There has been a rise in suspected opioid overdose-related calls recently compared to the previous two years, according to Toronto Public Health.
- Toronto’s Drug Checking Service continues to confirm contamination and unpredictability of the unregulated opioid supply.
- Overdoses are occurring throughout the city.
- The holiday season can be a challenging time for some. Feelings of stress or social isolation may intensify at this time of year, which can affect people’s substance use.
Messages for people using drugs in Toronto:
- Try not to use alone. Buddy up with someone who you trust.
- Keep naloxone on-hand. Recognize and temporarily reverse an opioid overdose
- Kits are available at Toronto Public Health via on-the-ground outreach teams. Find a free naloxone kit in Toronto and/or call 1-866-532-3161. If you have an expired naloxone kit, get a new one. You should return any unused or expired naloxone kits to your nearest pharmacy.
- Benzodiazepines and tranquilizers in the unregulated drug supply may cause people to be sedated longer than usual. Because naloxone will not work on the benzodiazepines or tranquilizers, some people may remain unconscious after naloxone administration even after their breathing returns.
- Use a supervised consumption service, if possible. For locations and hours of sites please visit: toronto.ca/ConsumptionServices.
- If you must use alone, have a safety plan.
- Get someone to check on you either by phone or in person.
- Call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) to get support while using alone.
- Check what’s in your drugs at local drug checking services. Your drugs might have unexpected substances in them. Have them checked at one of the drug checking service locations in Toronto.
- ConnexOntario provides 24/7 support and connection to treatment and support services for people experiencing problems with mental health, drugs, alcohol, and/or gambling.
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