Alberta RCMP says overdose death reports doubled in 2023
Posted Dec 27, 2023 2:28 pm.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2023 2:31 pm.
The Alberta RCMP is sounding the alarm over illicit drugs, after a dramatic surge in recent overdose reports.
Mounties say they responded to over 100 per cent more drug overdoses from January to November than all of 2022, a total of 1,026 compared to 511 respectively, with this year’s calls including “frequent suspected fentanyl overdoses with a high fatality rate.”
In the first 11 months of the year, 347 of the calls resulted in death.
Police say there has also been a 24 per cent increase in the use of naloxone in response to overdoses this year, with a total of 263 compared to 51 in 2022.
In addition, officers say there were 1,262 opioid-related deaths reported from January to August 2023 in Alberta, which is up by 255 compared to the same period in 2022.
However, data from the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System report shows slightly more deaths, with 1,275 in the same period. The previous year saw 1,008 within that time.
Watch: Alberta Health Services latest report shows a spike in drug poisoning deaths
Mounties say many of the overdoses appear to involve the mixing of fentanyl with other substances.
“In order to create a cheaper high, Fentanyl is being mixed with other substances that are easier and cheaper to access,” the RCMP said in a news release.
“A side effect of this mixing is that it reduces the effectiveness of naloxone, meaning more doses are needed in order to save someone’s life, if it works at all.”
The RCMP is warning the public that street drugs are not always what they appear to be, and no one should use them when alone.
Police add drugs marketed as fentanyl with pink, blue, red, and purple or containing a mixture of these colours, may be a mixture of “unknown potency and characteristics,” which can make a user’s “normal dose” more dangerous.
“The increase in overdoses, and the possible resistance to naloxone, suggest that fatal overdoses may occur more often,” RCMP said.
The signs of overdose include slow, irregular and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures, and unconsciousness.
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Mounties are urging people to take precautions if they intend to consume drugs. This includes not using while alone, asking someone to check on you, or using while on the phone with a trusted person who is able to call for assistance in the event of an overdose.
They also say to carry a naloxone kit and to know how to use it properly to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning/overdose.
“Know the signs and symptoms of poisoning/overdose, and call 911 for direction and support,” the RCMP said. “Consider using the Digital Overdose Response System app when consuming drugs.”
The RCMP advises anyone seeking help to utilize the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, which supports Albertans struggling with addiction and who want to safely “change their life habits and live healthy lives.” Family and friends can also collect information through the program.
More information on opioid dependency, treatment and access to supports, and resources can be found by contacting the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
Mounties ask anyone with information about illegal activity regarding fentanyl or any other drug to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online, or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
