Harm reduction aims to reduce the harmful health, social and economic harms associated with substance use. Harm reduction is a non-judgmental approach that follows foundational principles central to harm reduction and engages people “where they are at” in terms of their substance use. Harm reduction allows conversations to start with safety and reducing risks without focusing on the individual stopping substance use.
Using safer substance use methods, access to harm reduction supplies and naloxone, and proper disposal of used equipment reduces harms for both the individual and the community, including the risk of overdose and the spread of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Staying safe when using substances
Go slow
Start with a small amount of the substance every time, even with the same batch.
Don’t take more than one substance at a time
Taking more than one substance can increase your risk of drug poisoning. Depending on the combination of substances, it can also place too much stress on your heart, cause sudden changes in blood pressure or cause dehydration.
Make sure you have a naloxone kit with you whenever you consume substances, even if you don’t plan on consuming opioids.
Have a plan to not use alone
Someone needs to be there to give naloxone and get emergency help if you overdose. Take your substances with someone you trust in person, by phone, or have someone check on you. If you’re both taking a drug, take them at different times. If you are alone, call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-NORS (6677) to have someone help keep you safe.
Use new supplies
Use only new supplies and avoid sharing supplies to reduce your risk of getting or passing on an infectious disease.
Needle Syringe Program (NSP)
| NSP benefits |
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Taking care of yourself
| Tips to support your physical health when consuming substances |
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Opioids and other drugs
| Benzodiazepines |
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Benzodiazepines are a family of drugs that function as a central nervous system depressant. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, sleep disorders or seizure disorders. When used as prescribed by a physician, benzodiazepines are safe; however, combining benzodiazepines with other depressant drugs can be dangerous. Powerful benzodiazepines such as Etizolam have been found in the unregulated opioid drug supply. This can complicate an opioid overdose response as naloxone will not reverse a benzodiazepine overdose. Etizolam overdose can present with signs and symptoms like an opioid overdose and can include:
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| Cocaine |
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Cocaine is a stimulant drug that makes people feel energetic, talkative, alert, and euphoric. The white crystalline powder form of cocaine can be snorted or injected while the base form of cocaine (also known as crack) can be smoked and looks like crystals or rocks. Cocaine on its own causes blood vessels to thicken and constrict which reduces the flow of oxygen to the heart, causes the heart to work harder which increases risk of heart attack, and raises blood pressure. Regular use may result in tolerance to the euphoric effects of cocaine, meaning a person may need to take more of the drug to get the same desired effect. Cocaine can also be mixed with other drugs such as fentanyl. There is no way to tell by the colour, taste or smell, if fentanyl is in cocaine. Always carry a naloxone kit (even if you don’t plan on consuming opioids), avoid using alone, and use new supplies when smoking or injecting cocaine. For more information on cocaine, visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. |
| Crystal methamphetamine |
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Crystal methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that speeds up the body’s central nervous system and provides an intense sense of euphoria. The white, crystalline substance can come in powder or a crystal form that can be smoked, swallowed, snorted, or injected. Effects can last up to 12 hours. In addition to an intense euphoria, methamphetamine use may cause racing of the heart, chest pain, dryness of mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, physical tension, irritability, paranoid delusions, hallucinations, aggressive behaviour and impulsive violence. Crystal methamphetamine may also be mixed with fentanyl. Always carry a naloxone kit (even if you don’t intend on consuming opioids), avoid using alone, and use new supplies when smoking or injecting crystal methamphetamine. Visit our harm reduction page (link to page) for more strategies. For more information on methamphetamine, visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. |
| Opioids |
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Opioids are a class of depressant drug that reduce experiences of pain. Common opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (e.g., Percocet), hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid), heroin, and fentanyl. Opioids can cause dangerously slow breathing that may lead to overdose and death. Certain opioids, such as fentanyl, are very powerful so even a small amount can cause overdose and death. Opioid overdoses and fatalities have risen dramatically in the past six years in the KFL&A area due to the introduction of fentanyl into the unregulated drug supply. The unregulated drug supply contains unknown amounts of fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and other fillers that increase the risk of overdose and death. An opioid overdose happens when there is more of the opioid in your body than it can handle. An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Always call 911 and give naloxone, if available. Signs of an opioid overdose can include:
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