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Overdose Prevention
People may use substances, such as drugs or alcohol, for a variety of reasons: to be social, to relax, to experiment, or to cope with stress or trauma. Many substances, including unregulated or prescription drugs, alcohol, cannabis, 鈥渕agic mushrooms鈥�, nicotine, and caffeine can impact a person鈥檚 mental, emotional, or physical health. All substance use carries some risk, so it鈥檚 important to consider the short-term and long-term effects on your health and wellbeing.
British Columbia is currently experiencing a public health emergency due to toxic drug poisonings and deaths. The supply of unregulated or street drugs is contaminated with other extremely toxic substances, such as , carfentanyl and . Fentanyl and carfentanyl are , that, when mis-used, can cause breathing to slow or stop, leading to brain damage or death. Benzodiazepines (鈥渂enzos鈥�) are a type of depressant that causes drowsiness. Street drugs are now being mixed with opioids and benzodiazepines, making them particularly dangerous.
Harm Reduction and Safer Drug Use
Without testing, it鈥檚 impossible to know if street drugs are contaminated. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl, equivalent to three grains of salt, can cause a fatal overdose, especially in first-time users.
If you use or intend to use street drugs, including prescription drugs not directly dispensed from a pharmacy, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of an overdose or toxic drug poisoning:
Before using:
- Get your and/or use .
- Sign up for .
- Learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose or toxic drug poisoning and how to respond.
- Carry a naloxone kit and .
- Download the . This free phone app will notify first responders if a person is experiencing a potential overdose or toxic drug poisoning.
While using:
- Use with a buddy or at an If you choose to use alone, get someone to look in on you and call for help if needed.
- Start low and go slow. Test a small amount first and then go slowly.
- Use one substance at a time. Using more than one substance increases the risk of overdose. Mixing your drugs (including prescription drugs) with alcohol or other substances is dangerous. If you do mix, use less than you normally would and go slowly.
- Be aware of your health & tolerance. Being sick, run down or having a chronic illness can increase the risk of overdose. Your tolerance can also be lower if you haven't used for a while, or if you are using a substance for the first time.
Recognize the Signs of an Overdose or Toxic Drug Poisoning
Look for the following observable signs that someone may be experiencing overdose or drug poisoning requiring emergency intervention:
- Difficulty walking, talking or staying awake
- Blue, purple or grey lips or nails
- Very small pupils (also known as pinpoint pupils)
- Cold and clammy skin to the touch
- Dizziness and confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak or no breathing
- Unresponsive, cannot rouse. You may be unable to wake them up, even when shaken or shouted at.
- Lack of movement and body is limp
How to Respond to a Drug Overdose or Toxic Drug Poisoning
If someone is experiencing a known or suspected overdose or toxic drug poisoning, immediate action is needed.
- Call 911 immediately. An overdose is always a medical emergency.
- Give naloxone following the (see ) or follow instructions provided by 911 and those found in the naloxone kit. Lifesaving steps include:
- Stimulate
- Open the airway
- Ventilate by providing respiratory support (breaths)
- Evaluate
- Administer first dose of nasal spray naloxone or intramuscular injection of naloxone
- Evaluate again; administer another dose of naloxone if needed
- Place in a recovery position
- If you鈥檙e on an SFU campus, call Campus Public Safety's urgent line: 778-782-4500. All CPS responders carry doses of nasal naloxone and are trained in first aid, including in how to administer naloxone and other lifesaving interventions. CPS members will be immediately dispatched to provide first aid support and will also escort emergency responders to your exact location.
- Stay until help arrives. Share what you know with responders, this may save a life!
Note: The provincial and the federal offer legal protections to anyone who seeks emergency support during an overdose. This includes the person experiencing an overdose, the person who calls for help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before first responders arrive, and anyone else who is at the scene.
Naloxone Kits
Naloxone is a medication that reverses overdose and drug poisoning from fentanyl and other opioids. Even if someone has been given naloxone, it can wear off before they have completely recovered from the overdose. They may need multiple doses or other lifesaving medical interventions. Note that naloxone will not be effective in reversing drug overdose or poisoning in non-opiate related overdose or poisoning incidents.
Administering naloxone when it is not needed will not cause harm. Always administer if overdose is suspected. Always call for help. An overdose is always a medical emergency.
Where to get a naloxone kit
Naloxone kits are found in designated cabinets in various locations on SFU鈥檚 three campuses. The kits include two doses of nasal naloxone and instructions. The cabinets are most frequently co-located near an emergency phone and/or AED. All Campus Public Safety responders on SFU's three campuses also carry doses of nasal naloxone, are first aid certified and trained to administer naloxone.
Naloxone kits are available for free at B.C. pharmacies and other designated sites through the Province鈥檚 (THN) program.
This map shows where naloxone kits are available on campus.
SFU supports
Health and Counselling Services: Free mental health counselling services A片资源吧 and FIC students
My SSP: Free 24/7 mental health support for all SFU and FIC students.
Alcoholics Anonymous: The SFU Multifaith Centre hosts weekly AA meetings, open to all students, staff, and faculty, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income or profession
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Mental health and counselling services for eligible SFU employees
Community supports
8-1-1: Call 8-1-1 from anywhere in B.C. anytime of the day or night to speak to a health services navigator. They can help you find health information and services or connect you directly with a registered nurse.
: Individual, family, and small group counselling for people of all ages who are affected by alcohol and other drug use. Call the 24-hour BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service toll-free from anywhere in B.C. at 1-800-663-1441 or from the Lower Mainland at 1-604-660-9382.
: Listing of substance use and mental health services for children, adolescents and adults across B.C.
: Information related to substance use and mental health, including personal stories, self-help resources and information about getting help