Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that include:

• the illicit drug heroin;
• synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and carfentanil; and
• pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin, percocet), hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and many others.

Ongoing use of opioids may lead to a need for stronger and/or more frequent doses. A dependency on opioids can develop and withdrawing from opioids can become very difficult.

Fentanyl and carfentanil are both powerful opioids that can be present in street drugs. They are very toxic and can greatly increase the risk of an overdose. Consuming even small doses can potentially be fatal.

Any street drug can be cut with, mixed or cross-contaminated with fentanyl or carfentanil. There is no easy way to detect them. It can’t be seen, tasted or smelled.

In 2021, fentanyl was found in 83 per cent of overdose deaths in Halton. Naloxone use was reported for approximately one quarter of these deaths.

An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes a dose of opioids that is too high. Symptoms include slowed or stopped breathing, sometimes leading to death. In 2021, there were 27 deaths from opioid overdoses in Halton.

Signs and symptoms of an overdose can include:

• severe sleepiness
• slow heartbeat
• trouble breathing
• cold, clammy, bluish skin
• trouble walking or talking
• non-responsiveness to shouting or shaking

• Never use alone. If an overdose occurs, having a family member or friend nearby can save your life.
• Remember that any drug can be cut with, mixed or contaminated by harmful drugs (for example, fentanyl), which in very small amounts can be harmful or fatal.
• Know your tolerance and always use a small amount of a drug first to check the strength.
• Carry naloxone, a drug that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.