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Self help options

Staying as safe as you can

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Regardless of what you use, you can always try to be as safe as possible!

Whether you are trying a drug for the first time, been using ‘full-on’ for years, whether you smoke, swallow, inject or sniff, or you drink alcohol, or use heroin or the newest designer drug, there is one thing that should be common to everyone. You can always try to be as safe as you can when using.

There are general tips for staying safe and tips specific to different drugs.

Sometimes putting every bit of harm reduction advice into practice can be hard. For instance, getting a taxi home after drinking might be safer than walking home but if you have no money, this is hard. None-the-less the more aware you are of how to stay safe the more you can have some choice over your health.

Our Top Tips for Staying Safe article has some great tips for staying safe no matter what you are using and Harm Reduction Victoria also has some really great resources for young people, specific to different drugs.

It takes courage to change. Remember you are not alone & other young people have been in your shoes.

Get help now

YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Further Reading

Slip-ups and using again

Looking after yourself when you’re using

Cutting down without stopping

Early Psychosis Program | headspace

What is psychosis? | headspace

Understanding why I use

Anxiety | What is Anxiety & The Effects in Young People | headspace

How does alcohol affect mental health | headspace

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