Safety Information
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.
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.
When at a party or bar, be mindful of your drink.
- Cover your drink with a Cup Condom.
- 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 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, 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
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.
To order test strips visit OverdoseLifeline.org.
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.
You can order free NARCAN by visiting OverdoseLifeline.org.