***Drug Alert - Vancouver - July 21, 2025***

VCH has issued a drug alert.

White tablet with the imprints “Xanax /2” sold as alprazolam in Vancouver tested positive for desalkylgidazepam, a benzo analog, and negative for alprazolam.

Check your drugs https://www.vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking

***Drug Advisory - Interior Region - July 7, 2025***

Interior Heath has issued a DRUG Advisory for the Interior Region for DOWN frequently containing Carfentanil. These samples frequently also contain benzodiazepines as well as tranquilizers. Carfentanil is considered up to 100X more potent than fentanyl. The combination of opioids with these substances amplify the effects of the drugs and significantly heighten the risk of fatal overdose.

• Smoking is not safer than injecting.  
• High risk of overdose and fatal overdose.
• Repeated doses of Naloxone may be required.

Please ensure your clients are aware of safer drug use tips that can help prevent overdose as well as where they can access naloxone, drug checking and other overdose prevention services in your community.    

Please display the attached posters in high visibility locations and remove August 4.   

 

Service Provider Information:

Supervised Consumption and Overdose Prevention Services

Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca  

IH Mental Health Services: 310-MHSU 

Virtual Addiction Medicine Clinic (VAM)  

Our Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) clinic offers a full range of opioid agonist treatment (OAT), including buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone®), methadone, and slow-release oral morphine (SROM / Kadian®).  

How VAM works:  

• Our team works with you to assess your individual needs, develop a treatment plan, and help you achieve your goals  

• The VAM clinic is virtual, meaning your appointments will take place over the phone no matter where you are in the Interior Health region  

• The VAM clinic does not provide long-term care. Once you are comfortable with how your treatment is going, we will help you find health services in your community  

• If you need help managing prescribed safer supply or alternatives, supervised consumption, overdose prevention, supervised withdrawal from alcohol, or counselling, please contact your nearest Interior Health Mental Health and Substance Use centre at 310-MHSU (6478).   

• Click here to request an appointment.    

 

No matter what or how you use (smoking, snorting, injecting) take steps to prevent overdose  

• Check your drugs before using! Whether using take home fentanyl test strips or accessing drug checking services in your area, drug checking can inform you about what is in your drugs. Drug Checking services found at www.drugchecking.ca  

• Know the signs of an overdose and be prepared with naloxone. Find out where to get naloxone on the ‘Towards the Heart’ website, under ‘Find a site’.  

When using substances:  

• Use with others around  

• Use one person at a time so someone can respond to overdose if needed  

• When using your substance start with a small amount, and then go slow.  

• Know the risks when mixing drugs   

• Smoking is not safer than injecting, be cautious when smoking your drugs  

• If using alone, consider using the Lifeguard app which can connect you with 911 emergency responders if you overdose. Download at the App Store or Google Play.