 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
What to do in the event of an Overdose |
 |
If you, or a person you know use drugs like heroin, print this page out and carry it with you. These simple steps could save someone else's life – or someone could save your life. Information about problems with Ecstasy is available here.
Remember, you are much more likely to overdose if:
- You inject. Although overdosing still happens when drugs like heroin are smoked or swallowed.
- You do not have tolerance (you're body is not use to taking the drug).
- You have lost tolerance because of a break from the drug, for example, after time in hospital.
- You use depressant (downer) drugs like heroin. Especially if you take other drugs and/or alcohol with heroin.
How to Get Help if Someone Overdoses
Most people who overdose have been in contact with other people in the hours before they die. Below you will find details of the steps you should take if someone you are with is overdosing or heading that way.
- Carry out the simple Red Cross First Aid steps detailed here.
- Call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator that someone is unconscious and finding breathing difficult. Follow the operator’s instructions. Continue to give First Aid until the ambulance arrives.
- Tell the ambulance crew what the person has taken - be honest. The crew may be carrying drugs to treat an overdose.
- Don't worry about the police and being arrested. The police, like everyone else, would rather someone avoids death and your honesty may save someone's life. Even if you are arrested, there are trained drug workers available at police stations in Surrey who will be able to help you.
Ecstasy
How to Avoid Problems with Ecstasy - Some do's and dont's
Remember - if you want to avoid the downside of drugs - don't take them. But for those of you who just say yes then follow these rules on Ecstasy.
- Do make sure the club or venue is well ventilated, gives clubbers access to free water and has a chill out room - somewhere that is quieter and cool where people can rest up and get a drink of water. It should also have trained first-aiders on the staff
- Do take a break from the dancing at least once an hour and go somewhere cool
- Do take regular non-alcoholic drinks like fruit juice or water. Not tea or coffee though, which can make you pee thus increasing the risk of dehydration
- Do stop if you feel ill or suffer from any of the above symptoms
- Don't DRINK ALCOHOL!!!!!!!!!!! Booze and Ecstasy are a very dangerous combination
- Don't drink too much water. This may sound silly but it's true. Drinking water at the rate of about a pint an hour should be just right. But if someone is getting dehydrated or ill then pouring pints and pints of water in to them all at once can overwhelm their kidneys and they could die from too much rather than too little water. Give them small sips often and CALL an AMBULANCE. Don't be afraid to tell the crew and doctors and nurses what the person has taken - it could be important
- Don't take too much Ecstasy. It really is true that less is more with Ecstasy. Taking it too often can mean that people take too much to get the same effect. Or, because it sometimes takes a while for the effect to come on, people think its not working and take another tab. The more you take, the more the risks of trouble
Oh yes......it's also a class A drug and carries heavy penalties for possession and/or supply. If you want to know more or you are worried about your own or someone elses Ecstasy use contact us at info@sadas.org.uk or go to contact us
|
|
 |
 |
|
|