Safer Use Information

Safer use information is about reducing risks and staying as safe as possible, whatever your current substance use looks like. You do not have to be ready to stop using, cut down, or access treatment to benefit from harm reduction advice.

Everyone’s situation is different. These guidelines are here to help you make informed choices, protect your health, and know when and how to get support.

What safer use means

Safer use recognises that:

  • People use substances for many different reasons

  • Risk can never be removed completely, but it can be reduced

  • Small changes can make a big difference to safety

  • Support should meet people where they are

Safer use focuses on health, dignity, and wellbeing, not judgement.

General safer use principles

These principles apply across most substances.

Start low and go slow

  • Use smaller amounts, especially if strength is unknown

  • Be extra cautious after a break, illness, or reduced use

  • Avoid topping up quickly

Avoid mixing substances

  • Mixing substances increases the risk of overdose and serious harm

  • Be especially cautious with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives

  • If mixing does happen, use much smaller amounts

Do not use alone

  • Using alone increases risk, especially overdose

  • Let someone know to check in on you

  • Carry naloxone if opioids are involved

Looking after your body

Hydration and food

  • Drink water regularly

  • Use electrolyte drinks if sweating or active

  • Eat when you can, even small snacks

Rest and sleep

  • Build in time to rest

  • Avoid long periods without sleep

  • Be aware that exhaustion increases risk

Routes of use and risk

Different ways of using substances carry different risks.

  • Smoking and injecting increase intensity and risk

  • Snorting can damage the nose and sinuses

  • Injecting carries risks of infection, vein damage, and overdose

Using clean equipment every time and not sharing reduces harm.

If you inject, see the Safer Injecting Advice page for detailed guidance.

Mental health and safer use

Substances can affect mood, anxiety, and thinking, especially during comedowns or withdrawal.

Harm reduction tips:

  • Avoid using when feeling very distressed or unwell

  • Take breaks if anxiety or paranoia increases

  • Reach out for support if substance use is affecting mental health

If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, urgent support is available.

Know the signs of harm

Seek urgent medical help if someone experiences:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Seizures

  • Chest pain

  • Very high or very low body temperature

Call 999 in an emergency.

Safer use does not mean safer forever

Safer use reduces risk, but it does not remove it completely. Over time, patterns of use can change, tolerance can drop, and health can be affected in unexpected ways.

Checking in with yourself and seeking support early can prevent harm.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers confidential, non-judgemental support focused on safety, health, and wellbeing.

You can access:

  • Safer use and harm reduction advice

  • Naloxone

  • Needle and syringe services

  • Health checks

  • One-to-one and wellbeing support

You do not have to stop using substances to speak to us.

Get support

If you would like to talk about safer use, harm reduction, or your health, contact Wirral Ways to find out what support is available.

Support is here for you, wherever you are right now.

Last Updated on 10 February 2026