​Five people were recently admitted to hospital with heroin overdose after using what they believed to be cocaine in Sydney

Know the risks

• Opioids such as heroin may be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.
• Small amounts of opioids can cause life-threatening overdose in people who have never or rarely used opioids.
• You cannot always tell the difference between heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine by appearance.
• The risks of overdose are increased if you:
  • use a high dose, or re-dose when you are not getting the desired effect.
  • use with other drugs (for example alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine, GHB or opioids).
  • use drugs alone.
  • use a new batch.
• Fentanyl test strips do not detect heroin or many other opioids.

Effects to look out for

Unexpected drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring, and skin turning blue/grey after using a stimulant (for example cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA).

Getting help

If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose:

• Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.
• Start CPR if someone is not responsive.
• Use naloxone if you have it. Call ‘000’ even if naloxone has been given.

Take Home Naloxone program

• Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available in a very easy to use nasal spray, and as a pre-filled injection.
• You should carry naloxone if:
  • you are using drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA or opioids.
  • you are hosting or going to a party where drugs will be present.
• If you are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose you can get naloxone for free without a prescription in NSW from some community pharmacies, needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.
• Visit Your Room – Naloxone for participating sites and more information on take-home naloxone.
• NUAA can mail you naloxone in a discreet package. Order via their online shop or call (02) 9171 6650.

Support and advice

For free and confidential advice:

• Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time 24/7. Start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
• Call NUAA and DanceWize NSW’s PeerLine on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA for a range of resources on opioids and naloxone.
• Call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for information on adverse effects from drugs.
• Visit Your Room for fact sheets and other resources.

Reproduced by permission, NSW Health © 2024