ACT Policing have issued a warning to Canberrans following multiple drug overdoses in a 24-hour period.
They posted to social media on Thursday at 6pm.
"While the drugs being used and the cause of these overdoses is under investigation, we are encouraging all drug users to be as safe as possible," ACT police said.
"If you use illicit drugs or you know people who do, please spread the word.
"If you encounter someone who may be experiencing an overdose, don't hesitate, call an ambulance on Triple Zero (000) immediately."
Canberra's fixed pill testing service CanTEST has posted warning notifications about several drugs in the past month.
This includes two separate counterfeit diazepam samples, an MDMA tablet with double the expected dose and a carcinogenic substance in cocaine.
The free and confidential service is open every Thursday from 3pm to 6pm and every Friday from 6pm to 9pm at 1 Moore Street in the City.
It encourages every Canberran to test illicit drugs before consuming them.
People who believe they or a loved one has overdosed are urged to call Triple Zero (000).
Police are not called to a drug overdose in the ACT unless there is a threat of danger or someone dies.
Canberra Hospital has an alcohol and drug withdrawal unit, and an opioid treatment service.
Canberra Health Services takes a harm-minimisation approach to alcohol and drug use.
Nitazenes, a group of synthetic opioids, have killed hundreds of Australians this year, experts said on Tuesday.
People in the ACT are able to access a medicine that temporality reverses the effects of opioids.
Naloxone also has no impact on people who have not taken an opioid.
Anyone at risk of an adverse reaction can get the medicine for free, without a prescription.
This includes anyone who may witness an overdose or reaction.
"An ambulance should always be called even if naloxone is given because naloxone only lasts for 30 to 90 minutes and a person can show signs of the overdose again once it wears off," the ACT government website says.
Depending on stock, naloxone is available at many Canberra pharmacies and health services.
Where to get naloxone
- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy, Belconnen
- Primary Needle and Syringe Program sites, Canberra City and Woden
- CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service, Civic
- Directions Health Services, Woden
- Teen Clinic Canberra, Conder (Teens and families only)
- Many pharmacies
If this has raised issues for you, please call the Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline at 1800 250 015 (24/7) or Lifeline at 13 11 14.
