Making informed choices about drug use is essential for staying safe and protecting your well-being.
Whether you use substances occasionally, regularly, or are simply looking out for friends, understanding harm reduction strategies can help minimise risks and prevent serious consequences. This page provides practical advice on safer use, recognising signs of overdose, and accessing support—without judgment. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can make the safest choices possible in any situation.
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed sedative drugs. They may be short or long acting. Valium is the most widely used benzodiazepine in the UK. In addition to prescribed medical use, benzodiazepines are also used recreationally in the UK.
They work by increasing the levels of a brain neurotransmitter called GABA (Gabba Amino Butyric Acid). GABA has a calming effect on the brain.
They relieve anxiety and tension and can make people feel more calm and relaxed. Effects begin around 30 minutes after taking and can last for up to 6 hours.
Risk & Harm Reduction
As with all drugs it is best to take benzodiazepines with people you trust rather than on your own and to start with a small dose and wait.
Benzodiazepines should never be stopped suddenly. Always reduce their use gradually with your doctor’s supervision.
Alcohol can interact with benzodiazepines so is best avoided, as is using different types of benzodiazepines together.
The effect of slowing reactions and making people drowsy can make accidents more likely. It can be dangerous to drive while on tranquillisers.
There has been an increase in fake tablets sold as diazepam (valium) containing adulterants. Avoid using prescribed drugs if they are not prescribed to you and start any new packet with a tester dose.
Cannabis comes from the plant Cannabis Sativa that grows naturally in many parts of the world. It comes in three forms: herbal, resin, and oil. The main ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabis is often smoked in a ‘joint’ with or without tobacco. It can also be inhaled or eaten. It is sometimes baked into cakes or mixed with drinks such as tea.
It can have sedating, hallucinogenic and/or stimulant properties. Meaning that, it can make people feel relaxed and happy and some people may get the giggles and become talkative. Also, people may become more aware of their senses but also lethargic.
Risk & Harm Reduction
As Cannabis may worsen anxiety and paranoia in some people, only use it where you feel safe and with people you trust. Avoid using Cannabis if you’re prone to anxiety or have existing mental health problems.
Start low, go slow as potency can be hugely variable. Start with a very small dose and, if using more, increase dose cautiously. Give time for previous doses to wear off, about 30 minutes.
Water pipes (bongs) cause you to inhale more deeply which increases the risk of lung damage. Avoid sharing joints, vapes, pipes and bongs with others.
If using water pipes, treat your paraphernalia with pride. Keep your pipes and bongs clean and avoid plastic bottles, pipes, etc as it can increase toxic fumes.
Cocaine is a white powder derived from the leaves of the coca shrub, a plant that grows in South America.
It is usually split into lines and snorted up the nose though it may be swallowed or, rarely, made into an injectable solution with water.
Cocaine is a strong but short-acting stimulant drug that speeds up the body. It makes users feel energetic, confident, alert and strong.
Crack cocaine is an intense but short-acting drug produced through a chemical process that produces peanut sized ‘rocks’. Crack is usually smoked in a pipe, glass tube, plastic bottle or in foil, it often makes a cracking sound when heated.
Risk & Harm Reduction
As cocaine is a stimulant, high doses increase heart rate and body temperature and can lead to heart problems, including heart attacks, strokes and seizures. There has been an increase in deaths related to cocaine use. Start low and go slow.
Don’t mix cocaine with other drugs, including alcohol. Mixing cocaine and alcohol could form a dangerous chemical in your body called cocaethylene.
Using cocaine a lot can make people feel tired, depressed and rundown. At higher dose levels users may feel very anxious, panicky and paranoid. With chronic use dependence, restlessness, hyperactivity, insomnia and weight loss may develop. As with all drugs it is best to be with others you know and trust if you plan to take cocaine.
Snorting cocaine can lead to nose bleeds and permanent damage to the inside of the nose, so be sure to flush out your nose after using.
Also, to prevent the transmission of viruses such as hepatitis, use your own equipment and do not share paraphernalia.
Ecstasy (commonly referred to as MDMA) usually comes in pills in many different shapes and colours, although it is occasionally found as MDMA powder or crystal. It is usually swallowed but may be snorted.
Ecstasy is a stimulant drug which has mild hallucinogenic effects and remains popular with those into the clubbing and dance scene.
The effects of taking a moderate dose start after 20-60 minutes and can last up to several hours.
Those using ecstasy report feeling energetic yet calm, with an enhanced sense of surroundings.
Risk & Harm Reduction
Some people report feeling anxious and confused after using ecstasy and the comedown may take several days, causing people to feel depressed and tired.
