Increase in Opioid Use among Youth in Saskatchewan

There is an increase in opioid use, including fentanyl, among youth in the province. This has resulted in opioid overdoses, some of which have been fatal. It is affecting youth in all communities.

Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than other opioids, such as heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone and morphine. It is prescribed for severe pain management, and health-care professionals must closely monitor the dose. When fentanyl is illegally made, sold, and/or used illicitly, it can only take one use to result in death.

How do I recognize if my child is using opioids?

-Slower breathing rate - Constipation

-Itching or flushed skin - Euphoria

-Drowsiness - Nausea and vomiting

-Slurred speech- Small pupils

-Unexplained money issues - Confusion or poor judgment

Some slang terms for fentanyl include:
fake oxy, green beans, greenies, beans, green apples, apples, eighties and shady eighties.

Deaths from opioid usage, including fentanyl, can be prevented through recognition, response, education and Naloxone (also known as Narcan). Naloxone is an antidote that can be used if an opioid-related overdose is suspected. It can help restore breathing within minutes giving enough time for first responders to arrive. Naloxone is not a controlled substance, cannot be abused and has fewer side effects than an Epipen.

If you suspect a loved one is using opioids, you can access training for a Take Home Naloxone (THN) kit by:

-contacting HealthLine Online at and/or,

-talking to your doctor or pharmacist about a Take Home Naloxone kit.

Below are publicly-funded THN sites:

Mayfair Clinic
504 33rd Street West
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-4007 / Harm Reduction Methadone Program
1048 Albert Street
Regina
Phone: 306-766-6350
Battlefords Sexual Health Clinic
1192 101st Street
North Battleford
Phone: 306-446-6463 / Stepping Stone Wellness Clinic
Kamsack Hospital and Nursing Home
341 Stewart Street
Kamsack
Phone: 306-542-1968
Turning Point Program
Room 109, SIGN Building on Broadway
345 Broadway Street West
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-0637 / Access Place
101-15th Street East
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-765-6542
Crescent View Clinic
131 1st Avenue NE
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-691-6464

Below are places to find more information or seek help:

-Call HealthLine @ 811 (specially trained staff are available to provide mental health and addictions crisis support, in a safe and confidential manner).

-Government of Saskatchewan: Alcohol and Drug Support (to locate Addictions/Mental Health Services near your community).

-How to talk to your teen about drugs (En) / Comment aborder le sujet des drogues avec son adolescent (Fr).

-Youth and prescription painkillers: What parents should know (En) / Les juenes et les medicaments antidouleursurordonnance :ceque les parents doivent savoir (Fr).

-Frequently asked questions about fentanyl.

-Take Home Naloxone: Frequently asked questions and Overdose prevention training and kits.

-Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (Provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 for help) / À propos de la Lois sur les bonssamaritains (Offreune protection juridique aux personnes qui sonttémoins d’un surdosageou qui sont en train de faire un surdosage et qui composent le 9-1-1 pour obtenir de l’aide).

Note:This material is for information only and should not replace advice from an addictions or mental health counsellor, doctor or other health care provider.