Harm Reduction for Stimulant Users
Harm reduction for stimulant users means staying safer without requiring abstinence: hydrating, eating, sleeping, testing for fentanyl, and never using alone. These basics keep you alive while you figure out what's next.
What Does Harm Reduction for Stimulants Look Like?
Not ready to quit? Harm reduction can keep you safer while you figure things out.
It means meeting people where they are:
- Reducing risk
- Staying safer
- Keeping options open
- Not requiring abstinence
How Can Meth Users Reduce Harm?
Hydrate. Meth dehydrates. Drink water constantly.
Eat. Even when you don't want to. Your body needs fuel.
Sleep. Set alarms. Force rest periods. Even short naps.
Oral hygiene. Brush teeth. Use mouthwash. "Meth mouth" is preventable.
Don't mix. Meth + alcohol, meth + opioids = dangerous.
Test for fentanyl. Fentanyl is showing up in meth supply.
How Can Cocaine Users Reduce Harm?
Don't mix with alcohol. Alcohol + cocaine creates cocaethylene, a compound that's toxic to your heart.
Test for fentanyl. Fentanyl is increasingly found in cocaine supply.
Heart health. Cocaine stresses the heart. Know the warning signs.
Nasal care. If snorting: saline rinse, don't share straws.
What About Adderall or Prescription Stimulant Misuse?
Take as prescribed. Don't increase dose.
Don't crush or snort. Designed for oral use.
Don't share. Your prescription is yours.
Talk to your doctor. If it's not working, adjust legally.
What Should All Stimulant Users Do?
- Don't use alone
- Tell someone where you are
- Carry Narcan (fentanyl contamination)
- Have fentanyl test strips
- Know overdose signs
Where Do You Start?
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Get test strips. Fentanyl detection.
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Get Narcan. Carry it.
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Hydrate and eat. Basic care.
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Don't use alone. Keep someone nearby.
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Consider recovery. When you're ready.
Harm reduction saves lives. Test for fentanyl. Eat, sleep, hydrate. Don't mix substances. Recovery is available when you're ready.
Staying alive is the first milestone. Everything else comes after.
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