‘Ottawa’ Ottawa Public Heath Warns of Overdose, Sex Assault Risks as Frosh Week Approaches
Parties and welcome activities will soon take over university and college campuses in Ottawa. And with the frosh week celebrations come the risks associated with alcohol and drugs, including the increased incidence of sexual assault and overdoses.
“Drug and alcohol overdoses are preventable,” said Ottawa Public Health in a statement released on Thursday. “The most effective way to avoid an overdose is not to use illegal substances.”
Street drugs are not controlled substances. Their unknown dosage, purity and contamination can increase the risk of adverse reactions or potential overdoses.
Prescription drugs can also be as harmful, the health unit said. When drugs are misused or taken without a doctor’s prescription, or taken with alcohol or other drugs, they can have serious and potentially deadly consequences.
To reduce the risk of drug or alcohol overdoses and associated harms: