Drug Alert: Heroin containing flualprazolam

⚠️ DRUG ALERT ⚠️ Overdoses from ‘heroin’ containing flualprazolam (a novel #benzodiazepine) 🚨😱💊💉

💬 NSW Health reports that severe #overdoses involving #heroin have been seen in the Hunter Region and lower Mid North Coast. There is evidence #flualprazolam may have been sold as heroin or has been mixed with heroin.

📣 Please like and share the post to spread the knowledge 👍🤲#drugalert #drugwarning

~ What are the risks and symptoms? ~

The combination of heroin (an opioid) and flualprazolam (a benzo) is more likely to cause overdose, which could be fatal.

#Benzos (such as flualprazolam) can cause:
• Dizziness, muscle relaxation, amnesia, sedation, and difficulty breathing.
• Long-lasting effects that can combine dangerously with other drugs.

#Opioids (such as heroin) can cause:
• Dizziness, paleness, blurred vision, pinned pupils, loss of consciousness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, skin turning blue or grey, pale face.

~ How can you protect yourself? ~

Avoid mixing opioids with other depressant drugs such as benzos, alcohol, ketamine or GHB.

Avoid using alone, and don't all use at the same time – group overdose is common. If you're alone, ring a friend and get them to stay on the phone until after it hits.

Check your drugs any way you can:
1. Ask your dealer about the gear;
2. use a small dose and wait to see if it feels right;
3. use reagent drug testing kits 📎link in bio linktree📎 and
4. fentanyl test strips: 📎link in bio linktree📎

Get naloxone and carry it with you. It can temporarily reverse an overdose from opioids but is not effective for benzos. Use naloxone if you have it, but do not delay calling Triple Zero (000). NUAA can mail you naloxone for free in a discreet package. Order via our online shop: 📎link in bio linktree📎 or call (02) 8354 7343.

~ How can you get help? ~

If you see the warning signs of unexpected drug reactions or overdose:
• Call Triple Zero (000).
• Use naloxone (nasal spray or syringe). Call 000 even if using naloxone.
• Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
• If they are breathing, put them in the recovery position (on side).

~ Connect with the drug-using community – We’re safer together. ~
• Stay up to date with drug alerts and peer-led harm reduction information by following NUAA & DanceWize NSW on social media.
• If you want non-judgemental support from an experienced member of the drug-using community, contact NUAA & DanceWize NSW’s PeerLine by calling 1800 644 413 or messaging us on social media.