In the context of the toxic drug crisis, opioids play a central and devastating role. The toxic drug crisis, often referred to as the opioid crisis, refers to the ongoing public health emergency caused by the prevalence of contaminated and illicit drugs, primarily opioids, in various regions, including British Columbia.
Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription painkillers like oxycodone and illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl. The crisis is driven by the illicit production and distribution of potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogs, which are far more potent than traditional opioids and significantly increase the risk of overdose.
Illicitly produced opioids are often mixed with other substances, making it difficult for individuals who use drugs to know the exact composition and potency of what they are consuming. This unpredictability and the high potency of the drugs contribute to a surge in overdose deaths and related health issues.
More information on opioids can be found here: Opioids | HealthLink BC
Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
In the context of the British Columbia (BC) toxic drug crisis, benzodiazepines have become a concerning factor. The toxic drug crisis refers to the ongoing public health emergency caused by the prevalence of contaminated and illicit drugs in the province, particularly opioids.
Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. However, in the context of the toxic drug crisis, illicitly manufactured benzodiazepines have been found to be adulterated and mixed with other substances, such as opioids and fentanyl. This adulteration poses severe health risks, as benzodiazepines can potentiate the effects of opioids, leading to an increased risk of overdose and death.
The presence of benzodiazepines in the toxic drug supply adds to the complexity of the crisis in BC. Users of illicit drugs, particularly opioids, are at heightened risk of experiencing adverse health effects and overdose due to the contamination of the drug supply with benzodiazepines and other dangerous substances.
More information on benzodiazepines can be found here: Benzodiazepines found in opioids in British Columbia [Toward The Heart]
Levamisole
In the context of the British Columbia (BC) toxic drug crisis, levamisole has been identified as a concerning adulterant found in illicit drugs, particularly cocaine. The toxic drug crisis refers to the ongoing public health emergency caused by the widespread presence of contaminated and dangerous drugs in the province, leading to a surge in overdose deaths and related health issues.
Levamisole is a veterinary medication used to treat parasitic infections in animals, and it was previously used as a human medication for specific medical conditions. However, it is not approved for human use in most countries, including the United States and Canada.
Illicit drug manufacturers and suppliers have been known to mix levamisole with cocaine to increase its volume and weight, as well as to enhance its effects. However, levamisole is associated with severe health risks, including potentially life-threatening complications such as agranulocytosis, a condition where the body's white blood cell count becomes dangerously low.
The presence of levamisole in the cocaine supply adds to the complexity of the toxic drug crisis in BC. Users of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine, are at heightened risk of experiencing adverse health effects and overdose due to the contamination of the drug supply with this harmful adulterant.
More information on Levamisole can be found here: Levamisole [Toward The Heart]
Etizolam
In the context of the British Columbia (BC) toxic drug crisis, etizolam has emerged as a concerning factor. The toxic drug crisis refers to the ongoing public health emergency caused by the widespread presence of contaminated and illicit drugs, particularly opioids, in the province. Etizolam, though not a traditional opioid, is a benzodiazepine analog with similar sedative and anxiolytic properties.
Etizolam is not approved for medical use in many countries, including the United States, but it is available and prescribed in some regions for anxiety and sleep disorders. However, it has also gained popularity as a recreational drug due to its calming effects.
One of the significant issues is that etizolam is being illicitly mixed with opioids, including fentanyl and its analogs, in the illegal drug supply. This combination poses an extremely dangerous and potentially lethal risk to individuals who use drugs, as it can lead to heightened respiratory depression and overdose.
The presence of etizolam in the toxic drug supply further complicates the already devastating overdose crisis in BC. The unpredictable and potent combinations of drugs sold on the streets increase the likelihood of accidental overdoses and fatalities.
More information on Etizolam can be found here: Etizolam in British Columbia's illicit drug market [Toward The Heart]
Nitazene
Nitazene is a synthetic opioid drug that has emerged as a concerning factor in the context of the British Columbia toxic drug crisis. The crisis refers to the ongoing public health emergency caused by the prevalence of contaminated and illicit drugs, primarily opioids, in the province. Nitazene is a highly potent opioid, and its presence in the illegal drug supply poses significant risks to individuals who use drugs.
The BC toxic drug crisis has led to a surge in overdose deaths and related health issues, as many street drugs have been found to be laced with potent and dangerous substances like fentanyl, carfentanil, and now, nitazene. These drugs are often mixed with other substances, making it difficult for users to know the exact composition and potency of what they are consuming, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
The appearance of nitazene in the illicit drug market has raised alarm among healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and harm reduction advocates. The drug's potency and potential for respiratory depression make it a significant threat to people who use drugs.
More information on Nitazene can found here: Nitazenes: Surveillance of benzimidazole opioids and brorphine in British Columbia and Canada [Toward The Heart]
Xylazine
Xylazine is a veterinary sedative and analgesic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. Originally developed for use in animals, particularly horses and other large animals, xylazine has been illicitly used in the context of substance use due to its sedative and relaxing effects. However, it is essential to highlight that xylazine is not intended for human use and can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening when consumed by humans.
The use of xylazine in humans has been reported in BC, particularly among individuals seeking a potent sedative or seeking to enhance the effects of other substances, such as opioids. It is essential to recognize that xylazine poses significant health risks and can lead to severe adverse effects, including respiratory depression, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death.
Given the dangers associated with xylazine misuse, it is crucial for healthcare providers, law enforcement, and communities to be aware of the potential for its abuse and to take appropriate measures to address and prevent its illicit use. Education and public awareness campaigns can play a vital role in informing individuals about the risks of xylazine misuse and the importance of seeking help for substance abuse issues from qualified healthcare professionals and support services.
More information on Xylazine can be found here: Xylazine [Toward The Heart]
Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. It is an opioid antagonist that works by quickly binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, blocking their effects and rapidly restoring normal breathing in someone who is experiencing an overdose. Naloxone is typically administered as an injectable solution or as a nasal spray. It is widely considered a critical tool in harm reduction efforts to combat the opioid overdose crisis, providing a second chance for individuals at risk of fatal overdoses. Naloxone is relatively safe and has minimal side effects, making it accessible for laypersons, such as family members, friends, and first responders, to administer in emergency situations. In many regions, including British Columbia, naloxone distribution programs have been established to increase access to this medication, saving countless lives and contributing to public health efforts to address opioid-related harms.
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