Tips on how you can manage risks

Drug and Alcohol Services 

manage risk speech bubble.JPG

Things you could do to cut down or stop your drug use

  • Have things to do to distract yourself when you feel like using.
  • Exercise, walk, read, or draw, try deep breathing, and drink plenty of water.
  • If you can, get support from your family or mates. They may be more supportive if they know you’re trying to cut down or stop.
  • Put off using a drug; practice delaying for 10 minutes or an hour. Keep practicing.
  • Make it harder to get drugs - can you think of ways to do this? Who do you spend time with? Make sure you spend your time with people who support and look out for you, not the people who don’t.
  • Look up and join self-help groups like Narcotics & Alcoholics Anonymous and read helpful information.
  • Check out the Corrective Services NSW programs. You may be able to start on the IDAPT (Intensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program) or other courses like EQUIPS Addiction, Criminal Conduct and Substance Abuse – Pathways. If you are interested in joining one of these programs, please speak to your local Corrective Service and Programs Officer (SAPO).
  • Work out what triggers your drug use: Stress? Worry? Feeling lonely? Craving or hanging out? Speak with a drug and alcohol nurse to get help and tips on how to manage your triggers.

Harm Minimisation Strategies

The five risks that can lead to overdose include:

  • Using drugs when you’re alone
  • Mixing drugs (especially heroin or other opioids with alcohol or benzodiazepines/pills)
  • Injecting drugs (versus smoking)
  • Using heroin and other opioids after not using them for a long time (e.g. after drug treatment or release from custody)
  • Using drugs without testing their strength.

To locate your closest drug and alcohol service on release please contact the Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015.

Insider's News

Insider’s News is available through NSW correctional centres. In their magazine, you'll read helpful articles about minimising harm if you are using drugs. 

about abscesses.png

About abscesses

cotton.png

Filtering: Remember - any filtering is better than none! 

 fincol.png

Cleaning fits with FINCOL

 ocean inspiration.png

A reader's story: Reflecting on getting hep C