NSHA have received a report from a community source regarding Crack testing positive for benzodiazepines in Hants County

**** NSHA Release NSHA have received a report from a community source regarding Crack testing positive for benzodiazepines in Hants County Date drug was used: Friday, December 5, 2025 Name of drug: Crack Cocaine How the drug was used: Oral Test-strip results: Tested prior to use; positive for benzodiazepines How to Stay Safe: Let someone know, start low, and go slow ✔ Do NOT use drugs alone – Use with someone you trust or call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS. They will stay on the phone with you while you use, so they can get you help if needed. ✔ Start with a very small amount – These drugs are stronger than what people may expect or may be used to. ✔ Have naloxone ready – Naloxone can help with opioid overdoses, but it will NOT work on other substances, such as benzodiazepines. Even if you're unsure what substance caused an overdose, always give naloxone—it won’t harm the person, but it may help if opioids are involved. ✔ Call 911 immediately for any overdose – Even if naloxone is used, emergency help is still needed. ✔ Expect the unexpected – Always assume street drugs may not be what you think and contain drugs different from or stronger than you expect. Pills that look like real medicine could be fake. ✔ Avoid mixing drugs – Combining opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose and death. ✔ Go to an overdose prevention site – If available in your area, these sites provide a safe space to use drugs with medical staff who can help in case of an emergency. ReFIX Halifax: 2151 Gottingen St. (902-209-9370) PeerSix Sydney: 75 Prince St. (902-567-1766) If someone overdoses: Call 911 immediately – Tell them someone is unresponsive. Give naloxone if you have it. More than one dose may be needed if high potency opioids are involved. If there are no opioids, naloxone will be ineffective but will not cause harm – give it anyway. Stay with them and make sure they can breathe. If they stop breathing, perform CPR until help arrives. Get Free Naloxone Kits: You can get naloxone for free at most pharmacies and harm reduction programs. To learn more, visit: 🔗 Take Home Naloxone: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/takehomenaloxoneprogram Know Your Rights: Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, you cannot be charged for drug possession if you call 911 to help someone overdosing. Do not be afraid to call for help. 🔗 Your Rights – Good Samaritan Act: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html Looking for help? Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167 Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868; Text CONNECT to 686868 Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service - (Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30; Tues and Thurs until 8 pm) - 1-855-922-1122 211 Nova Scotia - information and referrals to community and social services: Call 2-1-1 or 1-855-466-4994; Email: help@ns.211.ca