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The Vermont Department of Health is warning illicit drug users of at least two overdose deaths in Rutland County and other overdoses in nearby Vermont in three days.
According to reports from the Department of Health and law enforcement agencies, at least two deaths involved people who inhaled drugs.
The Office of the Chief Forensic Pathologist conducts the autopsy and the results of the toxicology tests are pending.
Chief Brian Kilcullen, of the Rutland City Police Department, said he was aware of three overdose deaths that occurred in close proximity to each other. He said the last of the three events happened on Monday and that there has been no overdose deaths in Rutland since then.
But Dr. Mark Levine, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health, said that illicit drug users should "be aware of the current danger."
"We are concerned that fentanyl is currently mixed with various illegal substances, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. This expands an already difficult problem, "said Levine in a statement.
According to the Department of Health, cocaine associated with fentanyl has been a cause of death in Vermont.
A press release from the Department of Health reported that illicit fentanyl was involved in about 65% of opiate-related deaths. Cocaine is present in one-third of accidental and indeterminate opioid-related deaths.
Mr. Kilcullen stated that the police did not determine whether there was a "bad lot" of deadly illegal drugs.
"One of the real risks of using illegal drugs is that the user does not know exactly what they are consuming," he said.
The public health agency encourages people who use street drugs not to use drugs if they do not have naxolone or Narcan, as well as people able to administer the drugs, especially against effects of opioids. overdose.
Other health service tips include using one drug at a time and reducing the amount used in one dosage; test the strength of the drug before using the entire dose and inject less if it feels too strong.
Dr. Julie Poulin, Medical Director of Psychiatric Services, which includes the West Ridge Center, said it was hard to say whether drug users would take into account the state's warning.
"Some people with addictions will be very careful about what they use. Other people will be less cautious. I think giving them information is always useful for everyone. I think it depends more on the personality of the person, not so much because she is addicted, "she said.
Poulin said he spoke with patients who came to the hospital to be treated for an overdose or a bad reaction.
"Most of the time, they will listen to education and they will examine it," she said.
Tracie Hauck, executive director of the Turning Point Center in Rutland, said most of her work involved people who had stopped using drugs or were trying to quit.
Hauck said that she would share the information when she would hear of a warning like that of the state because some of her clients are "chatting" or "using aside."
"I tell them," Listen, that's the reality. You play Russian roulette. That's what happens in the street, "she said.
Hauck said that one of the deaths was a well-known person at Turning Point.
"That might get them thinking a little bit," no street drugs are safe anymore. "That's the reality, because probably this person who used and overdosed did not think that they were going to die this that day, "she said.
Mr. Kilcullen said that when overdose deaths occur, it is more important than ever that those closest to the person who use street drugs do their best to convince them to get help, get treatment.
Levine, in his statement, echoed Kilcullen and said the most important thing was to stay alive.
"Our message to users is simple: you simply can not know what street drugs contain. If you use, please use less, do not use alone, have Narcan available and call 911 if someone is not waking up or is in distress, "he said.
Poulin wanted residents of Rutland County to know that they could go to West Ridge for treatment without reference. She said anyone who was using drugs because of suicidal thoughts could go to the hospital emergency department.
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