The holiday season is the time of year where people head out to parties with family and friends, and Interior Health wants to ensure that everyone stays safe.
With this in mind, Interior Health’s harm reduction team has complied a list of safety tips to help keep people safe while consuming alcohol and drugs.
1. Leave the car and keys at home: If you’re planning on consuming substances, avoid getting behind the wheel. Call a taxi or a ride share service, take public transportation or have a sober driver transport you to and from your destination.
2. Check your supply: Ensure that any drugs you take are safe and fentanyl-free by visiting a local testing site. To find a site near you, visit drugchecking.ca
3. Play it safe: Avoid mixing drugs and stick to one substance at a time. Tripsit has charts that you can use to check drug combinations.
4. Take it slow: Pace yourself throughout the night. Avoid consuming substances quickly and don’t overdo it.
5. Choose your crew carefully: Make sure you have people around you that you can trust, who will look out for you and your best interests.
6. Naloxone saves lives: If you’re taking opioids or know someone who is, you can pick up a free naloxone kit at your local pharmacy. Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. You can also get overdose prevention and response training at www.towardtheheart.com/naloxone-training.
7. Keep your stomach full: Ensure that you’re well fed and hydrated. Have a water bottle handy that you can sip on throughout the night.
8. Visit a doctor: If you’re struggling with your mental health and are experiencing sleep or appetite issues and low mood, or are taking substances, contact your primary care provider or counsellor. You can also call 310-MHSU (6478) to reach your local Interior Health mental health and substance use centre. No area code is required.
9. Make a call: If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness, you can call:
Interior Health Crisis Line: 1-888-353-CARE (2273)
KUU-US 24/7 Indigenous Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
Métis Crisis Line: 1-833-638-4722
