Getting help of Drug misuse

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Anyone coping with drug addiction or abuse can see their GP for advice, support and referral for specialist treatment.

There are a number websites also offer information, advice, details of support groups and meetings, and further guidance. The National Drugs Helpline offers free and confidential telephone helpline offering information about drugs and drug abuse. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tel. 0800 77 66 00.

How to help in an emergency

Try to keep a lookout for danger signs in yourself or other people who have taken drugs. Symptoms of overheating include dizziness, sickness, sudden tiredness, headaches, cramps and aching arms and legs.

If a drug user is showing unusual symptoms or seems to be in distress, they may have had an allergic reaction to the drug they have taken, or they may have overdosed. If this is the case it is important to take the following actions immediately:

In a club or pub, get help from the staff straight away. Stress the seriousness of the situation by being completely honest about the drugs that have or may have been taken. Most clubs and pubs will have a member of staff who is first aid trained. This person should stay with the patient until medical help arrives.
Phone 999. Tell the operator that you need an ambulance. Be clear and calm. Tell the operator exactly where the patient is, what drugs they have taken and what symptoms they are showing. Be prepared to listen carefully to any advice given by the operator. You may be required to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, put the patient into the recovery position or provide other life-saving treatment in an emergency situation. You will need to stay calm and clear-headed.
Make sure the personâ€™s airways are unobstructed. Look out for vomit blocking the airway and check that the patient has not swallowed their tongue. Collect evidence of any drugs that have been taken. This will be vital for doctors to make a quick diagnosis and provide the best possible treatment.
Collect containers that drugs have been kept in, including wrappers, packets, cling film, tin foil and syringes. If the patient has been sick, collect a small sample of vomit for analysis at the hospital.