What should I do if one of my friends starts acting strangely after taking drugs? I’m concerned I’ll get in trouble if I seek help because we all use drugs together.

16/07/2018


You don't ever need to worry about seeking help regarding someone's safety. The most important thing is that everybody is ok and safe. 

If an overdose is suspected, it's best to call an ambulance. Even if an overdose is not suspected, it can still be safer to contact triple zero (000) if you have concerns for your friend's safety. The phone operator will assess the situation and advise you on the best action to take - you may be asked questions about what drug(s) your friend took (that you're aware of), and how they are behaving now.

Remember:

  • You can't be certain about what is in the drugs you take. Even if you're taking the same drug as your friends, it can have different ingredients, which can have different effects.
  • You and your friends may have different reactions to the same drugs.
  • You may experience a different effect from the same drug compared to other times you have taken it.

When going out with friends, it's really important to stick together and let others know if you aren't feeling ok. If you're at a venue such as a pub or club and are feeling unsafe (e.g. if you've been separated from your friends or are feeling unwell), you can ask staff for help, such as calling a taxi or arranging for a family member or friend to pick you up. This is all part of harm reduction.

To find out how to access support, go to the Getting Help page.

Your Room > FAQ > What should I do if one of my friends starts acting strangely after taking drugs? I’m concerned I’ll get in trouble if I seek help because we all use drugs together.