Heroin found in methamphetamine and cocaine products across Victoria

Heroin is an opioid that can produce life-threatening toxic effects in very small amounts

Death and serious harms from heroin overdose have occurred after use of cocaine and methamphetamine in Victoria.

One person has died and multiple people in four separate incidents across Victoria have required emergency care because they experienced heroin overdose after using what they thought was cocaine or methamphetamine. Specialised blood tests showed evidence of heroin as well as cocaine and methamphetamine, suggesting that heroin may have been mixed into these drugs (‘adulteration’).

Opioids are central nervous system depressants, typically producing a range of effects including pain relief, sedation and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing). Small amounts of opioids can cause life-threatening overdose, especially in people who have never used opioids or only use them occasionally.

Cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin are very different substances. Cocaine and methamphetamine produce stimulant effects, whereas heroin produces sedative effects and can lead to life-threatening overdose. Using heroin with depressants such as alcohol, GHB or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium) increases the risk of overdose.

Know the signs of opioid overdose and carry naloxone

Signs of opioid overdose include breathing slowly and reduced consciousness (meaning someone is hard to wake up). In some cases, they may also have tiny pupils. More information about opioid overdose symptoms can be found on the Penington Institute website.

Naloxone is an easy-to-use medication that can reverse opioid overdose and save a life – it is suitable to use even if you are not sure whether someone has taken opioids. Naloxone can be accessed free of charge at participating pharmacies, health services and at naloxone dispensing machines. You can find where to access free naloxone on Better Health Channel.

Reduce the risk of harm

If you experience toxic drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).

All alcohol and other drug use comes with risks, so take the following precautions:

• Use the Victorian Pill Testing Service to get free, confidential testing and health advice.
• Get free naloxone, carry it with you – no matter what drugs you use. Administer naloxone to anyone you think may be overdosing.
• Start low and go slow and make sure you’re in a safe environment with people you trust.
• Be aware that other contaminated or mis-sold drug products may circulate in Victoria, even if no specific warning has been issued about them.
• Understand how different drugs interact with each other and with pharmaceutical drugs/medications. Get the facts from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.