Opioids are a class of drug that can be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner but are also found in the street drug supply. Common opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, morphine, methadone and hydromorphone.

Opioids can produce euphoria. Some people use them for their ability to produce a “high” or feeling of relaxation. Others may use opioids to prevent them from feeling the effects of withdrawal or “dope sick” from drugs.

Opioid overdose

An opioid overdose happens when a person takes more opioids than their body can handle. Breathing may become irregular and slow, and a person may not respond to stimulation. If someone cannot breathe, or is not breathing enough, the oxygen levels in the blood decrease. This can lead to brain damage, cardiac arrest, and death.

The overdose crisis in B.C.

The overdose crisis in B.C. has been tragically ongoing since 2016. People are losing their loved ones every day from overdose – family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers.

After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an alarming increase in overdose deaths in every region of the province. Measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 impacted access to harm reduction services and contributed to a street drug supply that has become increasingly dangerous and toxic. Though the pandemic emergency has ended, the overdose crisis continues.

Overdose prevention

If you or someone you know uses drugs, there are proven ways to stay safer and decrease the risk of overdose, like using drugs with a buddy, or carrying Naloxone.

Evidence shows that one of the best ways to stay safer is to try OAT (Opioid Agonist Therapy). To get same-day access to OAT, call the Opioid Treatment Access Line from anywhere in BC at 1-833-804-8111.

Learn the signs of an opioid overdose – you could help to save a life. Visit our Respond to an Overdose page to find out more about overdose response and prevention.

If you suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1 right away.