Harm Reduction:
Check Out The Writing On The Wall

If You're Gonna Drink or use Other Drugs Let's Talk About...

• Mixing Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Mixing alcohol and other drugs (illegal, prescription and over the counter) is more than double trouble. The problem is you don't know which effect to expect. Mixing drugs is extremely dangerous, it hits you hard, and you don't see it coming!

• Alcohol and Cold Weather
• Alcohol thins your blood making you more prone to frostbite and hypothermia if you're outside in the cold. The chances of passing out make mixing alcohol and cold weather really dangerous. As the saying goes - "be prepared" dress for the weather.

• Impaired Motoring
• (Cars, Snowmobiles, ATVs, Jet-Skis and Power Boats) Alcohol and other drugs affect your perception, judgement and reaction time. So how are you going to react in a life threatening situation if you are drunk?

• Sexual Activity
• These days young adults are faced with sexual health risks such as sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection and teenage pregnancy. Avoiding harm means acting sexually responsible and making the right choices. - Alcohol and other drugs can affect your ability to make wise ones.

• Fire Safety
• Kitchen Fires happen, so never leave cooking unattended. Best bet..... only cook when you are fully alert. Outdoor fires can also get out of control and ruin that great camping hangout. Stay on top of things, be responsible.

• Risk Taking
• When impaired our judgement is thrown off. This can lead to risky behavior. Alcohol and other drugs do not make us invincible! Accepting dares, challenging cars, and walking too close to a cliffs edge are all examples of dangerous risk taking behaviour.

• Water Safety
• Swimming and drugs are a bad combination. When impaired, our judgement and coordination are impaired as well. Safely operating boats requires sound perception, judgement and reaction time. Remember, even the best swimmers need life jackets! There are also winter activities that need to be given some thought. Mixing alcohol or other drugs with skating, ice fishing, jumping ice pans and snowmobiling are things to keep in mind here.

• Violence
• Often times people use alcohol and other drugs as an excuse for their aggressive behaviour. People lose sense of what is acceptable and what is not. They often end up regretting their violent actions. Keeping a clear head can help to prevent unnecessary trouble.

• Criminal Activity
• Underage drinking is a crime in itself. Alcohol is no excuse for more serious crimes. Often those convicted of break and entry, theft or vandalism will say "we only did it because we were drunk". There's no excuse. So, if you've made the decision to drink or use other drugs, be aware of the hidden dangers..... check out the writing on the wall!

For additional information, please contact one of the following Addictions Services Offices.