Hello Ravens!
It’s already that time of year where the air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and everything is pumpkin-scented!
This also means that Halloween is on the horizon, and while this can be an exciting celebration of creativity and candy, it also carries some risks.
Here are some simple and effective harm reduction tips to help you have a safer Halloweekend!
- Start small, go slow: Different drugs and ways of administration can have different effects on the body. Start with a low dose and increase slowly if you feel it is necessary.
- Avoid mixing: mixing different substances can have enhanced or uncontrolled effects and increase the risk of overdose or other harm. For example, avoid mixing tobacco and cannabis or mixing alcohol with cocaine. It is safer to refrain from using one substance at a time.
- Not too much, not too often: limit the amount of a substance you take at one time and try not to use it too many days in a week in a row to allow your body to recover.
- Avoid using alone: if you decide to use substances yourself, let someone else know when, where and what substance you plan to use so they can call for help if needed.
- Know your limits: know and stick to the amount of use that feels right to you. If you are not sure what your limit is, start with a low dose and increase slowly if you feel the need. Canada’s low-risk drinking guidelines suggest no more than three drinks for women or four drinks for men at any one time.
- Plan ahead: plan what, when, where and how much before you start using drugs/alcohol. Decide whether to take the bus, Uber or Lyft, or have a designated driver for the night. Charge your phone and make sure you have extra layers for the cool weather.
- Refuel: stay hydrated and eat a nutritious meal before using substances. Continue to drink water while using substances to help keep your body hydrated, and if you drink alcohol, have a soft drink between every one or two drinks.
- Consent is essential: substances can lower inhibitions and impair judgment and contribute to higher risk behaviors. Consent must be sober and enthusiastic, so refrain from engaging in sexual activity if you or your potential partner(s) are intoxicated.
- Carry Naloxone: Narcan can be easily taken, administered, and can save lives by temporarily reducing an opioid overdose. Canada has seen an increase in opioids being mixed with other substances, so it’s safer to have Narcan available no matter what substances you use.
For more information about substance use health, harm reduction, or strategies for staying safe when using different substances, visit the Wellness website and follow @CarletonWellness on Instagram.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or just want a safe space to talk about changes in their use, All People All Pathways peer support meetings are the place for you. These meetings are in style and are specifically for Carleton students. Meetings are held every Thursday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Zoom and you can find more information on our Support and Resources page.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in Campus Life, Mobile Announcements, News, Wellness
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