It is common sense that the safest way to use a drug is not to use it at all. But if someone decides to use a drug, they should at least work out the most and least harmful ways of using it and staying in control.
Most harm comes from:
- Not taking a break between sessions
- Bingeing on a drug at every opportunity
- Taking a drug when you are alone
- Taking a drug with strangers in unfamiliar situations
- Injecting a drug
- Driving or getting into a car with someone who has been taking drugs
- Taking another drug to ease the 'comedown' off the first drug
- Getting into sexual situations you have not planned to as a result of drug taking
- Not knowing what you are taking or where it's from
- Getting involved in criminal activity when drug taking
- Having no plans about how you will get home
- Having no money to get home or make a phone call
- Assuming a drug will treat you the same each time.
- Mixing a drug with alcohol and/or other drugs - the results can be unexpected or fatal
- Taking the same amount as older friends or family. Your age, size and experience will change the effect.
- Agreeing to do things you feel uncomfortable with
- Being impatient - taking more of a drug before the effects start.
- Leaving your drink unguarded - it could get spiked
- Staying in a situation that is unsafe or uncomfortable
- Finding it difficult to say what you want and don't want
- Assuming a drug will effect you the same way as your mate
How can you stay in control? Send in your ideas
Who/what could help?
If it's not your drug taking, but someone else's that might be harmful click here »
Links
There are several services in Cornwall that provide help to people concerned about drug issues... Links from EEFO.net:
There are many other sources of information about drugs on the internet…
Links on the web (please read our terms):