More information about risks related to various substances
Substance use exposes individuals to accidents and can cause life-threatening poisonings. Substance use also increases the likelihood of developing various illnesses.
Alcohol:
When consuming alcohol, you should take care of eating food and look after your blood sugar balance. Alcohol consumption causes blood sugar levels to drop easily, especially in young people. An intoxicated young person should be given something to eat or drink, especially before going to sleep.
Stimulants:
Stimulants (such as amphetamine, alpha-PVP, etc.): Stimulants involve a risk of heart arrhythmia, so pay close attention to heart function in a first aid situation. You can monitor heart function by observing the colour of the person's face, their breathing and their level of consciousness.
If you know how, measuring the heart rate is a good way to monitor the intoxicated person's cardiac rhythm. Prepare to perform CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation).
The use of stimulants may also involve brain haemorrhage, the symptoms of which are a sudden intense headache, severe nausea, and disorders of consciousness. These are always an emergency. Have the person lie down immediately and call 112.
Ecstasy (MDMA):
The use of ecstasy also involves elevated body temperature, dehydration, and blood circulation problems. In this case, it is especially important to take care of sufficient access to non-alcoholic liquids.
Sedatives:
Sedatives (such as opioids, GBL 'lakka', and GHB 'gamma') cause hypoventilation (respiratory depression), especially when used with buprenorphine. Hypoventilation can develop fast, so pay close attention to the persons breathing.
Use of naloxone in case of opioid poisoning: If you have access to naloxone nasal spray, use it according to the instructions. The effect of naloxone is only brief, so the person will need additional help even after naloxone was used, regardless of whether they woke up. Always call the emergency number 112 first if the person is unconscious or their breathing is at risk.
Psychedelics:
Psychedelics (such as LSD and hallucinogenic mushrooms) alter the state of consciousness, cause hallucinations, and may case intense anxiety. Do not leave an anxious person alone; instead, stay with them and remind them that the feeling will pass eventually.
