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Drugs

Opioids

Opioids are a family of drugs used to treat and relieve acute and chronic pain. They are commonly known as prescription painkillers. While opioids are effective at treating pain, they are also highly addictive. This may lead individuals to become more dependent on them and require stronger doses. Anyone can become dependent on opioids.

Common opioids include: morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, Percocet, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Meperidine (Demerol), Methadone, fentanyl, Heroin.

Some people use opioids to get high. Of particular concern is the toxic nature of the illicit or illegal drug supply available on our streets. This supply can contain fentanyl, carfentanil and other substances making the street supply much more potent and dangerous.

What are fentanyl and carfentanil?

They are powerful synthetic opioids
Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine and 40 times stronger than heroin
Carfentanil is intended for veterinary use as a sedative for large animals. It is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more so than morphine

Other illicit substances may contain fentanyl or carfentanil and because it can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted, people may not know that they are taking such a powerful combination. A very small amount of fentanyl or carfentanil can lead to an overdose and possible death.

Opioids affect the part of the brain which regulates breathing. When a person uses more of a drug, or a combination of drugs than the body can handle, the brain is not able to control basic life functions, like breathing. If there is no intervention, then the individual can stop breathing and die if help is not available.

Signs/Symptoms of an Overdose

Blue/purple lips, fingernails, or toenails
Very slow or no breathing
Faint pulse or no pulse
Pale and clammy skin
Unresponsive to calling their name or to pain
Snoring or gurgling noises while asleep or nodding out

Risk Factors

Using a greater amount or a stronger potency of a drug
Mixing with alcohol or other drugs
Inconsistent drug quality and potency (illegal drugs are unregulated and therefore unpredictable)
Using drugs after a period of time of not using them. Tolerance is less.
Using alone – there is no one to help

What to do in the event of an overdose

Step 1: Shout and Shake

Step 2: Call 911

Step 3: Give Naloxone

Step 4: Perform rescue breathing and/or chest compressions

Step 5: Is it working? If no improvement after 2-3 minutes, repeat steps 3&4.

Step 6: Stay with them.

Take-home Naloxone kits and training are available free of charge and without a prescription for people at risk of overdose and their family and friends. Naloxone kits are available at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Community Health Centres, and many pharmacies across the region. Health Cards are not required. Call your pharmacy ahead of time to make sure a Naloxone kit is available.

You can find where to access a kit in your community by accessing: Where to get a free naloxone kit.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who call 911 or need emergency help during an overdose. The Act can protect you from charges for possession of a controlled substance (drugs) and breaches of certain legal conditions. The Act does not provide legal protection against more serious offences like outstanding warrants or production and trafficking of drugs.

Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It actually ‘kicks’ the opioid off of the receptor in the brain, temporarily blocking its harmful effects and helping the person breathe again. It starts to work in 1 – 5 minutes and works for about 30 -90 minutes. Naloxone only works with opioids. It does not prevent overdoses with other substances such Alcohol, Cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD etc., but it would not cause any harm if it was given in circumstances where opioids were not used.

Where to get a free Naloxone kit

Please note that at this time SMDHU cannot guarantee a nurse will be available on site to provide naloxone training and distribution. Please contact your local pharmacy to access a free naloxone kit.

You can find where to access a kit in your community by accessing: Where to get a free naloxone kit.