Urgent Help
Is this an emergency?
Are you or others in danger? Do you need an ambulance or the police?
000
Lifeline
24 hour phone line for crisis support and suicide prevention.
13 11 14
Kids Help Line
24 hour phone line. A free counselling service for young people across Australia aged between 5-25 years.
1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue
24 hour phone line for support, information and advice.
1300 224 636
Self help options
Self help options

Top tips for staying safe

Share
Print + Download

Here are some tips for staying safe no matter what you are using.

Staying safe is the most important thing. That starts with knowing what you are taking! Ask and research everything you can about a drug. Do your research. Where possible, know what you are taking, What are its effects, how long will they last, does it have side effects? 

  • Don’t drive! Or swim, or do anything that requires coordination and concentration for you and others to be safe.
  • Plan how you are going to use. Get your plan figured out before you’re already too wasted. How are you getting home? Who is driving or do you have access to funds for a rideshare?
  • Be extra careful the first time. If you are trying something for the first time make sure you use a tiny amount. Don’t use a new drug with anything else in your system or when you’re coming down from something else.
  • Don’t use by yourself. And if you can have someone else who isn’t intoxicated around
  • Use somewhere familiar and safe. Enough said!
  • Try a small amount first. You can always have more later.
  • Wait before using again. Most drugs take a while to peak, so waiting at least 1.5-2 hours before re-dosing ensures you don’t overdose by re-dosing.
  • Stick with a regular, trusted dealer. Ask about strength and purity. They won’t tell you when stuff is poor quality but they will tell you if its stronger than normal. They want you to keep coming back with your money!
  • Get help if you feel unwell. Let someone know and seek help if you’re feeling unwell, remembering that you can call an ambulance without getting in trouble.
  • Use one thing at a time. Avoid mixing drugs/alcohol.

You may also like to connect with Victoria’s new Pill Testing Service to confidentially find out what you’re using, or be notified about any risky batches going around.

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

Setting a goal for your drug use

Staying as safe as you can

What will not using or reducing my use feel like?

Planning ahead for the risky or tough times

Looking After Yourself When Using

Be Careful When (If!) You Use Again

Related Articles

Not sure what I want to do
Single Session Family Consultation [SSFC]

YoDAA can provide a neutral, confidential space led by professionals who understand the challenges families face. Their role is to support healthier communication—not to judge or take sides. Sometimes one good conversation is…

Duty of Care

If we become concerned about your safety (or anyone else’s) during a chat or phone session or because of the contents of an email, we will always do our best to…

Not sure what I want to do
Top tips for staying safe

Staying safe is the most important thing. That starts with knowing what you are taking! Ask and research everything you can about a drug. Do your research. Where possible, know what…