What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.
On this page, we will provide you with ways to reduce the harms associated with drugs, as well as general information and advice to help you stay safe when using drugs.
Drug harm reduction tips
General tips on staying safe:
- The risk of overdose is higher if you are using alone. Use with trusted friends in a safe environment (and tell them what you are taking).
- Start with a small amount and give it time to take effect before deciding you need more.
- Don’t mix drugs, especially with alcohol.
- Don’t drive under the influence.
- Eat and rest between use.
- Limit access to funds so you don’t spend money you need for rent or food on a binge.
- Don’t share drug equipment, as this can lead to the transmission of blood borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C.
- Try and buy from a trusted source.
- Don’t be afraid of seeking help and being honest about what you have taken
Harm reduction advice can differ depending on the type of drugs. As well as the information above, it’s important to take into consideration the below tips for different types of drugs…
Advice for stimulants (e.g., cocaine, ecstasy etc.)
- Always wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
- Avoid mixing with other drugs, especially alcohol.
- Drink small sips of non-alcoholic drinks (e.g. water or isotonic drinks) but don’t exceed 1 pint in 1 hour.
- Take regular breaks from dancing.
- Avoid using stimulants if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, and if you have psychiatric problems like depression or anxiety. This is particularly relevant to ecstasy and ecstasy-like drugs. Take advice from Talk to Frank if you are unsure.
Advice for opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine etc.)
- Always have naloxone to hand.
- Dosage is very easy to get wrong and the biggest risk from opiate use is overdose.
- Smoking on foil is safer than injecting or snorting.
- Do not mix with other depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines or barbituates)
- Make sure you are in a safe environment with trusted people, as opiates can make the user less aware of other high-risk behaviour.
Advice for depressants (e.g., alcohol, GHB etc.)
- Doses can vary so always try a small test amount first, particularly for GHB and GBL.
- Stay hydrated and have something to eat before/while drinking.
- Avoid mixing depressants with each other, e.g., alcohol and GHB as it can be physically disabling leaving the person very vulnerable. It could also potentially lead to respiratory depression and death.
- Do not accept a drink unless you have seen it being prepared and do not leave your drink unattended.
- If you think you have been ‘spiked’, stay with a trusted friend (not someone you have just met) and go to a safe place (your home/hospital/police station).
Advice for hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, mushrooms etc.)
- If you find or fear that you may be experiencing a ‘bad trip’ try to find a place you feel safe and remember – it will pass.
- Be aware that single doses can vary even in visually identical samples.
- Try to use with people you know and trust around you, ideally at least one of whom is not using a substance or at least make sure someone knows where you are.
- Try not to get overstimulated - it is very easy to get dehydrated if you’re dancing for hours, and anxiety can sometimes set in, causing a potential increase in paranoiac ideation.
Advice for NPS/legal highs ((New Psychoactive Substances)
- Take a small test dose first and wait 2 hours before taking more.
- Don’t mix with other drugs
- Try to check drug forums beforehand to get a better idea of other users' experience of dosage, as some drugs are extremely potent.
Further drug support
-
Talk to Frank
Visit the Talk to Frank websiteFree 24/7 confidential drug advice.
Call 0300 123 6600 or text 82111
Their live chat service operates from 2pm-6pm, 7 days a week. -
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Visit the Narcotics Anonymous websiteNA is free group where members support each other to stay drug free and to help others achieve and maintain a drug free recovery and lifestyle.
You don't have to say anything at any meeting, nor do you have to be clean to attend. There are no waiting lists, you can just turn up to your local group.