NEW RIVER VALLEY, Va. (WDBJ) – The New River Health District is seeing a recent rise in dangerous overdoses on a drug new to the area called “Purple Heroin.”
It’s heroin laced with carfentanyl or fentanyl, but could also contain other drugs like xylazine, a tranquilizer drug.
This substance has been identified in West Virginia and appears to be spreading along the U.S. 460 and I-77 corridors.
Chris Alderman with “Rise Above” New River Health District Harm Reduction Services says the first known case of overdose on Purple Heroin began last week in Rich Creek in Giles County and has made its way to Pulaski County.
“We partner with other local harm reduction agencies and they have had some tested that had 26 substances in it after testing. It is here right now and we’re keeping an eye on it and letting the public know.”
He says there have been seven overdoses in the past week, and more could be more reports as of Tuesday.
So far, it’s impacting people in their 30s and 40s.
The drug is mostly injected, but can also be snorted. The risks include self-harming thoughts, brain damage and even death.
Alderman says if someone does come in contact with the drug, to always have Naloxone and never use it alone.
“The death rate is our biggest concern and what could happen. The non-fatal overdoses are so sad, but they are not going away. The non-fatal overdoses have went down because of harm reduction services and naloxone, but they are not going anywhere.”
Alderman says no reported overdose this year has been fatal.
Whether it’s addiction support or needing Naloxzone or fentanyl testing strips, Alderman says “Rise Above” is here to help.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction or is using the substance, contact your local health department or harm reduction outreach program.
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