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    Opioid overdoses following stimulant use

  • 15 Jul 2024
     
    • Source: NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA)

    NUAA IS URGING THE COMMUNITY TO STAY ALERT FOR SIGNS OF AN OPIOID OVERDOSE WHEN USING STIMULANTS.

    Recent incidents, including an opioid overdose from heroin mis-sold as cocaine and multiple opioid overdoses following methamphetamine use, are driving the concern.

    Unknowingly taking opioids can kill or cause dizziness, paleness, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, vomiting, difficulty breathing.

    Call 000 if something is wrong.

    Signs of an opioid overdose:

    • Pin-point pupils
    • Difficulty speaking or walking
    • Drowsiness
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Slpw breathing/snoring
    • Skin turning blue (if light skinned) or grey (if darker skinned)

    Call 000 immediately or seek urgent medical attention. Naloxone should be given immediately if available – multiple doses may be required.

    How can you protect yourself?

    • Don’t use alone.
    • Tell your friends what you thought you were taking.
    • If you’re using a new batch, start out with a small dose.
    • Be careful if mixing different drugs.
    • Always carry Naloxone and tell others where they can find it on your person.

    Call 000 if something is wrong. You will not get in trouble for seeking help

    Purchasing naloxone:

    Naloxone can be ordered for FREE (+shipping fee) as a nasal spray or injectable from the NUAA website: nuaa.org.au/thn

    Or use the Your Room website to find your local NSP or pharmacy that stocks Naloxone: yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx

    If something is wrong, call for help.

    Call triple zero (000)
    Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
    If they are breathing, put them in the recovery position (on their side).
    You will not get in trouble for seeking help!

    More information:

    Stay up to date with drug alerts and peer-led harm reduction information by following NUAA & DanceWize NSW on social media.

    If you want non-judgemental support from an experienced member of the drug-using community, contact NUAA & DaceWize NSW’s PeerLine by calling 1800 644 413 or messaging us on social media..

    Learn more about cocaine, heroin and opioids at dancewizensw.org.au/drug-info.
    See NSW Health’s official Drug Alert/Public Drug Warning at health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/.
     

    Read the full alert