Back to Search
KFL&A Public Health is warning local residents of the increased risk that unregulated drugs thought to be ecstasy (MDMA) may contain unexpected and potent combinations of opiates and benzodiazepines.
The Integrated Care Hub and Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) in Kingston warn that when opiates are combined with benzodiazepines, it slows vital functions such as breathing, significantly increasing the risk of a drug poisoning. Ecstasy (MDMA) is a stimulant, and contamination of the supply is particularly concerning for those who do not use opioids regularly.
Community partners continue to be concerned about the toxicity and unpredictability of the unregulated drug supply in Ontario, including the continuously reported presence of high potency opioids and contaminants of other central nervous system depressants (such as animal tranquilizers like xylazine and medetomidine).
It is vital that people do not use drugs alone. When a drug poisoning is suspected, call 911 immediately for emergency medical care and administer naloxone. While naloxone will not reverse the effects of other kinds of drugs or contaminants, it will help reverse the effects of any opioids ingested.
KFL&A Public Health urges anyone using any unregulated substance to exercise a high degree of caution and to:
- Avoid using alone. If you use alone, tell someone before you use and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in with you. Alternatives may include:
- Using with a friend or family member present or virtually, staggering use if both are using drugs.
- Using a supervised consumption service in person at CTS at 661 Montreal St., Kingston or virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677)
- Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
- Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
- Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you. Consider carrying multiple doses of naloxone.
- Call 911 for emergency medical treatment immediately if drug poisoning is suspected.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, please share the above safety information with them. We also advise that you obtain a free naloxone kit and training.
For more information on harm reduction visit the KFL&A Public Health website.
For more information about this alert, please contact Justine McIsaac, Consumption Treatment Coordinator at justinem@kchc.ca.
About Kingston’s Consumption Treatment Services (CTS)
Consumption Treatment Services (CTS) is a safe, supportive space where people may engage in the supervised consumption of their substances. This supervision reduces the likelihood of harmful outcomes like fatal overdoses and is an extension of existing harm reduction programs that provide easy-to-access, life-saving harm reduction services in a stigma-free environment, to help reduce the growing number of opioid-related overdose deaths.
CTS provides:
- supervised consumption services including overdose response if needed
- harm reduction education and supplies, including disposal of used supplies
- naloxone
- connection with community support worker
Kingston’s CTS is located within the Integrated Care Hub (located at 661 Montreal St., Kingston). Anyone is welcome to come to the CTS, which is open seven days a week, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The CTS is a drop-in service and does not require an appointment or a referral to access the site.
Subscribe