'They’re not waking up': Sask. addiction workers concerned over mixed opioids
CTV
Addiction workers say they’ve been seeing a new danger for drug users in Saskatchewan.
Addiction workers say they’ve been seeing a new danger for drug users in Saskatchewan.
Kayla DeMong, executive director for Saskatoon-based Prairie Harm Reduction, said they’ve been finding another substance mixed with fentanyl.
“Since April, we have been utilizing a spectrometer at our safe consumption site, allowing us to do full spectrum drug testing on products brought in to the site,” DeMong told CTV News. “What we have seen very consistently since April is that every fentanyl test that we have done has come back positive for benzos.”
Benzos – short for Benzodiazepines – are medications that slow brain activity. They induce a drowsy or calming feeling, and can help those with anxiety or sleep disorders.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) confirmed they’ve noticed the situation evolve over the last year in both Saskatoon and Regina.
DeMong said the mix was creating a complicated situation.
“Fentanyl is already very difficult to combat with or counteract with Naloxone because of how strong fentanyl is as a substance but with benzos it's another layer of symptoms and issues on top of what you already see with a fentanyl overdose.”
