Northern Health is urging residents using drugs to take steps to prevent overdose, as a recent spike in illicit Benzodiazepines or “Benzos” has been contaminating the region.
Normally Benzodiazepines slow down brain activity, but when mixed with Opioids have a higher risk of overdose. Individuals who have overdosed using drugs contaminated with benzos may be difficult to rouse and slow to respond to naloxone.
If you suspect someone is having a Benzos-related overdose it’s important to, call 9-1-1, open airway and give rescue breaths and give nalaxone if you have it. More information regarding the overdose alert can be found on the Northern Health Website.
