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Nwicker60
12-Dec-11, 13:40
Be careful how you handle drink and drugs

THE run-up to Christmas can be party season for many people.
However, sometimes you can take the party too far and be putting your life at risk. With this in mind The Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP) is issuing the following advice on the risks involved with drug and alcohol use during the festive period.
Debbie Stewart, Coordinator with HADP, explained that the festive period is a time when there can be an increased risk of overdose.
She said: “It is a time to socialise, have fun with family and friends but it is also a time when people take more risks with what they take on a night out or at a party.
“A particular danger is combining depressant drugs, such as heroin and/or diazepam, with alcohol. However, through our work with our client groups we know that there is more awareness out there about the symptoms of alcohol or drug overdose.”
She explained that the Naloxone programme, where drug users and their friends and family are given advice on recognising the signs of an overdose and how to administer Naloxone, an antidote to an opiate overdose, safely, has been very successful.
Stimulant use, however, is not as widely talked about and users of these particular drugs don’t necessarily access harm reduction services and may not be getting the advice they need.
She said: “What seems to be less commonly recognised are the signs of a serious reaction to Ecstasy. There’s no way of telling what’s in Ecstasy or how your body will react to it until you've swallowed it, so there’s no completely safe advice, but if you insist on using it, then try to reduce the risks as much as possible.”
There are no safeguards or actions which can make taking illicit drugs completely safe. Any drug user who is unable to stop using drugs is urged to take the following precautions:
• Avoid using drugs on your own, and always tell friends what you’ve taken and keep an eye on each other.
• Take a small dose – ‘street’ heroin can vary in widely in strength, always use a smaller ‘test’ dose first. If taking a tablet, take half to one tablet and wait to see the effects. Don’t be fooled into using more. This gives you more control over the effects.
• Remember they can be cut with other drugs or materials which can be harmful in themselves.
• Never take drugs in combination – heroin taken along with benzodiazepines and/or alcohol is particularly dangerous.
• Never take Ecstasy if you feel unwell.
• Ecstasy affects the body's temperature control. Dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere increases the chances of overheating and dehydration. Take regular breaks from the dance floor to cool down.
• Look out for signs of friends becoming unwell – especially signs that they may be overheating – dizziness; feeling sick or tired; sudden headaches or cramps in arms or legs; flushed face without sweating; collapse and unconsciousness.
• If you or someone you are with show any of the above symptoms you must call an ambulance immediately – any delay could be fatal.
• If someone you are with overdoses, place them in the recovery position, call an ambulance and stay with them until it arrives. Your help could save a life.
The Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership are also holding an Overdose Prevention event in the run-up to the festive period.
This is open to all members of the public and will provide more detailed information, training opportunities and support.
The event will be held at Highland Homeless Trust offices, 57 Church Street, Inverness on Tuesday December 20th between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
If you would like further advice contact:
Harm Reduction - 01463 717594
Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership 01463 704608 www.highland-adp.org.uk