Safer use.

If you overdose alone, nobody can call for help. Tell someone you trust, leave the door unlocked, or have a friend check in.

If you do use alone, start with a much smaller amount than usual.

Naloxone (e.g. Nyxoid or Narcan nasal spray) reverses opioid overdose — heroin, methadone, oxycodone, and fentanyl-laced drugs.

It's free from many drug services and some pharmacies. Ask your local drug service or helpline (in Ireland, HSE 1800 459 459) where to get it and how to use it.

It can't hurt someone who isn't on opioids, so if in doubt, use it.

Mixing coke and drink makes cocaethylene in your liver. It stays in your body longer and puts far more strain on your heart than either alone.

Chest pain, a racing heart or feeling like you can't breathe is a 112 emergency. Don't wait it out.

Opioids + benzos, opioids + alcohol, and benzos + alcohol all slow your breathing. Together they cause most overdose deaths.

Ketamine + alcohol increases the risk of choking and passing out somewhere unsafe.

Cocaine + MDMA or speed pushes your heart and body temperature very high.

After prison, hospital, detox or even a few days off, your tolerance drops. Using your old amount is when a lot of people die.

Start low and go slow after any break.

Stopping benzos, heavy drinking or high-dose pills suddenly can cause seizures and can kill.

A GP or addiction service can set up a slow taper. You won't get in trouble for asking.

Street 'Xanax' and 'Valium' often contain much stronger drugs. Some contain nitazenes, which are far more powerful than heroin.

Never take a whole one first time. Ask your local service about drug alerts in your area.

Use your own straws, pipes and needles. Hep C and HIV pass through shared kit.

Needle exchanges and harm reduction services are free and confidential.