Harm reduction techniques crack

Know that the worst part of the crash only lasts for 45 minutes to an hour. Try relaxation techniques to calm down during the crash. Some people find eating after a binge can help get you feeling better. Avoid using alcohol during the crash.

You might try asking a loved-one to hold onto your money for a while or leaving with only a set amount of money and no ATM card. Avoiding General Physical Harm One way to reduce your use is to set rules for yourself, such as never using before a certain time of day. Eat a good meal before you start using since it may be a while before eating well again. Mixing cocaine with alcohol and other drugs increases the risks significantly.

People who use alcohol and cocaine together are at significantly elevated risk of heart attack alcohol and cocaine combine in the body to form toxic cocaethylene.

If you skin-pick when high, make sure to have something else to keep in your hands to play with, or if you chew on your lips or grind your teeth, try chewing gum instead. Cocaine is riskier for people with age-related cardiovascular disease, so get checked for cardiovascular heath, and if you have any degree of disease, strongly consider ceasing or at least reducing your cocaine use.

As a cocaine user you need to take care of your cardiovascular health, so ask your doctor to test your blood pressure, circulation and whatever else she recommends. Again, if you have early warning signs of heart damage or cardiovascular disease, you should strongly consider stopping or at least reducing your cocaine use. Studies show that seemingly healthy young adult recreational cocaine users often display multiple cardiovascular risk factors, such as higher blood pressure, aortic thickening and heart scarring.

When using new cocaine, always try a small amount first as a potency tester, especially if injecting. Avoid mixing cocaine with opiates for a speedball. Mixing cocaine with alcohol or other sedatives also increases fatal overdose risks.

Cocaine overdose is often cardiovascular in nature heart attack, stroke or serious arrhythmia. Naloxone injection will not reverse cocaine overdose so emergency medical attention is required. To avoid fatal overdose, you should avoid using cocaine alone, so you have someone on hand to call , if needed. Do not wait before calling If you wait until the situation becomes critical, it may be too late.

Signs of Overdose Anyone who uses cocaine or loves a cocaine user should know the warning signs of overdose: Signs of cocaine overdose include: Nausea and throwing up. Passing out. An elevated body temperature and heavy sweating.

Racing heart beat. Any signs of heart attack, such as chest pain tightening in the chest. Participant Involvement: Ensures participants and communities impacted have a real voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them. Participant Autonomy: Affirms participants as the primary agents of change, and seeks to empower participants to share information and support each other in strategies which meet their actual conditions of harm.

Harm Reduction Interventions Risk Reduction: Tools and services to reduce potential harm h arm r eduction: The approach and fundamentals to reduce potential harm H arm R eduction: A philosophical and political movement focused on shifting power and resources to people most vulnerable to structural violence Understanding Risk, Set and Setting Nothing and no one exists in a vacuum.

Risk The risk itself e. What issue is being presented? What other possible sources of harm might be connected to the main issue? What drug is being used? What is the risk of overdose? How are they feeling? Are they physically in pain or hurt? Do they need to get well? Can they engage with you fully? Are their basic needs being met?

Setting What is the physical environment where the potential harm is occuring? In a home? At work? On the street? Who is around them? Police, bystanders, other participants? How does the person present to these people? How will they react? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.

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Understanding cocaine Staying safe Cutting down Find support. If you or someone you know is using cocaine and wants to make changes, we're here to help. Understanding cocaine Cocaine comes in two types: as a fine white powder. Usually, people snort powder cocaine as small lines, but it can also be injected or wrapped in cigarette paper and swallowed. This type is called crack cocaine. People usually take crack by smoking it.

Cocaine use can also lead to insomnia, anxiety, and an unpleasant comedown. Keeping yourself safe The best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid drugs completely. Try not to use drugs alone. Try not to mix cocaine and alcohol, or any other drugs. Lots of people don't use cocaine while sober, but decide to when they are drunk.

This can make it more likely to binge and take too much. Drugs and alcohol together can put extra strain on your heart and liver. You might also make poor decisions and take risks you wouldn't usually take, which could be dangerous. Start with a very small amount and see how you feel. Not all cocaine has the same purity and strength, so it can be hard to judge the dose.

Try and stick to small lines to avoid taking too much. They can be dirty and can spread blood-borne viruses. Ideally, use a clean surface for cutting up lines.