**** NSHA Media Release
DRUG ALERT: This is the first detection in N.S. of a novel opioid. Appearance was described as a brownish rock, with a powder and grainy texture. Sample found in the Amherst area contained a mix of fentanyl, cocaine, xylazine, caffeine and a tranquilizer. Use naloxone to reverse opioid toxicity, call 911 for help to address tranquilizer and cocaine toxicity. Cannot be detected using fentanyl test strips, making it even more dangerous.
Why Is This Dangerous?
🚨 Mixing opioids and tranquilizers can slow breathing and heart rate, leading to overdose and death.
🚨 These drugs are extremely powerful, and taking even a small amount can be fatal (cause death), especially if you do not have tolerance to these drugs specifically.
🚨 Because not all opioids or benzos cannot be detected with fentanyl test strips, people may not know they are taking them.
🚨 Naloxone does NOT work on tranquilizers, benzos, or stimulants, so if they are involved, emergency help is critical. Call 911.
How to Stay Safe:
✔ Do NOT use drugs alone – Use with someone you trust or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS. They will stay on the phone with you while you use, so they can get you help if needed.
✔ Start with a very small amount – These drugs are stronger than what people may expect or be used to.
✔ Have naloxone ready – Naloxone can help with opioid overdoses, but it will NOT work on xylazine or cocaine. Even if you’re unsure what substance caused an overdose, always give naloxone—it won’t harm the person, but it may help if opioids are involved.
✔ Call 911 immediately for any overdose – Even if naloxone is used, emergency help is still needed.
✔ Check your drugs – Pills that look like real medicine could be fake and contain deadly drugs. Always assume street drugs are risky.
✔ Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, tranquilizers, and alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
✔ Go to an overdose prevention site – If available in your area, these sites provide a safe space with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency.
Where to Get Help:
🏥 Overdose Prevention Sites (Supervised places where people can use drugs safely and get help if needed):
• ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370)
• PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766)
🆘 If someone overdoses:
• Call 911 immediately – Tell them someone is unresponsive.
• Give naloxone if you have it. More than one dose may be needed if high potency opioids are involved. If there are no opioids, naloxone will be ineffective but will not cause harm – give it anyway.
• Stay with them and make sure they can breathe.
• If they stop breathing, perform rescue breaths until help arrives.
⚠️ If benzodiazepines or tranquilizers or stimulants are involved, naloxone will NOT work (but will not cause harm if used) —emergency medical care is needed.
Get Free Naloxone Kits:
You can get naloxone for free at most pharmacies and harm reduction programs. To learn more, visit:
🔗 Take Home Naloxone
Know Your Rights:
Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, you cannot be charged for drug possession if you call 911 to help someone overdosing. Do not be afraid to call for help.
🔗 Your Rights – Good Samaritan Act
