Knowing about the types of drugs that impact Rhode Island’s overdose crisis can keep you prepared.
The drug supply is always changing, which can have an impact on the people within our state. These pages provide information about drugs commonly used and found in Rhode Island. Learn about these common drugs so you can know how to be prepared and prevent an overdose.
Opioids
Opioids are a common class of drugs used to in the medical field to help treat pain. Opioids can be prescribed from a doctor or bought on the street. On this page you can learn more about the differences between prescription and street opioids and how to prevent an overdose.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a strong opioid that is often found in our drug supply. Fentanyl is extremely potent and especially dangerous for people who are not expecting to use it or have no tolerance to opioids. On this page you can learn more about fentanyl and how to lower risk of overdose.
Xylazine
Xylazine is a powerful sedative recently found in the Rhode Island drug supply. Xylazine isn’t an opioid but can still impact an overdose. On this page, you can learn about xylazine and how to prevent its harms.
Stimulants
Taking too much of a stimulant, like cocaine, meth, crack, or MDMA, can cause a stimulant overdose, sometimes called “overamping.” Overamping is an uncomfortable set of symptoms that can look and feel different for each person. It is important to know how to recognize overamping and how to respond in the case of an emergency.
Polysubstance Use
Polysubstance use is the use of more than one drug together or within a short period of time. Whether it is on purpose or not, mixing drugs is never safe. The effects from combining many different drugs and alcohol may be stronger and more unpredictable than one drug alone, and even deadly. You can learn more about the side effects of mixing different kinds of drugs.