If using alcohol or other substances it’s important to become educated and be aware of safe practices. Harm reduction is an evidence-based model that provides a set of practical strategies and ideas that aim to reduce negative consequences associated with alcohol or drug use.
Below is information to become educated on resources available.
Alcohol Safety
When consuming alcohol, it’s important to remain vigilant to remain safe. From spiked drinks to the effects of alcohol poisoning, becoming familiar with resources can help save a life.
Spiked Drink/Date Rape
Drink spiking occurs when alcohol or another drug is added to a person’s drink without their knowledge. The “Date Rape” drug, sometimes known as “Roofies” is a drug, often Rohypnol that can be added to a drink. This can make a person feel dizzy, nauseas, and lose consciousness. Rohypnol is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it extremely dangerous and easy to sneak into someone’s drink.
Don’t accept drinks from common areas or an opened drink.
Never leave your drink unattended.
Decline a drink offered from someone you don’t know or trust.
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone has overdosed on alcohol, or consumed too much alcohol.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning:
Confusion
Slurring words or unable to speak
Unable to walk or stand
Loss of consciousness
Slow or irregular breathing
Vomiting
Seizures
If someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning:
Call 911 or security
Do not leave the person alone
If they are vomiting sitting up, lean them forward, or if they are lying down, roll them onto their side, all to prevent choking
Be prepared to provide information to responders such as name, alcohol drank, medications, and information known about the person and situation
Substance Safety
Fentanyl is a substance that is being added to other illicit substances to increase the potency. Fentanyl is a life threatening substance and those who consume illicit substances need to be aware of the signs of a fentanyl dose.
Fentanyl Effects
Fentanyl, similar to other opioids, fentanyl can have the effects of:
Euphoria
Pain relief
Extreme relaxation
Sedation
Confusion
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Pupillary constriction
Urinary retention
Fentanyl overdose effects:
Stupor
Changes in pupillary size
Cold and clammy skin
Blue color to skin
Respiratory failure
Coma
Fentanyl Test Strips
In Indiana, a person can now order free fentanyl test strips to test any substances they may be using or test a substance a friend has used.
Naloxone, or NARCAN, is a life-saving medication that can be administered to someone experiencing an overdose from opioids to reverse the effects. It will not have any effect on someone who has not taken opioids and will not get someone high.
