Harm Reduction Strategies
This harm reduction strategy is the safest method to avoid harms from substance abuse.
Abstinence/Non-Use
This drug is now legal in many states for recreational use, and legal in even more for medicinal use.
Cannabis
Drugs work by affecting chemical releases in our brain, happening in the ________ of the brain.
Neurons, Neurotransmitters, Synapses
Your friend wants to try cannabis, saying that it's okay because it is natural and you cannot get addicted to it. What advice would you give them?
Psychological addiction is very common, and everything natural is not safe.
What is the recovery position?
Lay person on side, rest head on arm, open the airway.
This hard reduction strategy involves deciding whether a place or group of people is safe to use with/around.
Set and Setting
This drug is one of the most addictive substances on Earth, is sold legally around the world, and works as a form of stimulant AND depressant.
Nicotine (Tobacco, Vape, Chew)
What is the name of the chemical often released by substance use in our brains that causes a pleasure feeling?
Dopamine
Maria had a few drinks at a party and plans to drink some coffee to sober up before driving home. Is she practicing harm reduction?
No, caffeine does not sober a person up, and drinking and driving is NEVER a good idea.
Name 3 possible signs of an opioid overdose.
Unresponsive, cold/clammy skin, blue lips, gurgling/snoring, vomiting, slow breathing, slow heart rate, small pupils, limp
Something that should always be avoided and involves two or more substances.
Never Mix Substances
This class of drugs speeds up brain activity and the central nervous system, can elevate breathing and heart rates, causes increased energy, and can trigger anxiety and paranoia sometimes.
Stimulants
Using substances at a young age can stunt ______ growth, specifically cannabis use before age _____ can be very detrimental.
Brain, 16
Robby is going to a party with friends that he knows very well. He is considering drinking alcohol, but he isn't sure how it will affect him. What advice (harm reduction strategy) should you give him?
-Start Low, Go Slow
-Consider moderation
-Dose and Dosage
If someone is unresponsive after using a substance, what are three steps you should take to ensure their safety?
Check breathing/pulse, recovery position, call 911
What advice would you give someone who is considering trying a substance but doesn't know much about the substance?
Develop Drug Knowledge
This class of drugs slows down brain activity and the central nervous system, causes a reduction in anxiety, feelings of calm, reduces decision making, causes sleepiness.
Depressants
This neurotransmitter regulates mood and bodily functions, like sleep, appetite, digestion, and sexual desire.
Serotonin.
Matt paces himself by drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage he drinks. Is he practicing harm reduction?
Yes, by staying hydrated and mixing in water in between drinks, he is practicing moderation as well.
What is a good samaritan law?
A law that protects underage teens from getting in trouble for reporting alcohol poisoning or overdoses to 911.
Fentanyl is a dangerous opioid that has recently leaked into the illegal drug market and drug supply. What specific harm reduction strategy should some one using any kind of drug keep in mind to avoid ingesting a substance like fentanyl on accident?
Check the substances, know how to respond in an emergency.
This class of drugs works by mimicking the bodies natural pain relief system, can impair judgement and physical actions, are extremely addictive, and carry a very high risk of overdose.
Opioids.
Adenosine is a chemical in the brain that binds to receptors over time, causing progressive tiredness throughout the day. How does the stimulant drug caffeine interact with adenosine and its receptors?
Replaces adenosine on receptors, replacing tired feeling with feelings of alertness.
Roger is at a party and under the influence of alcohol, and he notices a girl coming onto him that is also under the influence. He wants to make his move, what advice would you want to make sure Roger is aware of?
No one can give consent under the influence, taking advantage of someone under the influence is a form of rape.
What is the lifesaving opioid overdose reversal drug called and how is it typically administered?
Naloxone, nasal spray (narcan)