Know the signs of opioid poisoning.
- Slow or no breathing
- Gurgling or snoring sounds
- Can't wake them up
- Pale face, blue lips or nails
- Cold and damp skin
- Choking or throwing up
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Edmonton, along with many other jurisdictions around Canada, is experiencing a drug poisoning crisis. This is a complex public health issue with many factors that have led to a significant increase in opioid overdoses (poisonings) and deaths in Edmonton. In recent years there has been a higher level of concern associated with the drug supply, including its quality, the degree of contamination, potency, cost and accessibility.
Visit Alberta Substance Use Analytics for the most recent data on deaths.
The street drug supply is contaminated with often unknown amounts of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Just a small amount can result in an unintentional overdose or poisoning. Drug poisonings are occurring in neighbourhoods all across our city, many in private homes where people are often using alone.
- Slow or no breathing
- Gurgling or snoring sounds
- Can't wake them up
- Pale face, blue lips or nails
- Cold and damp skin
- Choking or throwing up
Naloxone saves lives by temporarily reversing the effects of opioid poisoning
Given the current state of the drug supply, using alone is especially dangerous.
Download the Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) Mobile App (or call 1-888-688-NORS (6677), the National Overdose Response Service) if you plan on using drugs alone.
Quick reference sheet:
Drugsafe (Alberta Health Services)
Witnessing a drug poisoning can be traumatic. For free drop-in single session counselling visit www.dropinyeg.ca.
Do you have a loved one living with addiction? Have you lost someone?
Holding Hope Canada
Free peer-led support groups for families with loved ones living with addiction.
Healing Hearts Canada
Free bereavement support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one to overdose or substance-use related harms.
Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642 (toll free)
Access 24/7
780-424-2424
Mental Health Helpline
1-877-303-2642
Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program
1-844-383-7688
AHS Opioid Dependency Program
780-422-1302
Mobile Team: 780-342-7810
211 (information on community support services)
Harm reduction services and treatment supports are available and can be lifesaving for those who are struggling with substance use.
The City of Edmonton and Alberta Health Services co-chair a committee of representatives from community, business, health, lived and living experience, and experts.
Our mandate is to identify opportunities for collaborative community-based approaches to reduce the number of harms associated with substance use in Edmonton.
We recognize the need to increase public messaging and awareness around the poisoned state of the drug supply, specifically to the population currently at highest risk - men, ages 30-40.