Interior Health issues DRUG ADVISORY for West Kootenay
By Lone Sheep Publishing
In a media release Thursday, Interior Health issued a DRUG ADVISORY for theWest Kootenay area as there has been samples of DOWN tested with high concentrations of fluorofentanyl and bromazolam.
Interior Health is advising the public to remember that flurorofentanyl ranges from equal to more potent than fentanyl and benzodiazepine produce amnesia and sedation.
Interior Health also said there has also been reports of an increase in non fatal overdoses in the area and that there is a high risk of overdose and a high risk of fatal overdose.
“Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community,” Interior Health said.
Overdose prevention staff are advised to ensure clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.
No matter what or how the use (smoking, snorting, injecting) steps should be taken to prevent overdose
- Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl testing strips or accessing FTIR technicians in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs.
- Crush your drugs into fine powder: Doing so reduces the chance of hot-spots, which are spikes of concentrated fentanyl in the dope.
- Be a buddy: Help a friend by being around while they are using. Stagger use if you are using together.
- Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs
- Know the risks when mixing drugs
- When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.
- Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone.
- If you must use while alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.
