Northern Health has issued an overdose alert for northern B.C. The health authority says there has been an increase in overdose events across the northern region from a substance sold as down.
Substances circulating are highly toxic and may be contaminated with benzodiazepines (benzos) causing heavy and prolonged sedation and requiring more naloxone to reverse.
Northern Health says one of the first signs of an overdose is choking, gurgling or snoring sounds and advises residents to get overdose prevention, recognition and response training and carry naloxone.
The health authority is also advising people to not use alone and instead to make a plan and tell someone who can call for help if needed.
Anyone who is using substances alone can call the Lifeguard or BeSafe app available free on the app store or on Toward the Heart website, or call 1-888-688-6677.
You should also call 911 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.
There are also a number of overdose prevention services in the north:
- Needle Exchange, 1108 3rd Ave., Prince George
- Two Doors Down, 1126 3rd Ave., Prince George
- Terrace Intensive Case Management Team, 101-4450 Grieg Ave., Terrace
- CSUN, #3-445 Anderson Drive, Quesnel
- SNOW house, 833-103rd Ave., Dawson Creek
