10 Harm Reduction Tips for People Who use Stimulants (Methamphetamine, cocaine, and bath salts (cathinones) 1. Sleep. Lack of sleep increases chances of negative side effects and psychosis. We all need a break sometimes. 2. Set personal limits on use. Stim use is often characterized by compulsive redosing. Set a time and consumption limit for yourself. Only buy what you intend to use. 3. Stay hydrated. Drink water; you’ll feel better. Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production. Dry mouth causes complications and infections. 4. Take breaks. Keep your tolerance down with sleep, food, and water. 5. Avoid mixing substances. Especially alcohol and benzos. Also avoid MAOI’s while using uppers. 6. Sample your drug before you slam it. Test before you ingest. Your baggy doesn’t come with a label so go slow. Fentanyl and other fillers have been cut into stim supply in NH. Use fentanyl test strips and reagent test kits to learn what’s in your bag. More synthetics have emerged and are being sold as uppers. Safer-stim-use2.indd 1
Visit BTNX.com for fentanyl test strips and dancesafe.org for reagent tests.
Using Stimulants in the times of Covid-19
7. Take a magnesium supplement. Ideally magnesium aspartate, citrate, lactate, chloride, and glycinate. 200mg of elemental magnesium once a day can reduce jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and tolerance. 8. Do not skin pop (IM) stimulants. This causes serious abscesses. Rotate your injection sites to reduce harm. 9. If injecting meth, always run it through a new cotton filter. Do not “backload” your shots. Use a cotton filter to protect your body from impurities and environmental contaminants. You do not want what’s left behind the cotton in your body. Use a new cotton every time. 10. Know the risks. Know yourself. Know your drugs. Seek care and challenge yourself to improve your health and wellness and live a selfdirected life. Help is available. When you’re ready, ask someone you trust about options for recovery.
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Lebanon, NH 03766 Online at: h2rc.org 603.276.9698
COVID-19 sucks. Especially for people who use stimulants. The economic recession and issues with healthcare systems have made the life of many drug users very difficult. We put this resource together for you with tips that will help to stay safe, reduce harms, and avoid trips to the Emergency Department. We want you to stay healthy and reach your full potential. So please, work to protect yourself and improve your health. Remember, if you inject, you should use a new syringe every time, use clean works, heat up your cooker, wash your hands regularly, and don’t share your gear. August 2020 9/23/2020 8:27:59 PM
Overramping
A stimulant overdose does not look like an opioid overdose. It can look like a lot of things dependent on the drug, set, and setting. Physical Symptoms of Meth OD: • Overheating,
• Vibrating vision,
• Increased heart rate,
• Drooling or frothing at the mouth,
• Dehydration,
• Muscle spasms,
Start Low, Go slow: take your time and wait to use until you feel in control. You can more later, but once it’s in you, it’s in. If you have a new supply, start with a tiny tester amount. Go slow and always use a fentanyl test strip to see if there’s any fentanyl in your stimulants. If you’re trying to ration, try a small amount and see how that feels. Microdosing works.
• Sweating,
• Trouble walking and talking, and
Opioid Overdose: You might think you don’t need Narcan because you don’t use opioids, but fentanyl is being found in any pill or powder, including uppers in the region. So even stimulant users are at risk of opioid overdose. Don’t get caught offguard.
• Confusion
Just say know How much do you know about your drug supply? COVID-19 messed up all levels of the drug supply, from the chemists to your baggy. Supply chains have been interrupted and weird things are happening to the drug supply. Do your best to learn about what you’re using. If it seems different, ask your connect “why.” An educated consumer is an empowered consumer. Stock Up, if you can: Consider a day when you cannot get the drugs you use on a regular basis. Do you have an emergency freak-out kit ready? Do you have a back up supplier you trust? Know a good provider for medication? What alternatives are available if you start withdrawing? Would you be comfortable trying treatment? Or do you have a place you could rest while you kick? Remember, medical prescribers can prescribe prescription stimulants off-label for stimulant use disorders. Safer-stim-use2.indd 2
Don’t use alone, explain the signs of an opioid overdose to your friends, and share Narcan: Signs of an opioid overdose may include: unconsciousness, unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, and changes in complexion.
• Rigid or flailing limbs, • Trouble seeing
• Difficulty breathing.
Psychological Symptoms of Meth OD: • Paranoia
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
What To Do in the Event of a Meth Overdose: • Meth OD can lead to seizure, stroke, heart attack, or organ problems. • If it is safe, call medical professionals. • Offer the person a drink of water.• Remove as much stimulus from the environment as possible. • If they don’t want water, offer a cool wet cloth to put on their head or neck, or under their armpits or knees. 9/23/2020 8:28:01 PM