How can you help if someone reacts badly to drugs?

How can you help if someone reacts badly to drugs?

If you're with someone and things go wrong, try not to panic. Stay calm and ask yourself these questions:

1. Are they tense or panicky?

If so:

Try to calm them down. Let them know the feeling will go away soon, and reassure them as much as possible, even though you might feel scared.
Tell them to take slow, deep breaths.
Get them to sit down somewhere quiet, away from bright lights.

These feelings are most likely when someone has taken cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms or speed.

2. Are they really sleepy?

If so:

Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance straight away.
Try and keep them awake. Talk to them slowly and quietly so you don't panic them.
Put them in the recovery position.
Don't give them any coffee or alcohol, as this can make things worse.

Heroin, solvents, alcohol or tranquillisers are most likely to cause sleepiness or unconsciousness.

3. Are they getting hot or dehydrated*?

If so:

Move them to a cooler and quieter area.
If they're wearing a heavy jacket, take it off.
Try to get them to take sips of a non-alcoholic drink.
If they don't get better, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Remember: it's also possible to become over hydrated if you drink too much water. If someone starts feeling dizzy, sick, lethargic or has a headache because of this, call a doctor or an ambulance.

Drugs such as ecstasy, speed and cocaine can cause these kinds of reactions, especially in busy or crowded settings such as raves or nightclubs.

*How do you know if someone's dehydrated?

The first sign of dehydration is thirst. Other symptoms are:

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