Warning: Drug poisonings on the rise in Chatham-Kent

Drug use. (File)

Chatham-Kent Public Health (CKPH) is alerting the public that there has been a recent increase in drug poisoning in the municipality.

It said there are reports of strong tranquilizers in the local drug supply, which leads to ‘heavy sedation’.

CKPH is reminding that the unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and always changing. Substances may not always be what is expected and increases the risk of harm or death.

In the event of an overdose, here’s what you should do, courtesy of CKPH:

• Call 911
• Give naloxone if an opioid overdose is suspected (it could take more than one dose)
• Do not leave the person unattended
• Stay with them and help the person until paramedics come

If you use substances:

• Avoid using alone
• When using with others, take turns spotting for each other
• Have a safety plan. Ask someone to check on you and leave the door unlocked
• Call the National Overdose Response Service Safer Consumption Hotline at 1-888-688-6677
• Start low and go slow by trying a test dose first
• Check your drugs with test strips
• Be aware of your tolerance
• Avoid mixing drugs and know the quality of your drugs
• Ask others what they are experiencing with the local drug supply

Free naloxone kits and other resources are available here.