Authorities and harm reduction advocates are warning of a suspected dangerous batch of methamphetamine circulating in Birmingham after several deaths and hospitalizations were reported over the past week.
According to a Facebook post from the Recovery Resource Center (RRC), multiple people in the downtown Birmingham area experienced severe, unusual symptoms after injecting meth, including chills, body aches, violent vomiting and diarrhea, and a burning sensation at the injection site. These symptoms reportedly escalated quickly to life-threatening complications. The RRC cautioned that these cases did not resemble typical fentanyl overdoses, and fentanyl testing strips—commonly used by people who use opioids to detect fentanyl contamination—may not detect the contaminant responsible in this situation.
RELATED: Three sentenced in drug overdose death of Jasper man, including victim’s father
As reported by AL.com, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed it is investigating five suspected overdoses that occurred between Saturday and Tuesday. At this time, the coroner’s office has stated the number of incidents does not constitute a significant increase over historical overdose patterns, and preliminary autopsies have not yet confirmed or ruled out the suspected contamination. Full results from toxicology and autopsies are expected to take four to six weeks.
The suspected batch of meth has been described as brown in color and rock-like in form, and it is believed to be injected. According to AL.com, the RRC advised avoiding meth that matches this description and recommended that individuals who inject drugs never use alone.
According to WSB-TV, methamphetamine continues to be a significant contributor to drug-related deaths nationwide, with tens of thousands of Americans dying each year from meth use. The situation in Birmingham underscores the dangers of contamination in street drug supplies and the challenges public health officials face in identifying and addressing such risks promptly.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
