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Drug overdose prevention and support

Warning sign

Emergency overdose or crisis

If someone is experiencing an overdose or you need immediate crisis support, call 911.

Recognizing an overdose

People can overdose on prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and recreational drugs. If you see these signs: call 911 immediately, give naloxone if available, stay with the person.

Opioid and non-opioid overdoses can present with different symptoms.

Opioid overdose

Symptoms of an opioid overdose may include:

  • Severe sleepiness, unresponsive to shake or shout, unable to wake up
  • Slow, shallow or stopped breathing
  • May be making gurgling or rattling noises
  • Cold, clammy skin that looks blue or purple (especially the lips or fingernails). People with darker skin tones may appear grey.
  • Very small “pinpoint” pupils

Non-opioid overdose (stimulants such as cocaine, methamphetamine)

Symptoms of a stimulant overdose may include:

  • Trouble walking / talking
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Problems with vision
  • Seizures

What is naloxone?

Naloxone is an emergency medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It can reverse overdoses from fentanyl, heroin, methadone, morphine and prescription opioids.

Naloxone is NOT an antidote — the overdose can return when it wears off, but it can keep a person alive until emergency services arrive.

Free naloxone kits

For individuals

Free naloxone kits are available at pharmacies and community locations across Ontario. No prescription needed.

If you're a person who uses opioids, or are a family member or loved one of someone at risk for an overdose, get a naloxone kit at a pick-up location.

For organizations

We provide training and naloxone to eligible organizations that work with people who use opioids.

Eligible agencies must complete registration and mandatory training. To discuss your agency's eligibility, call 289-783-5761.

Fentanyl warning

Fentanyl is a powerful pharmaceutical opiate narcotic used in hospitals and prescribed in patch form for out-patient pain control. It's 50-100 times stronger than morphine.

Fentanyl (down) is being bought and sold in the unregulated drug supply (street drugs), and is of unknown strength and often mixed with other sedative drugs, including veterinary sedatives without people knowing. This further increases the chance of overdose.

You cannot see, smell or taste fentanyl. Any drug could be contaminated, and even a tiny amount can cause overdose. Counterfeit pills and capsules can contain fentanyl. Always have naloxone available if using substances.

Support and resources

For those who have lost loved ones due to substances:

Harm reduction materials are available through Positive Living Niagara at their office, satellite sites or mobile van.