Back to SearchKFL&A Public Health is warning residents of an increase in opioid overdoses that occurred this past week. Increases in both emergency department visits and 9-1-1 calls for opioid overdoses have been observed locally in the Kingston area as well as provincially through monitoring systems.
Other communities in Ontario have reported the presence of an illegal benzodiazepine, flualprazolam, in circulation that has been found in combination with drugs such as fentanyl. The negative effects of using an opioid in combination with a benzodiazepine include respiratory depression and extreme sedation which can increase the likelihood of an overdose. It is not unusual to find some amounts of benzodiazepine in drugs circulating in the community.
The presence of flualprazolam has not been confirmed in the illegal drug market locally; however, KFL&A Public Health is urging all people who use drugs to not mix drugs, do test amounts, and to never use alone. The Consumption and Treatment Service at Kingston’s Street Health Centre provides a safe and supportive place where anyone who wants to consume drugs can do so under supervision of people who are trained to respond to an overdose.
All residents are encouraged to be aware of the signs of an opioid overdose and pick up a free naloxone kit. Naloxone will address the effects of opioids (respiratory depression), but it will not reverse the sedative effects of a benzodiazepine. Free kits and training are available through the KFL&A Public Health Kingston office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., and by appointment at branch offices. For more locations, visit https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/naloxone.aspx#naloxone
Residents are reminded that an overdose is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects or witnesses an overdose should call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection against simple drug possession charges for anyone who experiences, witnesses, or responds to an overdose and calls 9-1-1.
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