7 overdose deaths in 3 days

Photo: Contributed

There have been seven suspected overdose deaths in Interior Health from Jan. 23 to 26, according to preliminary data provided by the B.C. Coroners Service.

I.H. is urging residents using or considering using drugs to reconsider or take steps to prevent overdose. 
 
The following tips can help reduce the risk:
 
·         Don’t mix different drugs (including pharmaceutical medications, street drugs, and alcohol).

·         Don’t take drugs when you are alone. Leave door unlocked. Tell someone to check on you.

·         Use less and pace yourself. Do testers to check strength – a small sample of a drug before taking your usual dosage.

·         Keep an eye out for your friends – stay together and look out for each other.
·         Carry a Naloxone kit and know how to use it.
·         Recognize the signs of an OD: slow or no breathing, gurgling or gasping, lips/fingertips turning blue, difficult to rouse, non-responsive.  
·         If someone thinks they may be having an overdose or is witnessing an overdose, call 911 immediately.

For more resources and links related to overdose and substance use, click here.