What students should know about drug overdoses

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Knowing how to help a friend or a loved one when they overdose on drugs begins with understanding the severity of the drug overdose crisis in our society today. A drug overdose is when a drug (ranging from your regular Advil or Tylenol, to prescription medication to illegal drugs) is taken in such a quantity that overwhelms regular body functioning. Did you know that the majority of opioid (pain-relieving medication) overdose related deaths in Canada are accidental? In 2017, in Canada alone, opioids overdoses took the lives of 11 individuals every single day. This crisis in society is far from over.

Preventing an Overdose 

There are a few things you can keep in mind to protect yourself and your friends from drug overdoses. For example, you shouldn’t mix drugs with medications or alcohol. It’s also helpful to be wary of your tolerance level. In case of emergencies, it’s best to carry a naloxone kit and not be alone or in unfamiliar settings while taking drugs. 

What to do in case of a drug overdose?

If someone you know is showing signs of an overdose, stay calm and follow these steps:

  1. Check to see if the person is responsive, by shouting their name and shaking their shoulders.
  2. If they don’t respond, call 911 right away.
  3. If a naloxone kit is available, naloxone should be given to the person right away. 
  4. Once they have been given naloxone, you should give the person chest compressions (but not rescue breathing), until their condition improves 
  5. When they start breathing again, you can place them in the recovery position (on their side, with their upper leg bent, their hand supporting their head and their head tilted slightly back) and wait with them until first responders arrive.

Good to know: The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you and the person overdosing from being charged with:

  • Possession of controlled substances
  • Breach in probation, conditional sentences, parole or pre-trial release related to drug possession
This means that, when you contact emergency services, you shouldn’t get charged for drug possession. The person overdosing can get the help they need, without fear of criminal charges related to possessing drugs. The priority is to provide lifesaving help to the person having an overdose and to reduce harm where possible.

What you need to know about fentanyl? 

Fentanyl is a very strong, toxic opioid that is usually prescribed as a patch to manage pain. It is about 50-100 times more toxic than morphine. Carfentanil is also a very strong, toxic opioid that is used by veterinarians for large animals and is 100 times more toxic than fentanyl. Both fentanyl and carfentanil are deadly in extremely small amounts and are being mixed into illicit drugs like heroin or counterfeit pills, and you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. It is important to be cautious of the possibility that drugs are mixed with these substances. 


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