Friday, January 23, 2026
Drug warning: January 22, 2026
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of a rise in drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.
The cause of the increase is unknown. This serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. Be cautious if using drugs and please share this information widely to help save lives.
Key information
Over the past 24 hours, community services have reported:
- increased outreach response and emergency medical services (EMS) calls for suspected drug poisonings
- heavy “nods” (sedation)
- confusion and sedation even after naloxone (Narcan®) is given
Cold weather considerations
Cold temperatures expected through the weekend may increase the risk of harm related to cold weather and substance use. To reduce risk:
- Seek medical attention for cold weather injuries, such as frostbite.
- Stay warm. Know where warming spaces and dry clothing are available.
- Keep naloxone close to your body to decrease risk of freezing. If naloxone is frozen, it must be thawed before use.
- Keep moving to keep blood flowing and maintain your body heat while out in the cold.
- Drink warm fluids to help your body stay warm and hydrated.
- Cold weather can slow how some medications work. If a person doesn’t respond right away to naloxone, continue monitoring and give additional doses every 2–3 minutes. Provide additional rescue breathing/CPR while awaiting emergency medical assistance.
How to prevent poisonings
A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal.
- Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Know how to use it (PDF).
- Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Visit ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
- Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over the counter, and street drugs.
- Start with a lower dose and go slow.
- Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
- Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677 or the Brave App. These services provide 24/7 confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
How to respond to poisonings
- Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
- GIVE NALOXONE. It won’t cause harm if opioids aren’t involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation. More doses may be needed.
- If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
How to recognize poisonings
Different substances affect the body in different ways. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different.
Opioid poisoning symptoms:
- bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone)
- dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake
- choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- slow, weak, or no breathing
Benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity poisoning symptoms:
A poisoning due to benzodiazepines (benzos) toxicity may last for hours and look like:
- extreme sleepiness or passing out
- poor balance or movement control
- slurred speech
- blackouts and memory loss
Share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.
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