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
How can you keep friends at your party safe?
-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.
True or False: Harm reduction strategies only apply to substance use
False, can apply to a wide range of other dangerous behaviors.
FOR DOUBBLE THE POINTS
What is one behavior besides substance use that harm reduction can be applied to?
What are 2 different street names for the drug MDMA
-Molly -Ecstasy -M -X
Share something you should do before you start drinking?
-Eat a meal
-Drink some water
-Set a drink limit
-Charge your phone if you have one
-Have a buddy to stick with
False: If you overdose and you are alone, there is no one to call for help or administer Narcan/Naloxone.
Beer before liquor never been 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.
True or False: Harm reduction is a judgmental approach.
False
What is the drug increasingly being found in supplies of cocaine, mdma, heroine, and other illicit drugs?
Fentanyl Which is 100x more powerful than heroin and has caused many unexpected hospital visits and overdose deaths.
What are some ways to keep safe while drinking or doing drugs?
-Have a safe place to be (friends house, bar, public space)
-Let people know what your are taking or doing
-Have a buddy with you
-Have naloxone on hand
When would you administer Narcan/Naloxone?
When you suspect someone has overdosed on an opiate.
False! You cannot harm someone by administering naloxone
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 some factors 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.
True or False: You can be arrested after calling 911 because of an overdose.
False, good Samaritan laws prohibit this.
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 a place to go for information and help around substance and alcohol abuse.
-Counseling Services
-Case Managers
-Harm Reduction Consultant
-Health Services
What can you do if you aren't sure what your supply contains?
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/
Name a place you can access naloxone kits?
Calling 211
Vending machine at the Jane Westin Center
Many places!
What can you do if you suspect someone is having an overdose?
- shout their name and test for responsiveness and breathing
- if no response administer naloxone
- Contact 911
- Perform CPR and rescue breathing if comfortable