11/04/2025
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of heavier sedation in recent drug poisonings (overdoses) in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.
The cause of the increase in sedation is unknown. This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Be cautious if using drugs and please share this information widely to help save lives.
Move the person to a safe place, ideally somewhere warm and dry.
Stay with them and keep an eye on them.
Check that limbs are not restricted.
If they are having trouble breathing or not breathing, give rescue breaths.
How to prevent poisonings
A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal.
Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning.
Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over the counter, and street drugs.
Start with a lower dose and go slow.
Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 or the Brave App. These services provide 24/7 confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
Different substances affect the body in different ways. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different.
