In Melbourne, there have been cases of heroin being passed off as cocaine and methamphetamine, resulting in two individuals needing emergency medical attention due to overdoses. This alarming situation has prompted Health Victoria to advise the general public to exercise caution regarding the presence of other illicit or tainted substances in circulation.

The substances sold to the affected individuals were found to be ‘adulterated’, indicating that heroin had been mixed into the cocaine and methamphetamine. This was confirmed through specialized blood tests which detected traces of all three substances in their systems.

Even minimal doses of opioids like heroin can have lethal consequences, especially in individuals with no prior experience with such substances. The risk of overdose escalates when opioids are combined with alcohol, GHB, or benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium.

While cocaine and meth are stimulants, heroin is a nervous system depressant, the combination of which can also produce unpredictable effects on the body.

Signs of opioid (including heroin) overdose to look out for include slow breathing and difficulty to remain conscious or wake up, as well as, in some cases, tiny pupils.

Those intending to take drugs should be wary of adulteration and substitution with opioids, even if there has been no warning about the particular substance they’re taking.

They should also carry naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid use and is safe to use even if you’re not sure whether yourself or someone else has taken opioids, Health Victoria says.

Health Victoria reminds the public that even ‘pure’ drugs can cause serious side effects and death, and reminds them to ‘start low and go slow’.