Drug Information
Ways to Avoid Overdosing
Don't mix your drugs
What they’ve been cut with can also cause problems. It is not a good idea to mix downers like valium, methadone and alcohol together as you are greatly increasing the risk of overdosing.
If you're injecting
Take small amounts in small fixes, especially if it is from a new source.
First time injecting
Be careful of the strength & amount of drugs you are using & don’t fix alone.
Tolerance
If you’ve not been using for a while - your tolerance will have dropped. Take it easy and use a smaller amount than you did before.
Uppers
If someone is having a bad time on stimulants or uppers (like ecstasy or speed):
Don't panic
- Get them to sit down, calm down and slow down their breathing.
- If they’re overheating, sweating and dizzy:-
- Sit them down somewhere cool.
- Get them to sip water.
- Loosen their clothing.
- If they collapse - call an ambulance.
- Put them in the recovery position.
- Check their breathing.
Solvents
If someone has overdosed on gas or solvents:
Don't panic
- Put them in the recovery position.
- Check their breathing and make sure there’s nothing in their mouth.
- Call an ambulance NOW.
- Stay with them & keep checking their breathing until help arrives.
Downers
If someone has overdosed on depressants or downers (alcohol, methadone, heroin, valium):
Don't Panic
- If they pass out – put them in the recovery position.
- Make sure they are breathing and there’s nothing in their mouth.
- Call an ambulance NOW.
Unknown
If someone has overdosed and you don’t know what on:
Don't panic
- Put them in the recovery position.
- Make sure they’re breathing and there’s nothing in their mouth.
- Call an ambulance NOW.
- Look around for any bottles, packages or equipment.
- If you find anything, give it to the paramedics when they arrive.
Ask your drug worker for more info - it could save a life.
999 Calls - You don't have to give your name - just tell them where the person is and what they've taken.
