people who take drugs, and particularly those who inject, should avoid doing this alone.
If they overdose and are with others, their companions may be able to administer first aid
and contact the emergency services
• if someone is worried that a person they are with has taken too many drugs, placing them in
the recovery position will help to keep their airway open and to avoid suffocation if they vomit
• drug users should be encouraged to put themselves in the recovery position before they go to
sleep whilst under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• people should also avoid taking drugs in situations where there are other health and safety risks.
For example, risks are significantly increased if sedative drugs are used in the bath
• if a person is in unfamiliar surroundings, they may become more anxious and alter their drugtaking
behaviour. This may include taking more of a drug, taking it more quickly, or injecting it
rather than taking it in a less risky way, which could increase the risk of overdose