DATE: Thu. December 21, 2023
LOCATION: Brandon
SUBSTANCE NAME(S): Down
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Orange crystal
DETAILS: Orange crystals sold as Down caused four poisonings. Some responded to naloxone, some did not. Sample tested positive for fentanyl and benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are sedatives that are not opioids and so they do NOT respond to naloxone. Drugs with both fentanyl (an opioid) and benzes present a higher risk of a complex overdose.
What is a drug poisoning?
When a toxic amount of a drug, or a combination of drugs, overwhelms the body. People often refer to this as an “overdose.” However, that word implies that a user knows what the dose is and has chosen to take too much, or that the user is being reckless. In fact, the drug supply is unpredictable and toxic.
If you are using substances, please:
- Use with a friend and stagger your use
- Start low and go slow
- Have and know how to use naloxone/Narcan
If you are using alone, consider calling a friend or the NORS line at 1-888-688-NORS so they can spot you.
Sign up to receive drug alerts by email: https://www.safersites.ca/join
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