Community Alert | Opioid overdoses reported in South-West Brisbane
We are sharing a recent community alert following a serious opioid-related incident in the south-western suburbs of Brisbane this August. A group of people were using opioids together privately in a home. *Two people survived an overdose, while another person sadly passed away.* Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including the person’s family, friends and community.
This is an important reminder that *overdose can happen to people who have used opioids before and consider themselves experienced users.* The effects can be much stronger than expected, particularly when tolerance has changed after a period away from use or when the strength or contents of a drug are unknown.
If you’re using opioids, think about a safety plan
• *Avoid using alone if you can.* Stay with someone you trust or arrange regular check-ins.
• *Have naloxone available* and make sure the people around you know where it is and how to use it.
• If returning to use after a break, remember that *tolerance can drop quickly* and overdose risk can increase.
• Be extra cautious with a new or unknown supply, as the strength and contents may not be what you expect.
• If you use powders or other illicit drugs, consider carrying naloxone. *Opioids can be present unexpectedly in illicit drugs.*
*You don’t have to make a safety plan alone.*
*QuIVAA Peer Qnect* provides free and confidential peer support and can help you think through ways to stay safer and stay connected.
*1800 175 889* *Monday–Friday | 9am–4pm*
Know the signs of overdose If someone is difficult to wake, unresponsive or not breathing normally:
*Call 000 immediately.*
*Give naloxone if available.*
*Start CPR if they are not breathing.*
Free naloxone and training are available through *QuIHN Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs).*
No one plans for an overdose. *Having naloxone, knowing what to do and staying connected can make a difference.*
Please share this information with anyone who may benefit from it.