Stay Safe This Summer: Advice on Reducing Drug-Related Harm

Summer in the Outer Hebrides can bring brighter days with longer hours of daylight. Warm weather can increase the risks associated with alcohol and drug use. Some substances can affect your body's ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration, overheating and heat exhaustion.

If you are heading to a festival or summer event there are ways to stay safe and look after yourself and your friends. The Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership would like to provide some advice to help you stay safe.

If you choose to use drugs, while it is not recommended and the safest option is not to use drugs at all, remember that no drug use is without risk. The strength and contents of substances can vary, increasing the chance of harm. Stay with friends and look out for each other, take breaks from the sun, and never mix drugs with alcohol or other substances. If someone becomes unwell, seek medical help immediately. Festival staff and medical teams are there to help.

Combining alcohol with drugs, or mixing different drugs, can significantly increase the risk of overdose, impaired judgement, accidents, and injuries. Warmer weather may increase these risks. If you do mix substances, use less of each than you normally would and make sure someone you trust is around who can help if needed.

Summer gatherings, festivals and outdoor events can be enjoyable, but people can become unwell quickly, particularly in hot weather. Drink water regularly, eat before and during social occasions, and pace yourself throughout the day and evening. Certain drugs can also affect blood sugar levels, making it especially important to look after yourself. Stay with friends and don't hesitate to seek medical help if you are concerned about someone.

It is advisable not to use drugs alone, but if you do, there are ways to reduce the risks. Let someone know where you are, keep your phone charged and accessible, and avoid taking large amounts or using substances too quickly. Be aware of the signs of overheating, dehydration and overdose, and seek help immediately if someone becomes seriously unwell. Using smaller amounts at a time and avoiding higher-risk substances can help reduce harm.

It is also important to know that drug potency can vary, increasing the risk of overdose. If you choose to take drugs, be aware that the strength and contents may be different from what you expect. Knowing the signs of an overdose can be vital. These can include difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, blue/grey lips or fingertips, very slow heart rate, and fitting/seizures. All of these require immediate help.

If someone overdoses, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Even if Naloxone is used, always call emergency services. Its effects are temporary and further medical help may be needed. Acting quickly could save a life.

When someone uses drugs, it affects more than just the individual. Partners, children, parents and other family members can experience stress, worry, fear and isolation. It's important to remember that support is available for families too. Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) offer information, advice and support through online resources and telephone services, helping families feel less alone and better supported. You don't have to cope on your own. https://www.sfad.org.uk/support-services

You can also find information on other alcohol and drug services available in the Outer Hebrides on our website – www.outerhebadp.com