I think there’s been a drug poisoning or overdose
Knowing that people who use substances are experiencing drug poisonings is very upsetting. You can’t prevent that from happening, but here are some things you can do to help.
If you believe someone is actively experiencing a drug poisoning:
Check if the person is responsive and/or can be woken without touching them
If they are unresponsive, call 911 immediately. It is okay to have your phone on speaker. If you call and the person wasn’t experiencing a drug poisoning, you won’t be in trouble. It’s always best to call.
Follow instructions given by the 911 operator.
If a Naloxone kit is available, administer it following the instructions. Naloxone is a safe medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose from an opioid.
Be proactive:
Get trained to respond to a suspected drug poisoning and carry a Naloxone kit. Avenue B provides free Naloxone training. Call them at 506-652-2437 or visit their website to schedule a session.
Naloxone kits can be bought from pharmacies in New Brunswick; call ahead to ensure one is available. If you can’t afford to buy one, Avenue B provides kits free of charge.
Some signs of a possible drug poisoning
They are not breathing
Their breathing is very slow/shallow
Their lips or fingertips turning blue
Cannot be woken/is unresponsive
something to consider
Society tends to focus on addiction symptoms not the complex reasons behind it, leading to judgement and exclusion. Treating individuals experiencing addiction as people first and offering empathy and support promotes positive, compassionate interventions that help save lives.
Key Contacts:
Emergency Services: 911
Avenue B: 506-652-2437