You really never know what you’re getting when you buy street drugs. That’s the message Public Health Sudbury and Districts released today in its latest warning to the community about the illicit opioid supply in the area.
On Feb. 21, after community partners reported what appears to be a spike in overdoses, the health unit issued yet another warning to opioid drug users that it appeared the illicit opioid drug supply was again contaminated, possibly with another highly potent opioid like fentanyl or carfentanil.
“There are potent substances circulating in Greater Sudbury, which have led to an increase in suspected opioid-related overdoses,” the health unit stated in a release to media.
Sudbury.com spoke with Josée Joliat, a public health nurse at Public Health Sudbury about the latest warning. She said the city’s Community Drug Strategy partners are in regular communication about the drug supply and issues within the elements of the community who use these powerful and highly addictive substances.
When “new or potent or worrisome” patterns or substances are noticed, Joliat said the health unit issues a warning to caution the drug-taking community and hopefully prevent overdoses and deaths. These could be a rise in suspected overdoses seen by paramedics, seizure by police of illegal drugs or anecdotal reports from users themselves.
Sometimes a warning is issued when the presence of a drug has been confirmed. Such was the case in early January when fake Percocet pills that likely contained fentanyl were found to be circulating in the illicit drug supply.
Other times, the evidence is anecdotal, but still prompts a warning.
“We have to look at the big picture. Sometimes it’s not black and white, (but) when it comes to people’s lives” Public Health errs on the side of caution and safety by issuing warnings.
This latest warning, Joliat said, was prompted by what appears to be a recent spike in suspected overdoses. There’s no hard and fast threshold for what constitutes a spike, she said. If there appears to be an increase, a warning is issued to encourage users to take extra precautions.
“Our worry is that there is a highly potent substance out there, so what people are taking might not be what they think it is,” Joliat said.
The public can also do their own opioid supply surveillance on the Public Health website, Joliat said. The health unit has an opioid dashboard where the public can track suspected overdoses, track emergency room visits, deaths and naloxone distribution rates.
Given the warning, Public Health is advising people who use illicit opioids not to use alone; have a buddy with you or have someone check in on you. Don’t use at the same time as another person so you can keep an eye on each other.
If you’re switching substances or haven’t used for a time, keep the dosage low and have a naloxone kit on hand. Avoid mixing drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs, and avoid consuming alcohol while using other drugs.
Be aware of the signs of an overdose:
- blue lips or nails
- 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
For a free naloxone kit, you can contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau ACCESS Network, Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY), or ask your local pharmacist. Learn more by clicking here. You can also sign up to receive drug alerts and warnings issued for Greater Sudbury.
