Steps to help you reduce harm
Try not to use on your own
It is best not to use drugs if you’re on your own or in a position where nobody could help you if you overdose. A buddy system - where one person takes their hit and waits until the peak effects have worn off before the other person uses - makes it more likely that someone can help in an emergency.
Start low, go slow
The contents and strength of your drugs can vary between batches, so even if you use drugs regularly:
-
start with a small amount
-
wait to see how it affects you
-
space out your doses
If you think someone has overdosed, put them in the recovery position (or on their side) and get help fast by calling 999, telling emergency services what you know. This could save their life.
Signs of an overdose will depend on what’s been taken, but may include:
-
Not being able to wake someone up
-
Difficulty breathing
-
Lips or fingertips with a blue (on lighter skin) or grey (if darker skin) tinge
-
Finding it difficult to walk or talk
-
Confusion
-
Drug paraphernalia in the room
