There's another reason to think twice before taking illicit substances.
ACT Health has warned the public some batches of heroin and cocaine have been contaminated with strong opioids following recent cases in Sydney and regional NSW.
ACT Health said fentanyl and acefentanyl are likely to be contaminants
Fentanyl is an opioid sometimes prescribed to patients for severe pain management. Acefentanyl is similar to fentanyl but is not used to treat patients.
Calvary Hospital's consultant emergency physician, Associate Professor David Caldicott, said the public must take the threat of contaminated drugs seriously.
"The fentanyls are an incredibly potent group of drugs," he said.
"Their unsupervised use for recreational purposes is rarely intentional and has been very clearly associated with thousands of individual deaths internationally.
"Contaminated heroin may appear like a more potent opiate overdose, whereas contaminated cocaine could create a scenario quite different to one that might be expected by a consumer.
"It is critical that the people who use drugs in our jurisdiction are aware of this warning and ensure that it is shared as widely as possible within their community."
Professor Caldicott said Canberrans should call an ambulance if confronted by an overdose and should not fear legal repercussions in life-and-death situations.
"There will never be recriminations from first-responders, or treating doctors, because seeking help is likely to be saving somebody's life, and potentially the lives of many around them," he said.
"If you have taken a substance and are experiencing side effects similar to those from fentanyl, call triple zero (000) immediately or seek urgent medical attention."
Naloxone can temporarily reverse an overdose from fentanyl and other opioids, however even if naloxone is used an ambulance should still be called to the scene of an overdose.
- Those at risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose can access naloxone and naloxone-administration training through CAHMA, Lvl 1, Shop 17, 54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen (in the Churches Centre); Ph: 6253 3643. CAHMA can also provide on-the-spot testing of substances for fentanyl and take-home fentanyl-testing strips.
- Anyone who has concerns about substances containing fentanyl or adverse effects from fentanyl-related substances should contact the ACT Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
- For support and information on drug and alcohol problems, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015, a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information for individuals and concerned others.
