Opioids

You can't save yourself during an OD, but we can save each other. Please don't use drugs while alone, and don’t let those around you use while alone either. Only use while in the company of others.

You can't save yourself during an OD, but we can save each other. Please don't use drugs while alone, and don’t let those around you use while alone either. Only use while in the company of others.

The Opioid Crisis is more widespread in Alberta than many people think. It’s worked its way into our cities, towns, suburbs and homes. Nobody is immune to the Opioid Crisis. Right now, there could be people in your life who are struggling with opioids. But there is hope. There are things we can all do to make sure those at risk of an overdose are safer.

If you’re using drugs, or are with someone who is using, these are the signs and symptoms to watch out for. If they happen, don’t leave things to chance, call 911 immediately.

Canada’s new Good Samaritan law can protect you.

Learn more at canada.ca/opioids

Signs & Symptoms of an Overdose

breathing is slow or not breathing at all
nails and/or lips are blue
choking or throwing up
making gurgling sounds
skin is cold and clammy
can’t wake them up

What to do if you Spot an Overdose

call 911 (Canada’s Good Samaritan law protects those saving the life of someone who overdoses)
for step by step instructions on what to do in the event you suspect someone is overdosing, watch Ask a Paramedic
if you have a naloxone kit follow the SAVE ME steps and instructions below

If you’re using drugs, or are with someone who is using, these are the signs and symptoms to watch out for. If they happen, don’t leave things to chance, call 911 immediately.

Canada’s new Good Samaritan law can protect you.

Learn more at canada.ca/opioids

Signs & Symptoms of an Overdose

breathing is slow or not breathing at all
nails and/or lips are blue
choking or throwing up
making gurgling sounds
skin is cold and clammy
can’t wake them up

What to do if you Spot an Overdose

call 911 (Canada’s Good Samaritan law protects those saving the life of someone who overdoses)
for step by step instructions on what to do in the event you suspect someone is overdosing, watch Ask a Paramedic
if you have a naloxone kit follow the SAVE ME steps and instructions below

If the person must be left unattended at any time, put them in the recovery position (Mouth downward for fluid to drain from airway, chin up to keep throat open, arms and legs locked to stabilize position).

Stimulate

Perform sternal rub (with closed fist, rub knuckles up and down on person’s chest). If the person is unresponsive, call 911 if you haven’t already.

Airway

Ensure nothing in the mouth is obstructing the airway.

Ventilate

If this person is not breathing, plug their nose, tilt the head back and provide 1 breath every 5 seconds for 2 minutes. You should see the chest rise with each breath.

Evaluate

If nothing changes, if they are still unresponsive and aren’t adequately breathing, inject Naloxone while you wait for first responders to arrive.

Muscular Injection

Expose thigh as much as possible, divide into thirds, plan to inject into the middle section
Clean injection area with alcohol swab
Take cap off vial, clean vial with alcohol swab
Connect needle to syringe and draw up entire vial (1 mL of liquid) of Naloxone
Remove air bubbles in syringe
Hold needle like a dart and insert into middle of the thigh at 90°
Push down on the plunger slowly and steadily
Remove needle at 90° and dispose safely (back into kit container)

Evaluate

Naloxone takes 2 – 5 minutes to start working
Continue rescue breathing for 2 minutes. If there’s no change, or if person is still unresponsive, draw 2nd dose of Naloxone
Continue rescue breathing until person becomes responsive or help arrives
If the person starts to breathe on their own, place in recovery position

Muscular Injection

Expose thigh as much as possible, divide into thirds, plan to inject into the middle section
Clean injection area with alcohol swab
Take cap off vial, clean vial with alcohol swab
Connect needle to syringe and draw up entire vial (1 mL of liquid) of Naloxone
Remove air bubbles in syringe
Hold needle like a dart and insert into middle of the thigh at 90°
Push down on the plunger slowly and steadily
Remove needle at 90° and dispose safely (back into kit container)

Evaluate

Naloxone takes 2 – 5 minutes to start working
Continue rescue breathing for 2 minutes. If there’s no change, or if person is still unresponsive, draw 2nd dose of Naloxone
Continue rescue breathing until person becomes responsive or help arrives
If the person starts to breathe on their own, place in recovery position

Muscular Injection

Expose thigh as much as possible, divide into thirds, plan to inject into the middle section
Clean injection area with alcohol swab
Take cap off vial, clean vial with alcohol swab
Connect needle to syringe and draw up entire vial (1 mL of liquid) of Naloxone
Remove air bubbles in syringe
Hold needle like a dart and insert into middle of the thigh at 90°
Push down on the plunger slowly and steadily
Remove needle at 90° and dispose safely (back into kit container)

Evaluate

Naloxone takes 2 – 5 minutes to start working
Continue rescue breathing for 2 minutes. If there’s no change, or if person is still unresponsive, draw 2nd dose of Naloxone
Continue rescue breathing until person becomes responsive or help arrives
If the person starts to breathe on their own, place in recovery position

When someone is overdosing from opioids, naloxone—which is free of charge—can be a temporary antidote and reverse an overdose. There is no shame in requesting a kit. You can save a life.

Learn how to get naloxone

Who can get naloxone

If you use, or know someone who does, or may be around street drugs, you can get a naloxone kit.

How to get naloxone

Naloxone saves lives. You do not need to present a health card, ID, or prescription. Visit any of the following:

To get naloxone, visit a pharmacy or a walk-in clinic:

Pharmacies and walk-in clinics carrying naloxone (map)
Naloxone walk-in clinics (PDF)
Pharmacies carrying naloxone (PDF)

For training and setting up a naloxone program visit the Community Based Naloxone Program.

When someone is overdosing from opioids, naloxone—which is free of charge—can be a temporary antidote and reverse an overdose. There is no shame in requesting a kit. You can save a life.

Learn how to get naloxone

Who can get naloxone

If you use, or know someone who does, or may be around street drugs, you can get a naloxone kit.

How to get naloxone

Naloxone saves lives. You do not need to present a health card, ID, or prescription. Visit any of the following:

To get naloxone, visit a pharmacy or a walk-in clinic:

Pharmacies and walk-in clinics carrying naloxone (map)
Naloxone walk-in clinics (PDF)
Pharmacies carrying naloxone (PDF)

For training and setting up a naloxone program visit the Community Based Naloxone Program.

Treatment for opioid dependence

Treatment options, information and resources on opioids are also available to patients, family, community agencies and health care professionals through an AHS Opioid Dependency Program as well as treatment clinics for opioid dependence.