Sudbury's Community Drug Strategy (CDS), the group made up of local public health, city police and other social agencies, has re-issued a warning to the community at large about the dangers of unknown substances that are likely to be mixed in with commonly accepted street drugs. The warning was transmitted on the CDS email list at 2 p.m. Monday.
The latest warning has included a poster advising that "your supply may be more toxic than you know".
The focus of the message is to advise people who use unregulated substances that there is an inherent danger connected to the supply of street drugs in that there are indications that other unknown substances might have been added to the drug doses.
"This continued situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs, including stimulants, may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), tranq/xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil that may result in unexpected reactions in addition to drug poisonings (overdose), said the warning from CDS.
"We continue to receive ongoing reports from frontline workers regarding unexpected reactions from the use of toxic substances such as:
- Increased and prolonged sedation
- Need for additional naloxone administration in the event of an overdose
- Increased number of suspected overdoses
- Development of abscesses or wounds in areas other than injection sites.
The warning said drug poisoning (overdose) occurs when a person uses a substance and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions.
"The person might pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be both fatal and non-fatal," said the warning.
The poster campaign includes information that advises how to lower the risk of overdose and also how to respond to an overdose.
"Given the toxic supply, additional doses of naloxone may be required in the event of an overdose. We encourage those that distribute naloxone to provide multiple kits and education on administration," said the warning statement.
