What are opioids and what is the risk?
- Opioids are drugs like oxycodone (OxyContin, OxyNeo, Percocet, Oxycocet), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), fentanyl (carfentanil, acetyl fentanyl), heroin, morphine, methadone and codeine (Tylenol #1, 2, 3, 4).
- Strong opioids (fentanyl and carfentanil) can be mixed with other street drugs like ecstasy (MDMA), crystal meth and crack.
- One of the risks of using opioids is overdose.
- an opioid overdose, the person passes out, and their breathing slows down or stops. They may even die.
- An overdose can happen no matter how the person uses opioids — swallowing or chewing pills, injecting, snorting, smoking, using a patch and other ways.
How can you reduce your risk of an overdose?
- Check your supply: Ask others. Use Toronto’s Drug Checking Service.
- Don’t use alone: Use with someone else or at a supervised consumption site.
- If you use alone, have a safety plan. Call the National Overdose Prevention Line (1 888 688-6677).
- Start with a small dose and avoid mixing substances. Mixing benzodiazepines or alcohol with opioids increases the risk of overdose.
- Tolerance is lost quickly: If you have not used for a few days, use a smaller amount.
- Carry naloxone: It can save a life when there is an overdose. We can help you get a naloxone kit and learn how to use it.
Learn more about the Good Samaritan Act.
What are the signs of opioid overdose?
- You can’t wake up the person.
- Their breathing is slow or has stopped.
- They make gurgling, snoring or choking sounds.
- Their lips and nails are blue or grey.
- Their skin is cold and clammy.
- Their body is limp.
- Their pupils are very small.
- What can you do if you see an overdose?
Other things you can do
- Start treatment. If you have an opioid use disorder, opioid agonist treatment (medications like buprenorphine or methadone) can save your life!
- Learn CPR.
- Get harm reduction supplies (including naloxone).
- Visit: CAMH COMPASS Service, 100 Stokes St., 3rd floor
- Click here for a list of other locations.
Looking for help?
- Call the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 416 535-8501 or 1 800 463-2338, and then press 2
- To learn more about other agencies that provide support with mental health services, call 211.
- Check out our Community Resource Sheets for lists of available services at CAMH and in the community