Stay informed about all the drug alerts known to Forward services across the country.
Harm minimisation is about educating people who use substances about the risks involved and helping them look at ways of reducing these.
Harm minimisation aims to:
Increase knowledge and understanding about substance use and the risks involved.
Reduce the harms associated with substance use, such as reducing the risk of overdose and preventing the spread of infections and blood borne viruses.
Reduce the harms of substance use on loved ones and the wider community.
Reduce/prevent substance use, encourage stabilisation in treatment, and support abstinence.
Examples of harm minimisation include:
Opioid substitute maintenance therapy.
Needle exchange programmes.
Peer education/support.
Education on safer using behaviour.
Overdose prevention, such as first aid and naloxone training.
Some ways you can minimise the risk of substance use include:
Being extra cautious about who and where you get your drugs from.
Starting low, going slow - start with a small dose and pace yourself. Give your body time to process the drugs and wait at least 2 hours between doses if you can.
Using in a safe environment - make sure you are in an environment where you feel safe, with people you trust.
Not using alone - make sure someone is with you to call for help when needed.
Not knowingly mixing drugs - mixing substances increases the risk of physical and psychological harm.
Mixing stimulants increases the risk of heart problems and mental health effects such as psychosis, anxiety and panic attacks.
Mixing depressants increases the risk of overdose and death as they depress the central nervous system and breathing.
Mixing depressants and stimulants places the body under a lot of stress and provides unpredictable effects with strain placed on the heart.
Mixing alcohol with drugs can be very harmful. When mixed with depressants breathing and heart rate is slowed which increases the risk of overdose. When mixed with stimulants there is an increased risk of heart attack, fits, and sudden death.
Carry naloxone - make sure you always carry naloxone in case of overdose. Ideally carry multiple kits.
If you believe someone has taken an overdose:
Make sure the area is safe with nothing around that the individual can hurt themselves on.
Check for signs of an overdose - pinch the ear and gently shake their shoulders to see if they respond.
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
If you have access to naloxone, use it. This won't harm them, and it could save a life.
Put them in the recovery position.
Monitor and give support to the individual until the ambulance arrives. You can administer a second dose of naloxone if needed.
Take care of your personal safety and dispose of any unused naloxone or sharp objects.
Thinking about reducing or stopping using substances is scary, but we are here to support you and work with you to help you achieve your goals.
If you’re unsure of whether you need support, you can read through the signs below that highlight that yours or someone else’s substance use is becoming harmful:
You’re planning your days around your substance use.
Most of your thoughts centre around using substances.
Your substance use is affecting your relationships with others.
Your substance use is causing you problems at school, work, in your personal life, or with other responsibilities.
You’re needing to take higher doses or stronger substances to experience the same effects.
Your substance use is causing you physical or mental health issues.
You have lost interest in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy.
You only feel satisfied if you are using.
Your friends/family have commented on a change in your behaviour/personality.
If you feel like you’re ready to start your recovery journey and are unsure of where to turn, support can be found:
By talking to us online on our Reach Out online chat service.
By asking your GP or healthcare provider for support.
We run a range of services across England to support individuals and their families with drug and/or alcohol use. If you need support, check out the interventions we provide at a community hub near you.
