06/20/2026
We are sharing our care and concern for our community members, who are at heightened risk of harms due to the unpredictability of the strength and contents of drugs in the illegal drug supply.
This report is an update related to the ongoing escalated harms we have been reporting in Cumberland County over the past weeks.
With the increasing toxicity of the drug supply, always expect drugs will contain unexpected contaminants, particularly, potent opioids, medetomidine, and/or benzodiazepines.
If someone overdoses:
• Call 911 and/or present to hospital with medical emergencies.
• Naloxone is temporary. When naloxone is administered, please stay with the person until EHS arrives. Give another dose if the first is not effective or if the person becomes unresponsive again.
• Naloxone is only effective for opioids. It will not impact the effects of tranquilizers like medetomidine, xylazine, or other drug types. Medical help from 911 or the hospital is required.
How to Stay Safe: Let someone know, start low, and go slow.
✔ 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 may be used to.
✔ Have naloxone ready – Naloxone can help with opioid overdoses, but it will NOT work on other substances, such as benzodiazepines. 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.
✔ Naloxone is only effective for opioids. It will not impact the effects of benzodiazepines or tranquilizers like medetomidine, xylazine, or other drug types. Medical help from 911 or the hospital is required. If naloxone is ineffective, start rescue breaths. If breathing appears normal (~12 breaths/minute) but they have not woken up, place in the recovery position. August 2024 5 Steps to Save a Life - Nasal Naloxone:https://mha.nshealth.ca/sites/default/files/2024-09/5%20steps%20to%20save%20a%20life.pdf
✔ Expect the unexpected – Always assume street drugs may not be what you think and contain drugs different from or stronger than you expect. Pills that look like real medicine could be fake.
✔ Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, benzodiazepines, 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 to use drugs with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency.
• ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370)
• PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766)
Get Free Naloxone Kits: You can get naloxone for free at most pharmacies and harm reduction programs. To learn more, visit: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/takehomenaloxoneprogram.
Looking for help?
• Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868; Text CONNECT to 686868
• Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service - (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 pm) - 1-855-922-1122
• 211 Nova Scotia - information and referrals to community and social services: Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; Email: [email protected]
