Damage Control
What is a benefit of Harm Reduction?
-It helps decrease the risks associated with an activity without you having to abstain from it -It recognizes people experience benefits to certain activities but promotes them in a safer way
-Don't let them drink and drive - Call a cab for them or offer a number to call. - Be prepared for overnight guests (to prevent drinking and driving). - Know your guests.
Eating helps sober you up?
MYTH! Only time will allow you to sober up, however eating things such as crackers can help soak up some of the excess alcohol.
Within the last 30 days what percentage of Ontario students did not use alcohol?
30% of students. 3 out of 10 have not drank alcohol in the last 30 days.
What are 2 different street names for the drug MDMA
-Molly -Ecstasy -M -X
List 2 things you should do before you start drinking?
-Eat a Meal -Drink some Water -Set a drink limit -Charge your phone -Have a buddy to stick with
Who should you tell before having a party?
Your neighbors. It communicates respect and it allows them the opportunity to ask you to turn it down before contacting for a noise complaint.
Beer before liquor never been sicker. Liquor before beer, your in the clear.
MYTH! The amount you drink matters more than the type of drinks you consume or how you mix them. Drinking too much of any alcohol too quickly can make you sick, whether it's wine, beer, or liquor. No matter what you're drinking, pacing is key.
What is the percentage of people who choose not to drink until they turn 21, that develop an alcohol dependency.
9% Delaying alcohol use until later in life has proven to substantially reduce to risk of developing alcohol dependency.
In the Ottawa area, what is the drug increasingly being found in supplies of cocaine, mdma, heroine, and other illicit drugs?
Fentanyl Which is 100x more powerful than heroine and has caused many unexpected hospital visits and overdose deaths.
What are two ways to keep safe while drinking or doing drugs?
-Have a safe place to be (friends house, bar, public space) -Not mixing drugs and/or alcohol -Let people know what your are taking or doing -Have a buddy with you
Name 3 signs of Alcohol Overdose
-Vomiting -Passing out -Lack of coordination -Cold Clammy skin -Slurred speech
What percentage of Ontario students in 2016 did something they later regretted while drinking alcohol?
41.7%! Over 2 out of 5 students have done something while they drank that they later regret (ex. entering into an intimate situation with someone you may not while sober)
List 3 things you can do to help if someone is having a ‘bad trip’?
-Stay with them (unless the situation becomes unsafe, call for support) -Bring them to a quiet safe area -Remind them they are safe with you -Contact police, security, ambulance (Safety is far more important than worrying about consequences)
What is the major downfall when coming down off stimulant drug.
Feelings of depression. With serotonin levels in the brain depleted, feelings of depression can set in. Can be worse with someone who has pre-existing mental health conditions.
List 3 types of things that will affect how many drinks it takes a person to get drunk?
-Amount of sleep -Tolerance -Food intake -Gender -Body weight
What counts as one serving of alcohol for wine, beer, spirits?
Wine- 5 oz
Beer- 12 oz
Spirits- 1.5 oz
Alcohol warms up the body.
MYTH! It slows down the heart rate and dilates blood vessels, which can make you feel warmer but increases risk of hypothermia. (Dress warm, especially in Ottawa winters)
How do you put someone in a recovery position
*Please Demonstrate* Place person on side, leaning on high arm, and propped up with knee and other arm. Keeps their airway open, prevents choking on vomit.
What is the danger of mixing a stimulant with a depressant ?
A depressant will decrease your heart rate while a stimulant would increase your heart rate. This could cause heart failure and/or other damage to your heart.
Name two places to go for information and help around substance and Alcohol abuse.
-Counseling Services -College Harm Reduction Consultant -Health Services
What are 3 signs of a Classy Party?
-Guests are greeted at the door (and welcomed to attend) -Food is available to prevent vomiting -No peer pressured drinking -Not promoting mixing drugs and alcohol
Using harm reduction strategies while participating in drinking or drug use reduces the risk of experiencing harm associated.
FACT Harm reduction strategies such as not mixing drugs and alcohol, ensuring you have buddies to stick with, pacing your drinks, eating prior to and during, alternating water and alcohol are all proven to reduce the harms associated with alcohol or drug use/
What are two things you can do if you suspect someone you know is having an overdose?
-Check breathing, if person is not breathing begin CPR -Contact security (if on campus) or 911 immediately