IF YOU'RE GOING TAKE DRUGS...
I need to make it clear that there is no such thing as a safe drug and that there are risks associated with taking any type of drug from Cannabis or Xanax to your over the counter cough medicine and the risks of taking any substances can be unpredictable.
KEEPING SAFE ON A NIGHT OUT
Before you go out...
You should try to know as much as possible about drugs and the risks if you choose to take them.
Club, pubs and bars can be hot, so wear cool clothes for dancing. Take warm clothes for queuing and going home.
Do try to eat something - food provides energy for dancing and helps lines the stomach and remember to sip about a pint of water an hour when dancing.
Try to sort out how you are going to get home and who you will be going with. Remember if you make a plan, this can help ensure you get home safely.
Avoid driving after use.
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USING ALL DRUGS CARRIES SOME LEVEL OF RISK. THAT RISK IS GREATER RIGHT NOW BECAUSE CORONAVIRUS IS AFFECTING DRUG SUPPLIES.
You might find that the drugs you’re picking up have a different purity level, or they could be a different substance to what you were expecting. The advice below will help you to stay as safe as possible while using drugs.
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This harm reduction advice doesn’t cover prescription or over the counter medication. Please visit the NHS medicines page.
HOW TOÂ REDUCE YOUR RISK OF OVERDOSE...
Even if your drugs look the same as usual, they might have a different purity level or could be cut with something different.
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Test dose any drugs you get. Start with a quarter of what you would normally use and see how you feel. Also do this if you’re switching from one opioid to another.
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You might want to snort rather than inject right now, as this is less risky. If you’re injecting, don’t ‘slam’ your hit. Depress the plunger slowly, pausing to allow the familiar dose to take effect. If you feel it is unusually strong or sedating, pull it out.
ASK SOMEONE TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU
Try and speak to a friend or family member who you trust. Let them know when you plan to use, so they can call you before and after to check you’re OK.
If you’re staying in different accommodation to usual, make sure they have your address. You might want to give them a spare key so they can get in if you don’t respond when they call.
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Agree an overdose plan with them. This can be quite simple:
Have a check-in phone call before you use.
Make sure you both have naloxone kits and you know how to use them.
Have another check-in call or text them after you’ve used.
