Principles
The extent of an individual's substance use is secondary to the harms from drug use.
Focus on harms
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
- Slow, absent breathing
- Disorientation
- Cold, clammy skin
- Choking, coughing, gurgling sounds
- Discolouration of lips and nails
- Small pupils
- Cannot be woken up
Eating helps you sober up
MYTH!
Only time will allow you to sober up.
What is the drug increasingly being found in supplies of cocaine, mdma, heroine, and other illicit substances?
Fentanyl
It accepts the user's decision to use drugs as fact and no judgment is made to condemn or support the use of substances.
Human rights
What is a way to stay safe while drinking alcohol?
-Eat a Meal
-Drink some Water
-Set a drink limit
-Have a safe place to be (friends house, bar, public space)
- Don't drive
-Not mixing drugs with alcohol
What are the signs of a stimulant overdose?
- Sweating, overheated, chest pain, racing pulse, shaking, seizing, vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, extreme agitation
Beer before liquor, never sicker, liquor before beer, you're 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 are some different street names for the drug MDMA?
-Molly
-Ecstasy
-M
-X
Substance use is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a continuum of behaviours from abstinence to chronic dependence with varying degrees of harm and benefits.
Pragmatism
What can affect how much a person can tolerate?
-Amount of sleep
-Tolerance
-Food intake
-Gender
-Body weight
How do you put someone into the recovery position?
Place person on side, leaning on arm, and propped up with knee and other arm. Keeps their airway open, prevents choking on vomit.
Using harm reduction strategies while participating in drinking or drug use reduces the risk of experiencing negative consequences.
FACT!
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.
Based on the importance of incremental gains that can be built on over time.
Priority of immediate goals
What is a safe way to use drugs?
- Safe supplies
-Let people know what your are taking or doing
-Have a buddy with you
- Safe consumption site
What are two things you can do if you suspect someone you know is having an overdose?
-Check breathing
-911 immediately
- Find and use naloxone kit
Alcohol warms the body
MYTH!
It slows down the heart rate and dilates blood vessels, which can make you feel warmer but increases risk of hypothermia.
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.
Recognizes competency in the active participation of substance use.
Involvement of people who use drugs
Where can you get more information on resources?
Towards the Heart
Fraser Health
Substance Use Services
Where can you get a naloxone kit?
Pharmacy
Substance Use Services
From outreach workers
From people who use substances
Harm reduction attracts drug dealers and encourages drug use in non-substance users.
MYTH!
Protocols between police and harm reduction service providers ensure drug trafficking laws are enforced – open drug dealing is discouraged, while people who substances are encouraged to access needed services. And there is no evidence that the introduction of harm reduction programs increases drug use.
What can you do to help for someone who 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)