The festive season can bring changes to the way drugs are supplied and sold. This can happen for lots of reasons, including travel disruption, dealers changing suppliers, or substances being cut differently to keep up with demand. Even if something looks the same as usual, it can contain different drugs, be much stronger than expected, or have harmful additives.
These changes can increase the risk of overdose or other serious reactions. You deserve to stay as safe as possible if you choose to use drugs over the holidays.
What to look out for
If you notice any of the following, it could mean something has changed:
• A different smell, taste or texture
• Colour or appearance that seems unusual
• Effects that come on much faster or feel stronger than normal
• Longer comedowns or feeling unwell afterwards
• Friends having strange reactions from the same batch
Trust yourself. If something feels off, it probably is.
Test before you use
Testing strips, where available, can give you important information about what is in your drugs. They are especially useful for checking for substances like fentanyl or benzodiazepines, which can be present even if you did not expect them to be.
Using a strip only takes a few moments and could save a life.
Go low and go slow
If you are unsure about the strength of something, or using a new supply, take a much smaller amount to start with. Wait and see how your body responds before taking more.
This gives you more control, reduces the chance of overdosing and helps you spot early warning signs.
Avoid mixing substances
Mixing drugs increases risk. Alcohol with opioids or benzos is especially dangerous because they all slow breathing. Stimulants combined with depressants can put pressure on your heart and nervous system.
If you are unsure what might interact, stick to one substance at a time.
Do not use alone if you can help it
Using with someone you trust means there is support close by if something goes wrong. If you prefer being on your own, you could still ask a friend to check in by message or call. Some people agree a time for a quick “I’m OK” text.
Having a plan in place helps keep everyone safer.
Check in on others
Look out for each other. If a friend seems confused, unusually drowsy, or suddenly anxious or panicked, ask if they are OK and stay with them. Acting early could prevent a serious emergency.
If someone becomes unresponsive:
• Call 999 straight away
• Give Naloxone if you have it and feel safe to use it
• Place them in the recovery position
• Stay with them until help arrives
You will not get in trouble for calling for help. Emergency services want to keep people alive.
Report any dangerous drugs
If you notice a bad batch, have a strange reaction yourself, or get a positive result from a test strip, please report it anonymously at:
wirralways.org.uk/report
The information you give helps us warn others and reduce harm in the community. Even a small detail can save someone else from harm.
You are not alone
Everyone deserves support, understanding and a chance to stay safe. If you need help, advice or just someone to talk to, there are services across Wirral ready to listen and support you. And when we reopen in January, Wirral Ways will be here to help if you want to make changes.
Take care of yourself this festive season. Look after your mates. You matter.
Last Updated on 4 December 2025