Rise in opioid overdoses after use of cocaine or methamphetamine

11 people have experienced severe opioid overdose after use of drugs thought to be COCAINE or METHAMPHETAMINE since December 2023.

HEROIN was the opioid identified

Know the risks

• Heroin and other opioids may be sold as or found in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.
• Small amounts of opioids can cause life-threatening overdose in people who have never or rarely used opioids.
• You cannot always tell the difference between heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine by appearance.
• The risks of overdose are increased if you:
  • use a high dose, or re-dose when you are not getting the desired effect.
  • use with other drugs (for example alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine, GHB or opioids).
  • use new drugs alone.
  • use a new batch.
• Fentanyl test strips do not detect heroin or many other opioids.

Effects to look out for

Unexpected drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring, and skin turning blue/grey after using a stimulant (for example cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA).

Getting help

If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose:

• Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care.
• Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
• Use naloxone if you have it. Call ‘000’ even if naloxone has been given.

Take Home Naloxone program

• Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.  Naloxone is availbale in a very easy to use nasal spray, and as a pre-filled injection.
• You should carry naloxone if:
  • you are using drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA or opioids.
  • you are hosting or going to a party where drugs will be present.
• If you are at risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose you can get naloxone for free without a prescription in NSW from some community pharmacies, needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.
• Visit Your Room - Naloxone for participating sites and more information on take-home naloxone.
• NUAA can mail you naloxone in a discreet package. Order via their online shop or call (02) 8354 7343.

Support and advice

For free and confidential advice:

• Call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015 at any time 24/7. Start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm.
• Call NUAA on 1800 644 413 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to a peer or visit NUAA for a range of resources.
• Call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for information on adverse effects from drugs.
• Visit Your Room for fact sheets and other resources.

Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/Pages/opioids-in-cocaine-methamphetamine-feb24.aspx

Emergency: If you are experiencing an emergency, please call an ambulance on 000, or if you need to speak to someone urgently please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.