Regina detox centre sees increase of patients on fentanyl

Ahigher number of people on fentanyl are entering addictions treatment in Regina, according to its program manager.

"We have seen an increase in fentanyl use and especially in the last month," saidTroy Neiszner, manager of the addiction treatment program for the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

"We've had a number of patients identify fentanyl as the substance they are coming off of or one of the substances they are coming to us looking to withdrawal from," Neiszner said.

On Wednesday, Regina police linked the death of a woman on Nov. 8, and the death of a man on Nov. 17, to fentanyl use.

• Fentanyl linked to 2 suspected fatal overdoses in Regina

Police said they are awaiting the results of toxicology tests but investigatorsand the coroner's office think the deaths were caused by fentanyl, an extremely potent and highly addictive opioid.

Treating fentanylusers

Police said that two milligrams of fentanyl, which would look like four grains of salt, can kill an adult.

It is said to be up to 100 times more powerful than heroin.

Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat pain but it is also sold on the street, and may be mixed with other drugs, without theuser's knowledge.

• Support needed as Sask. faces high opioid hospitalization rate

Neiszner said the treatmentprogram can help people on the drug.

"The withdrawal is really significant for a lot of our patients. They experience a lot of pain, muscle pain and joint pain, nausea, insomnia. We do have an opioidwithdrawal protocol that we can help ease those symptoms," Neiszner said.

Overdose prevention kits handed out

An antidote to prevent fatal opioidoverdoses isbeing handed out by the harm reduction clinic on Albert Street.

"Ithink throughout the country, we've had more overdoses from opiates," saidSheila Moore, psychiatric nurse for Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

"Fentanylis a lot more potent (than other opioids) and I think why more people are overdosing," Moore said.

It says it has handed out 16Naloxonekits since June.

• Sask. doctors urge police officers to carry fentanyl antidote

People need to receive trainingfrom thedetoxcentre. In some cases it is family members of opioidusers, in other cases, the user themselves receive the kit.

Saskatchewan RCMP officers and paramedics in Regina and Saskatoon carry the antidote.