Toxic Drugs Are Circulating
The toxic drug crisis has been and continues to be a public health emergency since April 2016. Toxic drugs are currently the leading cause of death in British Columbia for people aged 19-39, and is the second leading cause of death overall.
These numbers are devastating, and people from all walks of life are impacted. It is important for you to consider ways to stay safer if you—or someone you know—uses drugs or is considering trying drugs for the first time.
If you or your friends use drugs, here are ways to stay safer:
- Get your drugs checked at an overdose prevention site or supervised consumption site.
- Get informed and learn about the signs of overdose and how to respond to an overdose.
- Download the Lifeguard App. The Lifeguard app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This app will connect you with emergency responders if you or someone you know ever becomes unresponsive.
- Carry naloxone and call 9-1-1 if you need emergency help.
- Sign-up for Toxic Drug Alerts through the ‘Towards The Heart’ website.
- Learn more about naloxone, including where you can access a free Naloxone kit.
There are also a number of virtual mental health supports you can access including:
- Keep Me Safe: A free app that provides all KPU students with 24/7 Professional Counselling. You can access a large, diverse network of professional counsellors who are matched to understand your unique circumstances and experiences, in your preferred language and culture.
- 310-Mental Health Support: Call 310-6789 for toll-free provincial access to emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- 1-800-SUICIDE: Call 1-800-784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.
- Here 2 Talk: Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.
- KUU-US Crisis Response Service: Call 1-800-588-8717 for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in BC.
- Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service: Call 1-800-663-1441 to find resources and support.
A comprehensive list of virtual mental health supports can be found at the following links:
- Virtual Mental Health Supports
- BC Stop Overdose - Get Help
- Respond to Overdose
- Building Better Mental Health and Addictions Care
To learn more about how to use drugs safely and for more information, visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/
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Decriminalization
The laws in B.C have changed. Health Canada has granted B.C a 3-year exemption from the controlled Drugs and Substances Act beginning January 31st, 2023 to January 31st, 2026.
What does this mean?
Under this 3-year exemption, adults (18 years and older) in B.C. will not be arrested or charged for possessing small amounts of certain illegal drugs for personal use. The total amount of illegal drug(s) must be equal to or less than 2.5 grams. The illegal drugs covered by the exemption are:
- Opioids (such as heroin, morphine, and fentanyl)
- Crack and powder cocaine
- Methamphetamine (Meth)
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
Adults found in possession of any combination of these illegal drugs that adds up to a combined total of 2.5 grams or less will not be subject to criminal charges and the drugs will not be seized.
For more information on Decriminalization visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/decriminalization