Illegal Drugs - Parent Booklet

10 helping a young person who has taken an illegal drug The majority of people never use drugs but it is important for people to know how to assist someone if a drug related emergency happens. Drugs are unpredictable; they can affect people in different ways and as there is no quality control for illegal drugs there is no way of knowing their content or strength. Call 000 for an ambulance immediately if there is even the slightest risk that another person may be having an unusual reaction to a drug . a parent or guardian will only be notified if the person is under the age of 18 and taken to hospital . police will only be notified if there is a risk to their own personal safety or if someone dies . what to do in these situations : panic attacks These can happen due to the increased feelings of paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations that illegal drugs can bring on. These can be very frightening at the time, but it is important to know that these usually pass with time. what are some of the signs • Sweating and shaking • Chest pains and difficulty breathing • Increased heart rate • Sense of impending death • Dizziness, headaches, and lightheadedness • ‘Spaced-out’ and non-responsiveness what to do if someone has a panic attack • Calm them down and reassure them that the feeling will pass • Take them somewhere cool and quiet away from crowds and bright lights • Encourage them to relax and take long, slow, deep breaths • If they pass out due to over-breathing, follow the DRS-ABCD life support chart (see page 13)