Community Alert: Dangerous Drug Mixture Found
The Rocky Boy Health Center (RBHC) wants to alert our community that we have become aware of fentanyl being mixed with xylazine in our area. This combination poses a severe threat to health and safety.
What You Need to Know:
- Xylazine and Fentanyl: Xylazine, a veterinary sedative, is being mixed with fentanyl, making fentanyl even more dangerous. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine and heroin.
- No Narcan Effect: Xylazine is not reactive to Narcan (naloxone), which means that Narcan will not reverse an overdose involving xylazine. Since xylazine is often mixed with opioids like fentanyl, administering Narcan can still be life-saving by reversing the opioid part of the overdose.
- Overdose Symptoms: Watch for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, low blood pressure, and a slow heart rate. If you see someone exhibiting these signs, call 911 immediately.
Additional Harmful Effects of Xylazine:
- Severe Skin Ulcers: Xylazine can cause severe skin ulcers and infections, leading to significant tissue damage.
- Sedation: It can cause profound sedation, leading to a lack of coordination and increased risk of accidents.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Xylazine can lower blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of cardiovascular collapse.
- Respiratory Depression: It can severely depress the respiratory system, leading to potentially fatal breathing problems.
Tips to Stay Safe:
- Avoid Unknown Substances: Do not use drugs from unknown sources or mix substances. Testing kits for fentanyl and xylazine are available.
- Use with a Friend: Never use alone. Have someone with you who can call for help in case of an emergency.
- Know the Signs: Educate yourself and others on the signs of overdose and be ready to call for help.
- Carry Narcan: Keep Narcan (naloxone) on hand and know how to use it. It can save lives in opioid overdoses.
Resources:
If you or someone you know needs support or more information, please contact the Rocky Boy Health Center Wapahkisik Integrated Wellness (Behavioral Health and Substance Use Treatment) Department at (406) 395-1618 or 395-1720. After hours, call our warmline at 406-344-3156 or 406-344-3114.
Your safety is our priority. Please share this information to help protect our community.
Stay safe, stay informed, and look out for one another.
