It’s always safest not to take drugs or medicines that are not prescribed to you.
Opioid use has a high risk of overdose. The risk is highest if you inject opioids.
Ways to reduce risks from opioids
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use opioids. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Be with people you trust - use a buddy system if possible.
Do not use alone. Look out for each other.
Prepare a plan with your buddy on what to do in case of an emergency.
This may be that you both agree to:
- learn the signs of an overdose
- use naloxone in an opioid emergency
- call the emergency services
- stay with the other person until help arrives
Start with a small amount and wait 2 hours before you take more.
This is to reduce the risk of an overdose or drug emergency. The contents or strength of drugs can vary, even in the same batch.
Your tolerance may also change if you do not use for a few days.
If you start with a small test amount, you can:
- see how you react
- stop if you get an effect you did not expect or do not want
It can take up to 2 hours for some effects to happen. If you take too much too soon, it increases your risk.
Only use 1 substance at a time.
Using opioids with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects. Mixing drugs is always more risky.
Consider less risky ways of using if you inject opioids.
Injecting drugs increases the risk of overdose and can cause vein damage or infections.
Keep track of what you use.
Take breaks between use to reduce your risk of tolerance.
Make sure you get enough food and rest.
Get and carry naloxone.
Naloxone is a prescription medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids. It can help prevent death from an overdose.
If you are at risk of an opioid overdose, you can get a naloxone kit through your GP or other services.
Give a naloxone kit to another person - this could be a family member, friend or someone who is around you when you use.
You may need an extra dose of naloxone if someone takes a nitazene instead of another opioid.
Plan a safe way to get home.
It is dangerous to drive if drugs are in your system. You could harm yourself or other people. A drug can still be in your system even if you do not feel the effects.
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of an overdose or drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose can be a life-threatening condition. It happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Check our drug alerts for extra risky drugs in Ireland.
We issue alerts if extra risky drugs are found in Ireland.
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Mixing opioids with alcohol or other drugs
Using opioids with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable and negative effects.
There is a high risk of overdose or death if you mix opioids with substances that slow down messages between the brain and the body.
For example:
- alcohol
- medicines such as benzodiazepines, methadone or pregabalin
- other opioids
- G (GHB or GBL)
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has taken an opioid and has:
- problems breathing - they may make a snoring or gurgling sound
- blue or grey lips or fingertips
- cold or clammy skin
- chest pain
- slow heartbeat
- lost consciousness
Use naloxone if you have it.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about opioid use
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can get support. This can be when opioid use affects your health, relationships, work or other areas of your life.
Getting help can prevent overdose. You can contact a drug service even if you are not sure that you want to change your drug use. They can help you find ways to reduce your risk of harm.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie