A harm reduction group based in Saint John is warning the community about a dangerous shift in the local drug supply. According to CTV News Atlantic, Avenue B reports that overdoses now involve heavy sedation due to new substances mixing into street drugs.

Animal Tranquilizer Enters the Supply

Avenue B Executive Director Laura MacNeill says her team sees a rising number of overdoses. They also notice these medical emergencies look different than before. The culprit is medetomidine. This veterinary tranquilizer is only approved for animal use but is now showing up frequently in the local drug supply.

Medetomidine creates a severe problem for first responders and bystanders. Unlike opioids, this tranquilizer does not respond to Naloxone. When dealers mix it with fentanyl, reversing the overdose becomes incredibly difficult.

Naloxone Remains Your Best Defense

Avenue B operates a drug checking service to analyze batches of fentanyl and crack cocaine. MacNeill notes that the testing machines struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving drug supply.

“We are seeing more sedation in the overdoses,” MacNeill says. “The main point that we want to get out to the community is that overdoses are starting to look a little bit different.”

Despite the presence of medetomidine, MacNeill urges you to continue using Naloxone during an overdose emergency. Street drugs are rarely pure. Because users ingest a mix of different substances with varying half lives, Naloxone remains the most effective first step to save a life.

Harm Reduction and Compassion

If you or someone you know uses substances, Avenue B recommends starting with smaller amounts when trying a new batch. You should never use drugs alone and always keep Naloxone nearby.

MacNeill asks the public to lead with compassion when they see people struggling with addiction on the streets of Saint John. She emphasizes that addiction is a complex issue requiring multiple solutions.

Avenue B currently provides services remotely around the Waterloo Village area. The organization will open its new permanent location on Waterloo Street on November 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medetomidine?

Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer approved only for animal use. It is currently contaminating the street drug supply in Saint John and causing heavy sedation in users.

Does Naloxone work on animal tranquilizers?

No. Naloxone only reverses opioid overdoses. However, experts still strongly recommend using Naloxone during any overdose because street drugs usually contain a mixture of opioids and other substances.

Where can I find Avenue B in Saint John?

Avenue B is operating remotely in the Waterloo Village area right now. They will move into a permanent facility on Waterloo Street on November 1.