Drug Alert: More overdoses from cocaine containing opioids
⚠️ DRUG ALERT ⚠️ Sydney: Increases in severe overdoses from COCAINE found to contain opioids (including heroin) 😱😱
NSW Health has released a warning about further intensive care admissions and deaths that have occurred within inner Sydney following an alert issued in May 2021 about strong and long-acting opioid toxicity after the use of substances thought to be cocaine.
At this stage, it is unknown what the contents of the substance(s) are.
How can you protect yourself?
❌Don’t use alone. ❌
👭 Make sure your friends know what you thought you were taking, and that they are comfortable calling an ambulance.👭
👌🏾If you’re using a new batch, start out with a small dose.👌🏾
✌🏼Be extra careful if you’re mixing different drugs.✌🏼
👀Use a reagent drug testing kit (links to buy: https://www.nuaa.org.au/nuaa-blog/drug-testing-kits)👀
👀NUAA’s online shop has fentanyl testing strips: https://www.nuaa.org.au/nsp-equipment-1👀
🦾If you have any trouble getting naloxone call our PeerLine: 1800 644 413.🦾
Know the risks:
- Strong and long-acting opioids can cause unexpected, rapid and life-threatening overdose, even with the amounts contained in a single line of powder.
- The use of a drug that contains an unknown opioid can be associated with an increased risk of overdose. People who have never or rarely used opioids are at highest risk of overdose from these substances. Risk of overdose is also increased by use of other sedatives (such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine, GHB).
- Illicit drugs with variable purity and contents are being seen in NSW in 2021.
Effects to look out for:
- Serious adverse effects may include drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and skin turning blue.
- Be on the lookout for unexpected symptoms, such as drowsiness following use of a stimulant (e.g. cocaine).
Getting help:
If you see the warning signs of overdose:
- Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000).
- Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
- Use naloxone if you have it. Call '000' even if naloxone has been given.
Take Home Naloxone program:
- As well as people who use opioids, people who use cocaine should also consider carrying naloxone.
- Naloxone is an easy to use, life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids.
- It is does not require a prescription and is free for anyone at risk of opioid overdose in NSW.
- It is available as a nasal spray or injection from some pharmacies and other health services.
- For participating locations and more information on take-home naloxone: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx
- Call '000' even if naloxone has been administered. Repeat doses may be required.
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 on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit www.nuaa.org.au 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.
Further updates about this drug alert will be available via: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/Pages/cocaine-containing-opioids-jun21.aspx