HSE issues heroin warning in Dublin after a number of overdoses

The HSE has issued an alert warning heroin users to be “extra cautious” due to a considerable number of overdoses in the Dublin city area.

The health service said it is currently monitoring the cases and waiting for “analytical confirmation” on the issue, asking in the meantime for people to avoid buying new batches of heroin or drugs from new sources due to an “increased risk at this moment in time.”

“We are aware of a number of overdoses occurring in Dublin city today relating to potential new sources of heroin,” stated Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead of Addiction Services, adding, “We ask that people are extra cautious during this period while we identify what may be leading to overdoses.

“We ask service providers to notify their service users who may be at increased risk and help support them to reduce harms during this time. We will update services and people who use drugs following analytical confirmation of samples obtained which will help clarify the situation.”

Professor Keenan confirmed that the issue currently seems to be contained within the Dublin city area, though the HSE will continue to monitor the situation and release updates accordingly.

The HSE Drugs X/Twitter account shared an informative list of harm reduction steps today, with more information at the link here.

We are aware of a number of heroin overdoses in Dublin city.
We are advising people not to buy new batches of heroin or buy heroin from new sources.
We ask you to follow these harm reduction steps.
More information available here: https://t.co/iYU91pWRgL pic.twitter.com/Nn3k0bE45b

— HSE Drugs.ie (@drugsdotie) November 9, 2023

As per usual, the HSE is asking drug users to continue to follow harm reduction steps, including avoiding using heroin alone and having a supply of the overdose medication Naloxone (also known as Narcan), which can be accessed by talking to your local drug service provider or GP.

HSE further recommends testing doses by starting “low and slow,” and avoiding using other drugs simultaneously including methadone, benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Look out for signs of and overdose and seek help immediately if someone is unwell, says the HSE.

Contact the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459