Taking any drug not prescribed to you can be harmful. There are some precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of overdose.
TIPS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF OVERDOSE
- Assume any pill that did not come from a legal pharmacy is tainted with fentanyl
- Never use alone
- Always carry Naloxone (Narcan)
- Use fentanyl strips. Be aware that if the test section is clean, this does not mean the entire batch is.
- Start with a small amount, e.g. a dab or half a pill
- Avoid mixing drugs, especially with alcohol
- If someone is sleeping or unconscious, put them in the recovery position
- Avoid mixing stimulants (e.g. cocaine, amphetamines) with other drugs, especially alcohol
- Never mix an opiate (e.g. heroin, morphine) with depressants (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines)
- Spiking’ of alcoholic drinks with GHB or Rohypnol does occur; the best advice to avoid this is not to accept a drink unless you have seen it being prepared and do not leave your drink unattended, If you think you have been ‘spiked’, stay with a trusted friend (not someone you have just met) and go to a safe place (your home/hospital/police station).
If you think someone has overdosed (shallow/no breathing, pinpoint pupils, blue/gray lips, non-responsiveness):
- Call 911 immediately. Good Samaritan Laws protect anyone who calls 911.
- Use Narcan, and start CPR. Narcan cannot hurt them.
- Stay with them until help comes.
