Public Health Sudbury & Districts issues drug poisoning warning amid rising overdoses

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning about a rise in drug poisonings happening across the Sudbury–Manitoulin district.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) is warning residents of a concerning rise in drug poisonings and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. The health unit is urging caution, as the cause of the increase remains unknown.

Street drugs in the region may be cut or mixed with harmful substances such as benzodiazepines (benzos), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl or carfentanil, according to PHSD. These additives can lead to severe and unpredictable reactions, including overdoses that require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse.

Frontline workers have reported that individuals experiencing poisonings are requiring higher-than-usual amounts of naloxone, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses. Additionally, prolonged periods of heavy sedation and unconsciousness have been observed, increasing the risk of opioid withdrawal symptoms.

“This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be contaminated or mixed with other substances,” said PHSD in a news release.

“Share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.”

How to Prevent Drug Poisonings

A drug poisoning occurs when a person’s body cannot handle the effects of a substance, leading to symptoms such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or seizures. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal.

To reduce the risk of harm, PHSD recommends the following:

• Carry a naloxone kit, which can reverse opioid poisonings. Free kits are available locally at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, local hospitals and pharmacies.
• Avoid mixing substances, including alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and street drugs.
• Start with a lower dose and use slowly.
• Avoid using drugs alone. Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service, such as the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 or the Brave App, which provide 24/7 confidential support.

Recognizing and Responding to Poisonings

Symptoms of drug poisoning vary depending on the substance consumed. For opioid poisonings, signs include bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone), dizziness, confusion, choking sounds, and slow or no breathing.

Benzodiazepine toxicity may cause extreme sleepiness, poor balance, slurred speech, blackouts, and memory loss. These symptoms can last for hours.

If a poisoning is suspected:

• Call 911 immediately and stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
• Administer naloxone if available. It is safe to use even if opioids are not involved.
• If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
• PHSD emphasizes that naloxone may not immediately reverse the effects of sedation caused by non-opioid substances and multiple doses may be required.

Community Resources

Free naloxone kits are available across Ontario. For more information, visit ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

PHSD is urging area residents to share this warning widely to help prevent further harm and save lives.