You don’t need to drink alcohol or use other drugs to enjoy yourself at a party or gathering! 

If you choose to use alcohol or other drugs, follow these 12 tips to reduce your risks.

1. Plan a Safe Ride Home

• Alcohol and other drugs affect your thinking, attention, judgement, and reaction time.
• Arrange a safe ride home before you go out.
• Carry enough money for a taxi.
• Never drive while under the influence of drugs! This includes driving a car, bike, snowmobile, or quad.
• If walking, stick with a trusted friend, ideally who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol themselves, and wear visible clothing.

2. Have an Exit Strategy

• Plan how you’ll leave if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Keep your phone on, charged, and with emergency contacts saved.
• Share your location with a trusted family member or friend.
• Make sure you’re within cell range to call for help if needed.

3. Stick With Friends You Trust

• Arrive and leave parties with people you know and trust. 
• Use a buddy system to look out for one another.
• Only use alcohol or other drugs with someone nearby who can help in an emergency.

4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

• Drink water, especially if using alcohol or other drugs.
• If you are drinking alcohol, try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
• It is also good to eat before and while you are drinking.  

5. Stick to One Substance at a Time

• Don’t mix substances! Mixing substances increases the risk of accidents, overdose and death. This includes mixing drugs with alcohol and prescription or over the counter medications.
• If you do mix, use one substance at a time, and take breaks between substances.

6. Start Low and Go Slow

• Start with a small amount (“tester”) and wait before taking more to see how you feel.
• Be cautious – if something feels stronger than expected, stop immediately and seek help. 
• Warning: Illicit drugs may contain dangerous substances like:
  • Fentanyl or carfentanil (even a small amount can cause a deadly overdose)
  • Benzodiazepines (can slow your breathing and reduce naloxone effectiveness).

7. Set a Limit and Stay Within It

• Know your own limits and keep track of your use.
• Remember:
  • If you haven’t used in a while, your tolerance may be lower.
  • A lower tolerance increases the risk of intoxication or overdose.
• If something feels off, seek help immediately.

8. Watch Your Drinks

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended.
• If your drink tastes or smells unusual, trust your instincts and don’t drink it.
• Mix or pour your own drinks when possible or watch the bartender prepare your drink.
• Choose bottled drinks that you can open yourself or use a drink cover if you have one.
• If you suddenly feel sick, sleepy, or unexpectedly drunk:
  • Call a trusted friend and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Let them know you suspect your drink may have been spiked.

9. Know the Signs of Overdose and Act

• Signs of an overdose can vary widely depending on which substance, or substances, someone used. 
• Signs of Opioid overdose:
  • Slow, weak, or no breathing.
  • Not responding.
  • Drowsy, or difficulty staying awake.
  • Choking, gurgling or snoring sounds.
  • Blue or grey lips and nails.
  • Cold, clammy skin.
  • Tiny pupils.
• What to do:
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think someone has overdosed.
  • Use a Naloxone kit if you suspect an opioid overdose.
  • The Good Samaritan Law protects you from drug possession charges when helping in an overdose situation. 

10. Carry a Naloxone Kit

• Naloxone can temporarily reverse opioid overdoses within minutes.
• Keep a kit on hand and know how to use it.
• Naloxone kits are free at NWT pharmacies, clinics, and health centres.
• Naloxone will not reverse overdoses from other drugs - but if in doubt, always give Naloxone.
• Naloxone is safe for all ages.
• You cannot use Naloxone improperly and it does not create dependence. 
• Important: Do not let your Naloxone kit freeze; it must be stored correctly to work.

11.  Be Aware of Sexual Violence

• Only a sober ‘yes’ means yes – consent must be given freely and consistently.
• Set your boundaries and respect the boundaries of others.
• You can say no at anytime even if you previously had said yes – no is still no.
• If you feel unsafe or are about to blackout, find a safe place immediately.
• Reminder: Sexual violence is never your fault. Seek help if needed and see a health care provider right away.   

12.  Practice Safer Sex and Get Tested

• If you choose to have sex, protect yourself and your partner(s):
  • Use condoms or oral dams.
  • Avoid sharing sex toys (if you do share, properly clean and disinfect them).
  • If engaging in higher-risk activities, talk to your health care provider about preventative medicines.
  • Get tested regularly if you have new or multiple partners. Testing is available at the STI clinic in Yellowknife, public health, and health centres.

Warning: Buyer Beware

• Illicit drugs are substances you have not received from a pharmacy, health care professional, or purchased directly from an official retail outlet.
• There is no safe way to use illicit drugs, but there are safer ways to reduce risks: 
  • Always assume illicit drugs may contain deadly additives. Drugs sold as heroin, crack, cocaine, and other illicit drugs often contain potentially lethal synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
  • Check public health advisories for alerts about substances detected in the NWT.