Drug Overdose Prevention

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.

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

Niagara Statistics

With Canada's recent increase in opioid related morbidity and mortality, Niagara has produced some statistics on opioid overdose and naloxone use in Niagara.

Harm Reduction

Using drugs comes with health risks, but using safer practices can help reduce the risks. This guide to using harm reduction supplies as engagement tools provides resources and best practices to support frontline workers in their day-to-day work.

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're 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.

For organizations

We can provide training and Naloxone to eligible organizations that work with people who use opioids.

More information

StreetWorks Needle and Syringe Program

Harm reduction materials are available through Positive Living Niagara at their office, satellite sites or mobile van.
Treatment
Local options for addiction treatment in Niagara include:
Bereavement support
For those who have lost loved ones due to substances:
- Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP)
- Niagara Area Moms Ending Stigma (NAMES)
- Moms Stop the Harm / Moms Stop the Harm Facebook page