IHA issues warning to Kamloops drug users after five overdoses in 48 hours, including one fatality

KAMLOOPS – An overdose alert has been issued in Kamloops by the Interior Health Authority.

There have been five suspected drug overdoses, including one fatality, in the past 48 hours in Kamloops, according to an Interior Health media release. 

The overdoses appear to be linked to a “sparkly white powder” that may be sold as cocaine, the release says.

In the wake of the incidents, the health authority is urging drug users to consider the risks when taking drugs and remind the public the best way to avoid overdoses is to not use drugs.

The health authority does realize some people will continue to use drugs and has provided a list of tips to minimize the risk:

• Don’t mix different drugs (including pharmaceutical medications, street drugs, and alcohol)
• Don’t take drugs when you are alone
• Don’t experiment with higher doses, and take a small sample of a drug before taking your usual dosage.
• Keep an eye out for your friends – stay together and look out for each other.
• Carry a Naloxone kit. A list of locations to get a kit can be found on the Interior Health website.   
• Recognize the signs of an OD. Headache, nausea, confusion, vomiting, shakes, fainting are serious. Get medical help ASAP.
• If someone thinks they may be having an overdose or is witnessing an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately, do not delay.

Overdoses have become common this year, in part to the increase of fentanyl on the streets.

Find more information about drug overdoses in the Southern Interior here.

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