Some evidence links ecstasy use to memory problems, depression, heart, kidney, and liver problems and those with high blood pressure, liver, or psychiatric problems should avoid its use.
There is no way of knowing what exactly is in an ecstasy pill so it is always best to start low (with 1/4 of a tablet) go slow or if possible get the pill tested before use.
If using ecstasy whilst dancing, it can lead to dehydration and overheating, however it is important not to drink too much to counteract this. Rather, sip one pint of non-alcoholic liquid an hour and take time out to cool down and rest.
Pharmaceutical Ketamine is usually in liquid form. Tablets and white crystalline powder are most commonly seen on the street. Powdered Ketamine is often snorted, though it may be swallowed. If sniffed the effects of Ketamine generally come on quickly and can last from about 20 minutes to a couple of hours.
Ketamine can cause a loss of feeling and numbness of the muscles. People who use Ketamine may feel sick and detached from their environment – sometimes referred to as floating. Hallucinations may be experienced, which, at high doses, may include an out-of-body sensation called the ‘K Hole’. Flashbacks of these hallucinations are possible.
Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic used medically in operations in humans and animals.
Risk & Harm Reduction
Repeated or heavy use of Ketamine is very harmful to the urinary system, causing Ketamine Bladder Syndrome. Ketamine causes urinary incontinence and some individuals have had to have their bladder removed. To lower the risk, take regular breaks from using (at least two weeks).
There is evidence to suggest that heavy use can lead to physical and psychological dependance. It is better to reduce the use of this drug gradually and take days off using.
Ketamine should not be used with alcohol or other depressant drugs.
High doses may lead to blackouts and temporary paralysis, and coordination can be severely affected making accidents more likely. Therefore it is a good idea to be with people you trust and in a safe place when taking the drug.
Be aware of physical effects; take care of your nose, flush your nose after use and drink plenty of a non-alcoholic liquid, like water, to prevent dehydration.
Opioids are a group of drugs that range from Codeine, to illegal drugs like Heroin.
They are intended to be used for a limited period of time to treat pain that does not respond to standard painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol.
They work by attaching to Opioid receptors in your brain cells to release signals that block your perception of pain and boost your feelings of pleasure.
The feelings of pleasure that result from taking an Opioid can also make people want to continue experiencing those feelings, which can contribute to physical dependence on the substance.
Risk & Harm Reduction
Some street drugs, including prescription drugs, have been contaminated with synthetic Opioids, Fentanyl and Nitazenes. These are very strong and have led to an increase in deaths caused by overdose.
Start with a small amount and wait to feel the peak effects before taking more. If you are using pills that have not been prescribed, try cutting them into smaller pieces.
CARRY NALOXONE AND DO NOT USE ALONE!
Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an Opioid overdose. It blocks the effects of other Opioids.
It is easy to administer and available from services, via using our QR code. Always make sure to ring an ambulance as soon as possible.
If you are injecting, or smoking, be sure to make use of needle exchange services. You will be provided with clean needles and other equipment to prevent the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis.
To find out where to access needle exchange services, please contact us and speak to a member of our team.
Get in touch with our outreach service. We will discuss your drug and alcohol use and see how we can help make the party fun again.
We offer one-to-one key working support alongside Counselling or CBT. Counselling and CBT at Renaissance is a completely free service with a therapy team consisting of Volunteer Therapists and Counsellors.
Counselling can provide a safe and regular space for you to talk and explore difficult issues in your life and the feelings that go with them.
The Counsellor is there to support you and respect your views. They won’t usually give advice but will aim to try to help you find your own insights and understanding of your problems.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) believes that what you think and do affects the way you feel.
CBT works with thoughts and feelings in the here-and-now.
CBT is about finding out what is keeping us ‘stuck’ and making changes in our thinking and actions in order to improve the way we feel. It is a collaborative therapy and needs your active participation in order to be helpful.
The options of support were great. They directed me to counselling sessions that have been hugely beneficial and greatly appreciated.
Blackpool
Tracy was an absolute “gem”. Her care and support helped me through a mentally painful period. She listened, she remembered!
Lancashire
Revolution has helped me to turn around many negative elements of my life. The staff are extremely knowledgeable of the challenges faced by people living with HIV and have personally given me their time, tools and sound advice needed to start my health management journey and beyond.
Lancashire
Nina is the best support. She has been there for me more than my own nurse has been. When I need support, she is always there.
Blackburn with Darwen
They listened to me and helped me sort out certain issues which were important to me. I felt that they did listen and help me through stuff.
Blackpool
An exceptional and outstanding support service. The service has given me hope and a sense of belonging.
Blackburn with Darwen
Renaissance UK is a North West based charity specialising in community focused substance use and sexual health services.
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