and poor road conditions can leave people isolated and delay emergency response. If you’re using drugs, don’t use alone. Use with someone you trust, check in with a friend, or use a service like the National Overdose Response Service.
Due to concerns about benzodiazepines (benzos) and tranquilizers (xylazine and medetomidine), take steps to support someone who is sedated.
- Move the person to a safe place, ideally somewhere warm and dry.
- Stay with them and keep an eye on them.
- Check that limbs are not restricted.
- If they are having trouble breathing or if they are not breathing, give rescue breaths.
How to prevent poisonings
A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal.
- Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Know how to use it (PDF).
- Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Visit ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
- Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter, and street drugs.
- Start with a lower dose and go slow.
- Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
- Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677. This service provides 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
How to respond to poisonings
- Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
- GIVE NALOXONE. It won’t cause harm if opioids are not involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation. More doses may be needed.
- If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
How to recognize poisonings
Different substances affect the body in different ways, so the symptoms of a drug poisoning can vary. Because the drug supply is unpredictable and often contains a mix of substances, drug poisonings may not look like the usual or expected symptoms.
Opioid poisoning symptoms:
- bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone)
- dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake
- choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
Benzodiazepines (benzos) poisoning symptoms
Poisoning due to benzodiazepines may last for hours and may include:
- extreme sleepiness or passing out
- poor balance or movement control
- slurred speech
- blackouts and memory loss
Share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.
