COMMUNITY DRUG ALERT | COCAINE WITH UNEXPECTED OPIOID EFFECTS
We have received reports of fatal and non-fatal overdoses across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast after people used cocaine and experienced unexpected opioid-like effects. These reports are concerning because people may believe they are taking cocaine, but the substance may contain an unexpected opioid—or may not contain cocaine at all. In recent drug-checking services across ACT, NSW and Victoria, some samples sold as cocaine were found to contain heroin. In some cases, samples contained heroin and no cocaine was detected, suggesting the substance may have been mis-sold.
If it’s a new supply — START LOW, GO SLOW.
Even if you are buying from the same person you normally buy from, a new batch can be different.
Start low and go slow. If you don’t get the effects you normally expect, DO NOT take more.
Unexpected drowsiness, nodding off, slowed or unusual breathing, vomiting or difficulty waking can be signs of opioid exposure or overdose.
If you’re using in a group, avoid everyone taking the substance at the same time.
Where possible, have 1–2 people wait before using so someone is available to respond if there is an unexpected reaction.
Carry naloxone and make sure people around you know where it is and how to use it.
Naloxone isn’t just for people who use opioids. With increasing reports of unexpected opioids in illicit drugs, people who use powders should consider carrying naloxone too. You can drop into a QuIHN Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) for free naloxone and training.
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.
If cocaine doesn’t produce the effects you expect—or instead makes you unusually sleepy or causes you to “nod off”—don’t assume you need to take more.
Stop and treat the unexpected effects seriously. Start low. Go slow. Stay connected. Carry naloxone.
QuIVAA Peer Qnect: 1800 175 889 Free and confidential peer support Monday–Friday | 9am–4pm