GUELPH – Local drug strategy officials have issued a health alert following “at least” 46 drug poisonings, including two deaths, over the past two weeks in Guelph and Wellington County.
The Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy (WGDS) first issued an alert on Aug. 29, noting there had been 20 poisonings and one death since Aug. 21.
On Sept. 5, WGDS issued an updated alert following an additional 26 poisonings and one death.
Overall, there have been 46 drug poisonings and two deaths since Aug. 21.
“This is more than double the number recorded during the same period last year,” states the Sept. 5 WGDS alert.
“The rise in drug poisonings is likely linked to sedatives and veterinary tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines, xylazine and medetomidine.
“These are not opioids, so naloxone will not reverse their effects.”
However, WGDS officials say naloxone should still be given in any suspected drug poisoning, as opioids may also be present.
“The unregulated drug supply is currently unpredictable and highly potent, particularly with substances that appear beige or light yellow,” the alert states.
Strategy officials offer the following tips to reduce the risk of drug poisoning:
- carry naloxone;
- avoid using substances alone or, if alone, call the National Overdose Response Service: 1-888-688-NORS (6677);
- share harm reduction information and resources from public health and the WGDS;
- connect to substance use and mental health supports and/or reacheout to Here 24/7;
- start low and go slow (with any new substance, start with one-third of a normal dose); and
- test substances at the Community Health Centre (176 Wyndham St. North) or with kits from the Sanguen Community Health Van or Wyndham House. Fentanyl test strips are available from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
For more information on responding to a drug poisoning, visit wdgpublichealth.ca.
More details about drug testing options can be found on the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy website.
