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Talking about the risks isn’t about squashing fun but rather giving us the opportunity to make informed decisions. Without some understanding of the risks, we can unexpectedly find ourselves in really serious situations. For example, new batches of drugs come into circulation from time to time with fatal consequences. With this in mind, if you are going to use drugs, are really worth checking out.

Ask yourself;

• Do I always feel good about what or how I use?
• Does it make me feel better in the long run?
• Am I completely in control of it?
• Am I comfortable talking to a friend about it?

If you answered 'no' to any of the above then it’s probably a sign that it’s becoming a problem. A positive step is to seek information from a , ring a helpline, talk to someone you trust, or discuss with a health professional.

People can use substances to “self-medicate” for emotional distress, social anxiety or difficulties with concentration. However, illicit substances can exacerbate difficulties or create new struggles. A health professional can help you address the underlying issues. 

Most illegal drugs are made in clandestine labs without regulated testing or safety protocols which means there is no “safe” dosage. So if you make the choice to take something, use strategies to minimise harm such as: start small, stick with friends, try not to mix drugs and limit alcohol/caffeine use. 

It’s worth remembering that if we’ve been removed from the party scene for awhile our tolerance for substances is reduced. The last thing anyone wants when we finally get to celebrate is to overdose and require medical assistance.

There are some great resources available online with reliable . Whether we decide to use or are on the fence, we want to understand the risks and make an informed decision. It can also help us to know if a friend is in trouble and how to help. There are a huge number of substances covered from cannabis to GHB, codeine to alcohol. Just because something is legal, doesn’t mean it is safe. If you want to talk to someone, health professionals are there to support you, not judge or criticise so it’s worth reaching out.

Changing patterns of behaviour can feel overwhelming. Start small and pick one situation you want to address. For example, initially you might want to replace one day of drinking with playing sport or hanging out with friends who don’t drink. This gives you some time to find out which strategies will work for you. Reducing use is good enough for some, stopping might be best for others. We won’t know what is useful until we start making changes and assess the benefits.