Harm reduction advocates in Whitehorse are concerned about the recent uptick in overdoses, attributing it to cychlorphine, a potent synthetic opioid. Jill Aalhus, the executive director at Blood Ties Four Directions, highlighted that cychlorphine can trigger unusual symptoms like nausea and vomiting during overdoses, leading to faster and more severe incidents than usual.
One Yukon Coalition researchers, who conduct wastewater monitoring, confirmed the presence of cychlorphine in Whitehorse since June. The drug, previously linked to severe overdoses and fatalities in the United States, is now posing a threat in Canada as well.
Aalhus emphasized that their team at Blood Ties is equipped to respond promptly to overdoses with naloxone and oxygen administration. However, she expressed concern about reports of severe overdoses occurring in areas with limited access to these life-saving resources, impacting the community significantly.
Yukon’s Chief Coroner, Heather Jones, echoed these worries about the toxicity of substances circulating in the community but refrained from sharing further details, promising more information in the near future.
The challenge lies in detecting cychlorphine in drug supplies, as current testing machines often fail to identify this new substance. Carolina Koutras, the chief operating officer of One Yukon, stressed the importance of wastewater testing as a crucial tool to alert the public and health officials about emerging threats like cychlorphine.
Despite the organization’s efforts to keep up with the influx of new opioids into the market, Koutras noted the difficulty in staying ahead, with new substances surfacing regularly. The proactive move to start testing for cychlorphine was prompted by alarming trends observed in the U.S., underscoring the need for vigilance in the face of evolving drug threats.
While it’s too early to gauge the extent of cychlorphine use in Whitehorse, its consistent detection in wastewater signals a concerning trend since late June. Described as ten times more potent than fentanyl, cychlorphine poses a high risk of overdose, necessitating heightened awareness and precautionary measures among substance users and non-users alike.
Aalhus advised individuals to adhere to harm reduction practices such as avoiding solo drug use, starting with small doses, and being prepared with naloxone in case of emergencies. She emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, checking on others who may be at risk, and taking swift action to save lives when encountering signs of overdose.