If someone overdoses:
- call 9-1-1 immediately
- provide rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth)
- administer naloxone
Reduce the risk of drug use:
- avoid using alone; fix with a friend
- try a small amount of new drugs first
- stagger use with friends so someone can respond if needed
- avoid using more than one drug at a time (stacking drugs increases risk of overdoses and contributes to more severe overdoses)
- carry and use naloxone and have an overdose response plan
- be close to help
- use an Overdose Prevention Service
This applies to all methods of drug consumption – injection, inhalation, snorting, smoking or consuming with alcohol.
Overdose Prevention and Supervised Consumption Services* are locations where people can use illegal drugs under supervision by trained staff. As part of healthcare services, staff in these locations monitor people who are at risk of overdose and provide rapid intervention if necessary.
Places to go for safer drug use
Please see Overdose Prevention and Supervised Consumption Locations for a list of sites in your community.
Read the final report on the evaluation of overdose prevention sites in Campbell River, Courtenay, Cowichan Valley and Port Alberni.
Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. It is available in BC without a prescription.
Learn more about naloxone. Take home a Naloxone kit.
Get Help
Call 1-888-494-3888 (24 hour crisis line)
Find mental health and substance use health services
Crisis and emergency services
Learn More
Learn more about overdose prevention at towardtheheart.com
For more information on overdose awareness in B.C., visit stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca .
Overdose Prevention Services are allowed under special Ministerial Order (Ministerial Order M488) under the Emergency Services Act. Supervised Consumption Services are approved by Health Canada for exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
