Opioids and Overdose Prevention

Both prescription drugs and unregulated drugs can cause overdoses. There is no easy way to know what is in substances from an unregulated supply. Any unregulated drug may be contaminated with an opioid. Preventing overdose, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and knowing how to respond can save lives. Southwestern Public Health provides multiple services to prevent overdoses and the spread of blood-borne viruses (such as Hepatitis C and HIV). 

What are opioids?

Opioids are a family of drugs that are primarily used to manage pain. Opioids are highly addictive drugs that come in different forms, such as pills, tablets, powders, or patches.

Common opioids include fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, morphine and codeine. Using opioids can be an effective part of pain management for some medically supervised patients. However, opioids are highly addictive and can put your health at risk of having an overdose which can be fatal. View videos on the opioid crisis and personal stories about addiction by Label Me Person.

How can you prevent opioid overdoses?

Consider these tips to reduce the chance of an overdose:

●       Don’t use drugs alone

●       Avoid mixing drugs, including alcohol

●       If you haven’t used drugs in a while, start with a small dose and increase slowly

●       Download our Opioid Overdose Prevention Tips brochure

If you suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately and administer Naloxone if you have it.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It works quickly and can be given as a nasal spray or injection. When used properly, naloxone can help someone who has overdosed start breathing again and regain consciousness.

What services do we offer to reduce harm from drug usage?

We offer services under the Ontario Harm Reduction Program to help lower health risks when using drugs. This can reduce chances of overdose and spread of blood-borne viruses. The Ontario Harm Reduction Program supports safer drug use by:

●       Providing access to clean, single-use supplies

●       Educating our region about safer drug use

●       Providing naloxone kits and training

●       Supports for our community and resources

●       Safe disposal areas for needle

What is the Ontario Naloxone Project?

The Ontario Naloxone Project was created by the Government of Ontario to recognize and temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Community-based organizations will be provided with information on recognizing an opioid overdose, where you can get naloxone and what is included in a naloxone kit.

Get involved with the project by visiting the Government of Ontario’s Naloxone Project. For details on how your workplace can get free naloxone kits and training, visit Ontario’s workplace Naloxone program.

What do you need to know about prescription drugs?

Prescription drugs, when misused can be harmful and result in negative health issues. Here are a few ways to use prescriptions safely:

●       Take medications only as directed

●       Avoid sharing medications with others

●       Keep medications in a safe place

●       Track your medication usage

●       Dispose of expired or unused prescriptions at your local pharmacy

What is the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act?

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects those who call 9-1-1 for someone experiencing an overdose. The goal of the act is to encourage people to help save a life and reduce fear of police when attending overdose events. Find out more on the Act, and what is and isn’t covered under this law.

What should I do next?

If you’re struggling with substance use or want more information on how to help prevent an overdose:

●       Connect with local addiction support services

●       Learn about safe needle disposal and harm reduction options

●       Find out where to get a free Naloxone kit in Ontario and to receive free training and a Naloxone nasal spray kit

Additional resources about opioids and overdose prevention:

●       Learn more about opioid-related overdoses tracked by Public Health Ontario

●       View our Opioid Monitoring Dashboard, an interactive data tool that shares local opioid overdose information currently available to the Public Health

●       Learn more on Substance Use and Addiction from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or the Canadian Centre

●       Learn more about the Ontario Harm Reduction Program for services to reduce harm from drug usage