This alert was just published this morning by the NSW Ministry of Health.
Their content is below but I would add - test your drugs! Get some reagent kits and nitazene test strips. If you are in Sydney, you need to lobby your government for proper fixed-site drug checking services open to all people, not just the lucky few who happen to be at a music festival where a pilot drug checking is occuring.
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Ten people recently presented to hospitals in Sydney and northern NSW with severe opioid overdoses after using what they thought was cocaine.
Their content is below but I would add - test your drugs! Get some reagent kits and nitazene test strips. If you are in Sydney, you need to lobby your government for proper fixed-site drug checking services open to all people, not just the lucky few who happen to be at a music festival where a pilot drug checking is occuring.
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Ten people recently presented to hospitals in Sydney and northern NSW with severe opioid overdoses after using what they thought was cocaine.
Know the risks
- Opioids such as heroin may be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.
- Small amounts of opioids can cause life-threatening overdose in people who have never or rarely used opioids.
- You cannot always tell the difference between heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine by appearance.
- The risks of overdose are increased if you:
- use a high dose, or re-dose when you are not getting the desired effect.
- use with other drugs (for example alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine, GHB or opioids).
- use drugs alone.
- use a new batch.
- Fentanyl and nitazene test strips do not detect heroin or many other opioids.
Effects to look out for
Unexpected drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring, and skin turning blue/grey after using a stimulant (for example cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA).Getting help
If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose:- Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.
- Start CPR if someone is not responsive.
- Use naloxone if you have it. Call ‘000’ even if naloxone has been given.
Take Home Naloxone program
- Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available in a very easy to use nasal spray, and as a pre-filled injection.
- You should carry naloxone if:
- you are using drugs in the form of a pill, powder, crystal or liquid
- you are going somwhere where drugs will be present
- If you are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose you can get naloxone for free without a prescription in NSW from some community pharmacies, needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.
- Visit Your Room - Naloxone for participating sites and more information on take-home naloxone.
- NUAA can mail you naloxone in a discreet package. Order via their online shop or call (02) 9171 6650.
Support and advice
For free and confidential advice:- Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time 24/7. Start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
- Call NUAA and DanceWize NSW's PeerLine on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA for a range of resources on opioids and naloxone.
- Call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for information on adverse effects from drugs.
- Visit Your Room for fact sheets and other resources.
