New drug-testing device now in use in Kitchener
A new drug-testing device in Kitchener is giving decision-making power to people who use unregulated drugs.
The machine, now in service at the consumption and treatment site (CTS) on Duke Street, is one of 11 of its kind across the country.
The goal is to limit drug poisonings and help clean up the supply.
“I’ve lost a lot of friends to overdoses and stuff like that,” says Ralph Schmidt, a CTS user and peer worker.
He’s hoping to change that with the help of the new machine.
“They can put their substance in this little square here,” Schmidt explains.
“Then it gets slid in like this, and then it starts scanning.”
Sophisticated technology inside the black cube-shaped device analyzes the composition of street drugs to determine what dangerous fillers and other drugs might be in the sample.
“It makes you think twice about how much you’re going to consume,” Schmidt says.
“And then if there's other stuff in it like a toxic substance, it would probably make you not do it.”
After the test, the sample and analysis is given to the individual, who can then determine if they want to proceed to use the substance.
The device gives a thorough explanation of what’s in the substance in 15 minutes.
A less-specific analysis can be done in 7.5 minutes, and a cursory result can be delivered in 2.5 minutes.
“Some people are in a hurry,” peer drug checker Margo McConnell says. “They want to consume their drugs.”
With each test, the device gets smarter.
“We can send [a sample] away to London, Western [University] – they have a mass spectrometer,” McConnell says. “So, for the unknowns, it will tell us what the unknowns are. That will be uploaded into the machine. So it's constantly learning.”
The most recent data from the Office of the Chief Coroner shows there were 20 confirmed opioid-related deaths in Waterloo Region in the first three months of 2023.
Staff at the CTS hope the new device will slow the pace and are opening its use up to everyone.
“I would like to see dealers come in. I'd like to see the supply cleaned up,” McConnell says.
Since the machine started scanning samples, staff say clients are making more informed decisions.
“People have chosen to lessen their dose,” drug checking program manager Leigh Wardlaw says. “People have chosen to not do it at all.”
For Schmidt, his best decision was joining the program to help his peers.
“For me, I wanted to be part of this because if it helps save one person's life, that's all that matters.”
KITCHENER CTS STATS
According to the Region of Waterloo, there have been 28,696 client visits to the CTS site since it opened in October, 2019.
Last month, 229 people visited the site a cumulative total of 1,114 times. Seventy per cent were men and 30 per cent were women. The most common age range was 30 to 39 years old.
A more detailed breakdown of the data is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates 'I never took part in beheadings': Canadian ISIS sniper has warning about future of terror group
An admitted Canadian ISIS sniper held in one of northeast Syria’s highest-security prisons has issued a stark warning about the potential resurgence of the terror group.
Trudeau talks border, trade in surprise dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed border security and trade during a surprise dinner with U.S.-president elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Friday evening, according to senior government sources.
Are scented candles bad for you? What the science says
Concerns about the safety of candles are rooted in the chemical reactions that occur when you burn them, as well as in the artificial fragrances and colorants that contribute to the various scents you may love.
From inside a Cameroon jail, gay youth say police exploit homophobia to seek bribes
Cameroon's penal code criminalizes 'sexual relations with a person of the same sex,' with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $450 fine.
Postal workers union files unfair labour practice complaint over Canada Post layoffs
The union representing Canada Post workers has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board over the layoffs of striking employees.
'Absolutely been a success': Responders looks back at 988, Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, one year later
In its first year, responders for Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, known as 988, have answered more than 300,000 calls and texts in communities nationwide.
Face facts: Statues of stars like Kane and Ronaldo don't always deliver. Sculptors offer advice
One art critic compared the new Harry Kane bronze statue to a bulging-jawed comic strip character.
Magic can't save 'Harry Potter' star Rupert Grint from a US$2.3 million tax bill
Former 'Harry Potter' film actor Rupert Grint faces a 1.8 million-pound (US$2.3 million) bill after he lost a legal battle with the tax authorities.
Nova Scotia PC win linked to overall Liberal unpopularity: political scientist
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is celebrating his second consecutive majority mandate after winning the 2024 provincial election with 43 seats, up from 34. According to political science professor Jeff MacLeod, it's not difficult to figure out what has happened to Liberals, not just in Nova Scotia but in other parts of Canada.