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Drug alerts

We regularly send text or email alerts about new overdose risks, changes in the drug supply, and new programs and services available for people who use drugs. Subscribe to receive alerts. This page includes the full text of messages sent to subscribers.

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Analysis shows fentanyl concentrations in rocks and powders vary from 43‑89%

New analysis from powder and rock substances found at overdose death scenes shows fentanyl concentrations varying from 43‑89%. This highlights how difficult it is to tell the potency of the substance being used. Small amounts can be deadly. Start slow, don’t use alone, and have naloxone.

Test your drugs to confirm the presence of fentanyl. Rocks and powders containing fentanyl are visually identical to other drugs, especially cocaine, creating the opportunity for confusion during distribution and use.

For up to date information on the local drug supply please visit your local needle exchange: kingcounty.gov/needle

Ways to reduce risk of overdose: 

  • Test drugs for fentanyl. Order fentanyl test strips and educational materials at redcap.link/HRSupplies.
  • Have naloxone ready.  You can get naloxone without a prescription at pharmacies, needle exchange programs, by mail and other locations listed at stopoverdose.org.
  • Learn the signs of opioid overdose.
  • Avoid using drugs alone.  If this is not an option, use a service like neverusealone.com or have someone check on you regularly.
  • If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away. The Good Samaritan Law protects you and the overdose victim from drug possession charges.
  • Call the WA Recovery Helpline at 1-866-789-1511 to get connected to treatment.

2023 email and text alerts

Correction: Xylazine remains rare in King County drug supply

Xylazine remains rare in King County drug supply. Public Health is monitoring closely and will alert if changes occur.

Xylazine (aka Tranq) found in street drug supplies in King County

Xylazine (aka Tranq) has been seen (a handful of times) in King County and the State of Washington, exclusively in other drugs.

If you have concerns what is in your drugs, contact your local harm reduction agency and see info sheet. The Xylazine fact sheet is also available to order in hard copy format.

While fentanyl pills remain common, carry naloxone and avoid using alone.

While fentanyl pills remain common, we're seeing more fentanyl overdoses from powder and in some cases, people may believe they are using white powder cocaine. The concentration of fentanyl in powder varies – even a small amount can be deadly. Make sure to carry naloxone and avoid using alone. Information from a recent review of drug samples at https://adai.uw.edu/fentanyl-testing-results

Substance use disorder is a treatable health condition. If you have substance use disorder or are looking for support for someone you know, you can learn about treatment options and choose the option that feels best. Find a treatment provider at the Washington Recovery Helpline.

Vending machines dispense critical tools for preventing overdose

With the risk of fatal overdose from fentanyl, we want to ensure everyone in King County has access to tools to help reduce the risk of overdose deaths in our community. Naloxone, the medication to reverse an overdose, and fentanyl test strips are two of the critical tools to help prevent fatal overdoses.

Over the past year, King County has been working with community organizations to expand access to both tools—leading to the distribution of over 100,000 fentanyl test strips and over 13,000 naloxone kits. As part of this outreach effort, Public Health has been working to lower barriers to overdose prevention supplies, not only through online ordering but also through placing supplies in vending machines where they can be easily accessible.

Continue reading from the Public Health Insider blog (posted April 13, 2023).

2022 email and text alerts

Recent overdose deaths associated with powder and pills in different colors

This week in King County, we have seen multiple overdose deaths associated with powder and pills in different colors that contain fentanyl. Please be aware that if you are using powders and pills, including those in various colors, they may contain fentanyl.

Ways to reduce risk of overdose:

Recent spike in overdoses in Shoreline

Emergency Medical Services treated an abnormally high number of overdoses in Shoreline between Dec 5-11, 2022, contributing to the unprecedented high numbers of overdoses occurring across King County in 2022.

There are increasing reports across King County of people experiencing fentanyl overdoses after using what was thought to be white powder cocaine. If you or someone you know is using powder cocaine, be aware it could be fentanyl or contain fentanyl.

Take these steps to prevent overdose:

Heat can be deadly when using drugs

Heat can be deadly, especially when combined with drug use. Stimulants like meth, cocaine, and ecstasy increase body temperature and the risk of dangerous overheating and dehydration. Overamping on meth is especially dangerous. Depressants or "downers" like fentanyl, heroin, benzos, and alcohol can mask heat stroke symptoms and reduce your awareness, so you may not realize you're overheating.

New evidence of fentanyl in rock form in King County

There is new evidence of fentanyl being sold in rock form in King County. If you or someone you know is using rock or powdered drugs (especially those who believe you are using crack or powder cocaine), be aware it could be fentanyl or contain fentanyl.

Regardless of what substances are used, reduce overdose risk by doing the following:

  • Test drugs for fentanyl. Order Fentanyl Test Strips here: https://redcap.link/kcfts

  • Always have naloxone. Get naloxone at most pharmacies or order it anonymously here: www.lacedandlethal.com/how-to-spot-an-overdose

  • Do not use alone. If you must,
    • Use a service like neverusealone.com that will alert paramedics if you stop responding to a live chat.
    • Have someone check on you often, or
    • Use in a place you are more likely to be found by others

  • Go slow. Start with a small amount to see how it affects you before you take more. Increase slowly.

  • Watch and wait. If using with others, don't use at the same time.

  • Avoid mixing drugs.
    • If you do, use less & use one at a time.

  • Know the signs of overdose and how to respond.
    • Not responding, abnormal breath sounds (snoring, gurgling) or not breathing.
    • Call 911, administer naloxone, and give rescue breaths.

  • Have naloxone. Tell your friends you have it, where it is, and how to use it.

To learn more and access treatment resources, visit: www.warecoveryhelpline.org
To learn more about responding to an overdose, visit: stopoverdose.org

An overdose cluster in the South Seattle area on 3/27 and 3/28

There was an overdose cluster in the South Seattle area on 3/27 and 3/28. Several people reported using crack cocaine that may have been laced with fentanyl.  Reduce your overdose risk by testing drugs, always having Naloxone, not using alone. 

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