What's ok?

Are there safe options for using alcohol and other drugs?

What is okay for a person will depend on the individual, what is being used, under what circumstances it is being used, etc. No use of alcohol and other drugs is always the safest option.

If you are concerned about whether your use is okay, check out the following

 

 

 

No drugs are safe - all drugs have risks associated with them. This includes drugs prescribed by a doctor, medicines you buy over-the-counter at the supermarket or pharmacy, legal drugs such as tobacco or alcohol, and illegal drugs such as cannabis, methamphetamines, ecstasy and heroin.

The effect of any one drug (including alcohol) depends on lots of things, including the person's size, weight, metabolism, general health and wellbeing, how much is used, how it is taken, whether the person is used to using it, whether other drugs are also taken, the person's mood and the environment in which it is used.

No use of alcohol and other drugs, unless prescribed by a health professional for a medical condition, is always the safest option. However, if you do choose to use alcohol or other drugs, please:

• When taking prescription medications, always follow the prescriber's advice.
• When drinking alcohol, make sure you drink sensibly and stick to the recommended guidelines.
• When using illicit drugs, know what you are taking, what the expected effects are, what the risks are, what the warning signs are and what to do if something goes wrong - knowledge is the most important thing you can have.

If you would like to discuss anything about your alcohol or other drug use, the alcohol drug helpline (0800 787 797) offers free confidential information, help and support.