Healthy Kids • YMCA Youth Programs
How to respond if someone offers you opioids
18 April 2023 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
You’re at a party or out with friends, when one of them offers you a pill. The rest of your group shows no hesitation but you’re not too sure of the next step. You don’t want to be left out but you also don’t want to get in trouble. There are really only two possible solutions: a yes or a no. To feel confident in making your choice, you must weigh the pros and cons. Knowing how to confidently turn down an offer of opioids, and what to do if you want to try the substance is the best way to protect yourself from a potentially harmful situation.
Saying no to your friends for any reason can make you feel uncomfortable or awkward. But it is important to put yourself and your health first. Substances such as alcohol at a party or drugs from unregulated sources like “the streets", are often mixed with other substances, like fentanyl and benzodiazepines that can increase the risk of overdose. The risk of an adverse reaction or overdose from unknown substances is high, and being prepared in any situation is always a good idea.
According to Statistics Canada, 60% of Canada’s drug users are between 15 to 24 years old
So what exactly do you do in this situation? How can you protect yourself from opioid use and be prepared in case of overdose? Check out these helpful tips from the YMCA Youth Opioids Awareness Program, and know the steps to protect yourself and your community.
Before taking any unknown substances, remember to:
Confidently Saying No:
Safely Saying Yes:
It’s important to think before you take. If you need more time to weigh your choices, it may be better to say no for now.
To learn more sign up for our Youth Opioids Awareness Program workshops, a series of six workshops for youth ages 15 to 24. You can also check out our other blog posts that provide helpful information and tips about opioids.
If you are struggling with opioids or know someone who needs help, contact these resources:
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
1-888-688-6677
Brave App
www.towardtheheart.com
Saying no to your friends for any reason can make you feel uncomfortable or awkward. But it is important to put yourself and your health first. Substances such as alcohol at a party or drugs from unregulated sources like “the streets", are often mixed with other substances, like fentanyl and benzodiazepines that can increase the risk of overdose. The risk of an adverse reaction or overdose from unknown substances is high, and being prepared in any situation is always a good idea.
According to Statistics Canada, 60% of Canada’s drug users are between 15 to 24 years old
So what exactly do you do in this situation? How can you protect yourself from opioid use and be prepared in case of overdose? Check out these helpful tips from the YMCA Youth Opioids Awareness Program, and know the steps to protect yourself and your community.
Before taking any unknown substances, remember to:
- Assess the situation. Does it look familiar? Have you used this substance before? Do you know how the substance is going to make you feel?
- Have you taken anything prior to this situation? Mixing substances can greatly increase your chances of overdose or undesired effects.
- Do you have a plan in place in case of overdose? Do you have a naloxone kit and know how to use it? Is someone able to call 911? Will you be using the Brave App or NORS line if everyone will be under the influence?
- Weigh your options. Think about the risk and the toxicity of what you are being offered. Are you prepared to take the risk if the drug is mixed with fentanyl or other potent substances?
- Decide. If you decide to take the drug ensure you have a plan in place in case of overdose or poisoning. Make sure you have a friend who is sober enough to administer naloxone or call 911 if needed.
Confidently Saying No:
- Make eye contact with the person offering.
- In a firm voice, tell the person you don’t want to use drugs. Say something like “No, I don’t want any…” or “No, I’m good.”
- Give a reason why you don’t want to use drugs. Say something like “I react badly to that stuff…” or “I’m trying to stay away from that stuff right now.”
- Ask the person not to ask you to use drugs again. Say something like, “Please, stop asking. I don’t use.” Or “Stop. I already said no.”
- If you are uncomfortable, leave the area.
Safely Saying Yes:
- Take turns when using and don’t use alone. If you and your friends want to try the substance, use in groups. If the substance is tainted or potent, there should be someone who can call 911 or administer naloxone.
- Have naloxone nearby. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can be obtained for free at some pharmacies and safe-injection sites. It can temporarily reverse an overdose and provide time to get to the hospital.
- Take test shots. You can always take more of the drug but you cannot take less. Take a little bit of your substance at a time so if there is a potent amount, you have a lower risk of overdose.
- Use resources such as the National Overdose Response Service (NORS). NORS is a free service available to everyone in Canada. If you are using alone, call NORS and there will be someone who will remain on the phone with you while you use. If there is an overdose or adverse reaction, they will call 911 or a designated person for you. This service is anonymous.
It’s important to think before you take. If you need more time to weigh your choices, it may be better to say no for now.
To learn more sign up for our Youth Opioids Awareness Program workshops, a series of six workshops for youth ages 15 to 24. You can also check out our other blog posts that provide helpful information and tips about opioids.
If you are struggling with opioids or know someone who needs help, contact these resources:
National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
1-888-688-6677
Brave App
www.towardtheheart.com
