Overdoses in Montreal area
After four recent overdoses linked to crack-cocaine in the Montreal area, Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS) has encouraged Kahnawa’kehró:non to be especially vigilant, with testing confirming the presence of carfentanyl, a highly potent opioid, in the substances consumed by the individuals.
All four of the individuals who suffered overdoses, none of whom were from Kahnawake, survived, thanks to the administration of naloxone, also known as Narcan.
Naloxone reverses the effect of an opioid overdose, and can be obtained, typically in the form of a nasal spray, for free from any pharmacy.
Jo Roy, an addictions response worker at KSCS, said that administering naloxone quickly can block opioids from binding to receptors in the brain, buying an individual time to be brought to a hospital and treated by medical professionals.
Roy encourages community members to pick up naloxone and speak to a pharmacist or KSCS workers about how to respond in an emergency, even if those individuals don’t use drugs themselves, because you never know when someone might need intervention.
“Some people may not be at the point where they’re ready for full abstinence and sobriety, and those people still deserve to live. Harm reduction tools like naloxone are one of those ways to keep people alive for the day that they’re ready to cease their drug use,” Roy said.
KSCS can also provide training and additional support for community members who want to know more about naloxone, and interested individuals are encouraged to reach out directly to intake at 450-632-6880. Addictions support is also available for any community members concerned about their use.
