Overdose alert issued for Waterloo Region

By Erin Anderson

Posted Nov 19, 2021 10:39:00 PM.

An overdose alert has been issued in Waterloo Region after a reported increase in emergency-related calls linked to unexpected, adverse reactions after using drugs.

Officials with the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy said those unexpected reactions are life-threatening and can include hallucinations, hyperthermia, and extreme agitation.

One incident reportedly involved a delayed overdose and residents are being reminded that dangerous, unregulated drugs are circulating in our community.

According to the overdose alert, frontline workers suspect that MDMA with methamphetamine, and/or GHB, may be in the local drug supply.

People are being encouraged to always carry naloxone, never use drugs alone, and visit the Consumption and Treatment Services Site in downtown Kitchener.

As of October 8, 73 suspected overdose-related deaths had been reported in Waterloo Region so far in 2021.

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