The festive season is kicking into high gear. You may already be pulling out the ugly Christmas sweaters and are preparing for holiday parties, or have already gone to a few celebrations.

Whether you go to a house party, a local restaurant or bar, the office or a bonfire, take a minute to make sure you’re prepared to party safely with these holiday season tips from our Harm Reduction team.

Plan ahead

Make sure you’ve had a good meal before heading out. Have water handy in a bottle, and try to keep hydrating throughout the night.

Choose your crew

Holidays are a time for celebrating with old friends, family and new people. Make sure you have people you trust around you and look out for each other. Being alone, or finding yourself around unsafe people while intoxicated, can take the fizz out of this festive season and put you in harm’s way.

Don’t get stranded

If you plan to drink or do drugs, leave your car and keys at home. Plan ahead to make sure you have a safe ride home. A taxi, public transit, a ride share service or Opertion Red Nose can get you home safely. Driving impaired is illegal, as is driving high.

No surprises this year

We all love a surprise when it comes to gifts, but if you’re using drugs this season give yourself some peace of mind by checking your supply. Visit drugchecking.ca for a drug checking site location and hours near you.

Pace yourself

Start low and go slow. You might overdo it on the Christmas cookies; don’t make the same mistake with alcohol and other drugs.

Leave the mixing to the DJ

Ring in the New Year – not 911. Try to avoid mixing drugs, and stick to one substance at a time. Different substances can interact in the body, making it tricky to judge your tolerance and side effects. Tripsit provides charts so you can check drug combinations.

Naloxone: Give the gift of life this year

This season, be ready to give the gift of life. Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids. You can pick up a free naloxone kit, as well as overdose prevention and response training, at more than 1,300 sites across B.C. Many community pharmacies also offer free kits.

The holidays can bring joy – but they can also be mentally and emotionally draining even for the most resilient people.

If you’re experiencing prolonged mental health challenges, such as sleep or appetite issues, low mood, or problematic substance use, contact your doctor, primary care provider or counsellor in your community.

You can also call 310-MHSU (6478) to reach your local Mental Health and Substance Use centre within Interior Health. No area code is required.

If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm, these services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays:

Interior Health Crisis Line: 1-888-353-CARE (2273)

KUU-US 24/7 Indigenous Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717

Metis Crisis Line: 1-833-638-4722

Drug checking location

ANKORS East – Cranbrook at 1324 2nd Street N. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Dec. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dec. 29, 12 to 1 p.m. and Dec. 31 – call ahead 250-919-9179.

Drinking or Doing Drugs Over the Holidays? How to Stay Safe

Lead image: If you think you might witness a toxic drug emergency, carry a naloxone kit this holiday season. Interior Health photo

Interior Health

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