Drug Overdose Prevention

If you suspect an overdose, CALL 911 immediately.

July 29 - Updates from the Overdose Prevention and Education Network of Niagara (OPENN)
- Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31. Positive Living Niagara and Niagara Falls Community Health Centre are hosting a vigil on Aug. 29 from 6-8 p.m. For more information, visit the Niagara Falls International Overdose Awareness Day event website.
- Naloxone has been distributed to 26 key agencies who are actively distributing within the critical social and close peer network, in addition to appropriate patient provisions through St. John Ambulances, Niagara Health sites and EMS. See all agencies that have chosen to be a public access point.
- OPENN updates: An advisory system on toxic drug/adverse reaction sharing is closer to completion. Also, the Substance Use Strategy for Niagara, currently focused on prevention, is on track and moving into the community consultation phase. There is an OPENN communications newsletter to share updates and additional education for those who wish to receive it.
For more information, see Public Health and Social Services Committee agendas and minutes.

Niagara Statistics

With Canada's recent increase in opioid related morbidity and mortality, Niagara has produced some local statistics. Find out more about opioid overdose and naloxone use in Niagara.

People can overdose on prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and recreational drugs. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Confusion
Hallucinations
Problems with vision
Seizures

Opioids

Opioids are usually prescription pain killers with names like codeine, morphine, OxyContin and Percocet. Another street version of an opioid is heroin.

Fentanyl is a manmade opiate narcotic used mostly for cancer patients in severe pain. Fentanyl is roughly 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.

In Canada, many deaths have been caused by other street drugs being cut with fentanyl. Fentanyl is very dangerous because you can't see it, smell it or taste it. If your drug of choice has been cut with Fentanyl, it can quickly kill you.

An opioid overdose may look and feel like:

Severe sleepiness
Slow heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Slow, shallow breathing
Cold, clammy, bluish skin
Trouble walking or talking
Non-responsiveness to shouting or shaking

Naloxone Kits

Naloxone is an emergency medication that reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone and morphine. Naloxone is not an antidote to an overdose, but it can keep a person alive until emergency services arrive.

For Residents

Naloxone kits are free in Ontario. If you are a person who uses opioids, or are a family member or loved one of someone at risk for an overdose, you can get a kit at a pick-up location.