Carfentanil and benzodiazepines have popped up again in Hay River, prompting the NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 chief public health officer to issue another health advisory.
SA国际影视传媒淚ndividuals consuming illicit drugs need to be aware that their supply may be contaminated with opioids such as carfentanil and benzodiazepines such as alprazolam,SA国际影视传媒� an Oct. 13 news release from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer stated.
The news0 release noted that the presence of these substances in illicit drugs can reduce the effectiveness of naloxone, a medication that is used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose.
SA国际影视传媒淭here are no warning signs of the presence of opioids or benzodiazepines in street drugs without testing SA国际影视传媒� it cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste,SA国际影视传媒� the release explained. SA国际影视传媒淥bservations show that benzodiazepines, when used in combination with other depressants such as opioids or alcohol, can cause serious physical and psychological harm.SA国际影视传媒�
Illicit drugs mixed with opioids and benzodiazepines can cause symptoms like prolonged severe sedation, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, and severe respiratory depression associated with coma or even death.
Signs of an overdose include the following:
- Breathing will be slow or absent
- Lips and nails are blue
- Person is not moving
- Person is choking
- Gurgling sounds or snoring
- Severe sleepiness
- Person canSA国际影视传媒檛 be woken up
- Skin feels cold and clammy
The news release noted that, while naloxone will not stop the effects of a benzodiazepine overdoes, SA国际影视传媒渘aloxone kits are still available and should be used if person is showing signs of overdose as it may reverse effects when opioids are also consumed.SA国际影视传媒� In some cases, multiple doses of naloxone may be necessary.
Naloxone kits are available at all hospitals, health centres and pharmacies in the NWT. Within Hay River they are available at the following distribution sites.
- Hay River Liquor Retailer
- ItSA国际影视传媒檚 420 Somewhere
- Super A Grocery Store
- Recreation centre
- Public Library
- Soup Kitchen
- Hay River Youth Centre
- Warming Shelter
- The Rooster
- Community Counselling Services
Drug users should be aware that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people involved in overdoses from being charged for possession of illegal drugs, meaning drug users need not fear legal reprisal in overdose situations.
SA国际影视传媒淭his law encourages anyone to call for help if they witness or experience an overdose,SA国际影视传媒� the news release said.
At the time of the chief public health officerSA国际影视传媒檚 news release, there have been no additional deaths associated with illicit drug contamination reported in Hay River.
