Health alert: Deschutes County warns public about rise in drug overdoses, urges carrying Naloxone

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County health officials alerted the community late Friday to a rise in overdoses associated with suspected adulterated cocaine and/or ketamine. 

Six incidents within the last 24 hours have required naloxone administration, indicating that these substances may contain an opioid such as fentanyl, officials said in a news release.

People who don't regularly use opioids may be at especially high risk of overdose, they said, because even a very small amount of an opioid can cause serious breathing problems, unconsciousness, or death.

County health officials say community members should be aware that cocaine and ketamine may contain opioids, even when the person using them does not expect opioid exposure.

Recognizing and responding to an overdose can save a life. Here are some signs and symptoms of an overdose to look for:

• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils” 
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness 
• Slow, weak, or no breathing 
• Choking or gurgling sounds 
• Limp body 
• Cold and/or clammy skin 
• Discolored skin, especially in lips and nails 

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids — including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications — when given in time.

Naloxone is easy to use and small to carry, they said. There are two forms of Naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization: prefilled nasal spray and injectable. 

If you need Naloxone, visit friendsforlifedeschutes.org or find your local syringe exchange program at deschutes.org/harmreduction.

The Deschutes County Harm Reduction Program  recommends the following steps and strategies for community members:  

• Assume any substance purchased on the street may contain unknown substances 
• Using multiple substances increases your risk of overdose 
• Make sure everyone in the area can access Naloxone (aka Narcan) and knows how to administer it 
• Naloxone is safe. Even if naloxone is given to someone who is not experiencing an overdose, it will not harm them 

Get Support: If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol use, here are some resources that can help: 

• Drug and Alcohol Helpline: (800) 923-4357) or Text: ‘Recovery Now’ to 839863. 
• Crisis Services: Contact the crisis line by dialing 988 or (541)322-7500 x9 or call (800) 875-7364 (toll free) or 
• Stabilization Center at 63311 NE Jamison Street, Bend, OR 97703 which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.