“These are preventable deaths, which is why it is so important that young people understand the risks of overdose and how to respond if one occurs,” Bharmal said in a news release.
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“Talking about substance use can help save lives, and while we encourage young people to avoid drugs altogether, if they choose to use substances, there are measures they can take that can help them stay safer.”
To help kickstart the conversation, Fraser Health has resources like the When Words Matter guide, a four-page booklet that provides tips on subjects on how to speak to kids in a “non-judgmental and supportive way.”
Here are a few more tips Fraser Health offered for graduation season:
– Ensure you’ve charged your phone for emergency situations
– Take a safe ride home; don’t jump in a car with someone who’s consumed alcohol or drugs
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– Don’t do drugs or alcohol alone — make sure someone can check on you, or designate a sober friend
– Don’t leave a friend alone who has done drugs or alcohol
– If you do drugs or alcohol, go slowly
– Don’t mix the two or do different drugs together
– Don’t leave your drink alone
– If someone shows signs of an overdose, call 9-1-1 right away and give the individual breaths, staggered by five seconds, until someone comes to assist you
– Keep an naloxone kit and learn how to apply it. Eligible people have access to “Take Home Naloxone” in certain pharmacies