Do you know the warning signs of a drug overdose?
September is National Recovery Awareness Month, and we are spreading the word about drug overdose and poisoning, an issue that devastates thousands of victims and loved ones in York Region each year.
Together with our community partners, Addiction Services Central Ontario, The Farm Rehab, John Howard Society of York Region, Vitanova Foundation and CAYR Community Connections, York Regional Police wants to deliver an important message: We all have an important role to play in protecting our community from harm.
What are the warning signs of a drug overdose?
Someone:
- Can’t stay awake, walk or talk clearly
- Is breathing slowly or not at all
- Has a limp body or muscles are rigid
- Is not responding to noise or shaking of shoulders
- Is snoring or making gurgling sounds
- Has pale or blue, grey or purple skin – especially on their nail beds or lips – and they feel cold
- Has tiny pupils or their eyes are rolled back
- Is vomiting
What to do if you think someone has overdosed?
- Shout their name and shake their shoulders
- Always call 9-1-1 if they are unresponsive
- Give Naloxone according to the instructions you received when you got the kit
- Perform rescue breathing and/or chest compressions
- If there is no movement after 2-3 minutes, repeat steps 3 and 4. Stay with them.
- If the person begins to breathe on their own, or if you have to leave them on their own, put them in the recovery position.
- Stay until the ambulance arrives in case paramedics need help or information, or the overdose symptoms return.
Always call for help if you think someone has overdosed
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid poisoning or overdose, you should always call 9-1-1, even if naloxone was administered.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number for help.
The purpose of the act is to reduce fear of police attending overdose events, and to encourage people to help save a life.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
When someone overdoses on opioids, their breathing either slows or stops completely. If used right away, naloxone can help them breathe again.
Who can get a free naloxone kit?
Members of the public are eligible for a free naloxone kit if they:
- Are at risk of an opioid overdose
- Have a family member or friend, or other individual in a position to assist an individual at risk
- Are being released from a correctional facility
Where to get a free naloxone kit?
Free naloxone kits are available at each of the York Regional Police District buildings.
They are also available at participating pharmacies across Ontario, and at various of our community partner’s facilities.
For more information on where to get a free naloxone kit, visit york.ca/HarmReduction.
Ending the stigma
Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone from any walk of life.
The stigma surrounding drug use can isolate the people who use them, preventing them from talking about their substance use problems and reaching out for help.
Together, we can end the stigma and ensure those who need help can access it.
Ways to reduce stigma
- Learning about opioids and how to use naloxone to save a life
- Seeing people for who they are, not for their drug use
- Listening with compassion and respect so people feel heard and understood
- Talking about stigma and sharing experiences that impact ourselves or others
- Being inclusive and welcoming to people who use drugs
- Organizing or attending stigma reduction education or community events
- Including people with lived/living experience in stigma reduction work
For help and additional resources, reach out to one of our partner agencies: