Drug warning: Increase in suspected drug poisonings (overdoses)

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The Community Drug Strategy has received reports of an increase in the number of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions from the use of substances in the Sudbury & Districts area.

While we cannot confirm the substance(s) causing the overdoses, this situation serves as an important reminder to the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Frontline workers warn that more toxic substances may be circulating locally.

There has been an increase in reports of a substance known as “Carfentanil crystals”. It appears to be causing increased disorientation, sedation, and overdose.

An overdose occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body is unable to handle the effects. As a result, the brain is unable to control basic life functions. The person might pass out, stop breathing or experience a seizure. Overdoses can be fatal and non-fatal.

Prevent overdoses to save lives:

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

Due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity, an overdose may last for hours and look like:

How to respond to an overdose:

Where to get naloxone?

For a free naloxone kit, contact The Point at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, Réseau Access Network, Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY), or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Or, visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.

Be cautious if using drugs and please distribute this information widely to help save lives.


This item was last modified on June 16, 2023