Overdoses can be avoided by sticking to routine

Drug users would be safer if they stick to familiar places and routines, according to Marvin Krank, a psychology professor at UBC’s Kelowna campus.

Krank pointed out studies done many years ago that showed risks for overdoses increase when regular drug users are on the drug in the company of strangers, or in unfamiliar places.

“A lot of fentanyl users believe they are highly tolerant, that they are ‘heavy lifters’ – that they can ‘take’ the drug. The problem, if you take it in changed circumstances, that can produce an overdose,” he told News 1130.