Opioid crisis ‘very significant’ during pandemic
More than 130 naloxone kits distributed in region during month of May
Hard drug users in Niagara are required to follow COVID-19 physical distancing rules like everyone else and not form in groups of more than five people.
But they are also being urged to not consume substances alone and should find a partner when snorting or injecting their drug of choice, said Positive Living Niagara executive director and Overdose Prevention and Education Network of Niagara co-chair Glen Walker.
That’s because there has been a spike in overdoses in the region, a realization that comes with 134 naloxone kits distributed by the agency being used in May.
“We certainly have seen an ongoing number of overdoses, deaths,” he said.
“The opioid crisis is still here. It’s still very significant in Niagara.”
In the same month last year, about 100 naloxone kits were administered to people overdosing, Walker said Wednesday, adding these numbers don’t include kits being used that were handed out by local pharmacies.
He said these numbers are “climbing” and much of it may have to do with the strength and inconsistency of drugs peddled on the street.
“Some of the drugs that are out there are very potent and are surprising a lot of people,” said Walker.
The strength of local fentanyl and how much of it is appearing in heroin is a major concern and a cause for the overdoses.
“There’s no quality control. It’s a bit of the wild west in terms of what’s out there,” he said, noting greater amounts of naloxone than usual are needed to fight its effects.
Twenty-four overdoses were reversed in May at the safe injection site in downtown St. Catharines, he said.
The safe injection site had 1,200 visits last month, a number consistent to months when there wasn’t a pandemic. Walker called the opioid crisis “the other epidemic that’s really hidden.”
OPENN and Positive Living Niagara want people to use the buddy system when getting high, but to also refrain from groups of 10 to 15 people, which is part of the drug “culture,” said Walker.
“You can’t revive yourself if you go down.”
Many people carry out their drug habit in secrecy, leaving people close to them unaware, and increasing chances of an overdose being suffered alone, Walker said.
“Maybe it’s time to open the door and talk to family members and to the people where you’re living.”
Word is being spread to clients through the Streetworks harm reduction program about making sure they don’t use drugs by themselves. Personal protective gear is being handed out as part of the program, which focuses on distribution of clean needles.
In a news release this week, OPENN said it needs to stress that physical distancing and substance use are compatible.
“People can use together if they have to while still keeping their distance, wearing face coverings in close quarters and avoiding large group gatherings,” it said.
It’s a matter of weighing risks of infection versus overdose death.
“If you are aware of someone who may be using alone, talk to them about the risks and how to stay safe. With precautions and awareness people can still be as safe as possible from COVID-19 infection and use safely.”