Drug Education Student Booklet

For more information see positivechoices.org.au Drugs & Alcohol: What You Need to Know 11 OVERHEATING AND DEHYDRATION There is a serious risk of overheating and dehydration when people take drugs and do not maintain their fluids. Stimulants such as ecstasy and methamphetamine will increase the body temperature, and this problem can be made worse if taken with alcohol as it will further dehydrate the body. Those who take stimulants should try to drink half a litre of water every hour, but make sure not to drink too much too quickly. FEELING VERY DROWSY If someone becomes very drowsy from using drugs (including alcohol) they could fall asleep and lose consciousness. It is important to keep them awake while waiting for the ambulance. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS ● Feeling hot, unwell, lethargic, faint, or dizzy ● Inability to talk properly ● Headache ● Vomiting ● Inability to urinate or urine becoming thick and dark ● Not sweating even when dancing ● Fainting, collapsing, or convulsing WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE BECOMES OVERHEATED AND DEHYDRATED ● Take them somewhere cool and quiet such as the first aid area or ‘chill-out’ room ● Get the person some cold water and get them to sip it slowly ● Make sure someone stays with them ● Give them salted foods like crisps or peanuts to replace salts lost through sweating ● Fan them to cool them down ● If symptoms persist or get worse seek first aid immediately, call 000, or take them to the nearest emergency department WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE BECOMES VERY DROWSY ● Call an ambulance, but make sure they are not left on their own ● Keep them awake; make them walk around or make them talk to you ● Don’t give them coffee or try to shock them ● If they aren’t responsive or lose consciousness put them in the recovery position (see page 14)