Harm reduction acknowledges that drug use occurs and focuses on reducing associated risks. This guide provides evidence-based safety information, overdose response, and links to professional resources.
Use fentanyl test strips on every substance, including substances not typically associated with opioids. Fentanyl contamination is widespread across all drug categories. DanceSafe provides free or low-cost testing strips.
Have a trusted person present who knows what you're taking and can call for help. If you must use alone, call the Never Use Alone line: 1-800-484-3731 (US). They stay on the line and call emergency services if you stop responding.
Always test a small amount of any new substance or new batch first. Wait for full effects before considering any additional dose. Tolerance changes rapidly — what was your normal dose before a break may now cause overdose.
Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdose. Available free at many Canadian pharmacies without prescription. Carry it if you or anyone nearby uses opioids. Train everyone in your group how to administer it.
Combining depressants (opioids + benzodiazepines + alcohol) dramatically increases overdose risk through synergistic respiratory depression. Stimulant combinations also carry serious cardiovascular risks. Use TripSit's interaction checker.
Know where your nearest supervised consumption site (SCS) or harm reduction centre is. These facilities provide sterile equipment, drug testing, and overdose monitoring. They operate under Good Samaritan protections.
The following information is based on evidence-based harm reduction guidelines from public health organizations. Risk levels indicate relative overdose/acute harm potential.
Opioid overdose is the leading cause of preventable death in Canada. Signs: blue lips, unresponsive, slow or stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils. If suspected: administer naloxone, call 911, rescue breathe. Do not leave alone. Always test for fentanyl. Never mix with other depressants.
Benzos cause respiratory depression. Dangerous when combined with opioids or alcohol — effect is synergistic, not additive. Novel designer benzos (bromazolam, clonazolam) are extremely potent. Naloxone does NOT reverse benzo overdose. Call 911 immediately for suspected overdose.
Cannabis overdose is not fatal but can cause significant distress including panic, paranoia, and dissociation (cannabis hyperemesis syndrome with heavy use). If overwhelmed: change environment, cold shower, CBD if available, stay hydrated. Avoid edibles until tolerance is established — onset is slow (30–90 min) and dosing is less predictable.
Stimulants cause cardiovascular stress. MDMA carries unique serotonin syndrome and hyperthermia risks in hot environments. Cocaine frequently tested positive for fentanyl contamination — always test. Signs of stimulant crisis: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, overheating, seizures. Cool the person, call 911, do not restrain.
Classic psychedelics are not physically toxic in typical doses and do not cause respiratory depression. Psychological risks include anxiety, panic, and in rare cases, lasting psychological distress (HPPD). Set, setting, and trip sitter are critical. Avoid mixing with SSRIs or lithium. If someone is in distress: calm environment, quiet voice, reassurance.
Dissociatives can cause immobility, disorientation, and respiratory depression at high doses. Keep the person in the recovery position if unresponsive. Never leave alone. Ketamine is increasingly used in adulterated "MDMA" — always test. High-dose dissociative experiences (k-hole) require supervision by a sober person.
GHB has an extremely narrow margin between an active dose and an overdose dose, especially when combined with alcohol. GBL is a prodrug that is active in smaller doses than GHB. If overdose is suspected: recovery position, monitor breathing, call 911 immediately. No specific antidote exists.
Novel substances including designer opioids (nitazenes), synthetic cannabinoids (K2/spice), and research chemicals have highly unpredictable potency and effects. Toxicology data is minimal. Test with full reagent kit; be aware reagents may not detect novel compounds. Approach with extreme caution or avoid entirely.
Call their name loudly, rub your knuckles firmly on their sternum. If they respond, monitor closely. If unresponsive, proceed immediately.
Call emergency services immediately. In Canada, Good Samaritan Laws protect people who call for help from simple drug possession charges. Tell them what you know — it may save the person's life.
Nasal spray: one spray in each nostril. Injectable: 0.4mg intramuscular. Onset within 2–5 minutes. May need to repeat every 2–3 minutes if there's no response. Naloxone wears off — the person may re-overdose after 30–90 minutes.
If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking on vomit. Keep the airway clear. Never leave them alone.
If not breathing: tilt head back, lift chin, and give one rescue breath every 5 seconds until help arrives or the person begins breathing on their own.
Do not leave the person alone at any point. Monitor their breathing and remain present until paramedics take over care.