Opioids Harm Reduction

Opioids include substances such as heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and some prescribed pain medicines. While opioids can reduce pain or emotional distress, they also carry serious risks, particularly around overdose, dependence, and physical health.

Harm reduction is about reducing those risks, keeping people safe, and supporting health and wellbeing. You do not have to stop using opioids, or be ready for treatment, to access advice or support from Wirral Ways.

How opioids affect the body

Opioids slow down the central nervous system. They can reduce pain and create feelings of relaxation, but they also slow breathing and heart rate.

Short-term effects can include:

Drowsiness or sedation
Slowed breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Reduced awareness or consciousness

Longer-term or repeated use can increase the risk of:

Dependence and tolerance
Overdose
Breathing problems
Constipation and digestive issues
Infections linked to injecting
Poor mental health

Everyone responds differently to opioids, and risk can change quickly depending on health, tolerance, and what else is being used.

Overdose risk and tolerance

One of the biggest risks with opioids is overdose.

Tolerance can drop very quickly. After even a short break from using opioids, the amount your body can safely handle is much lower.

This is especially important after:

Detox or treatment
Time in prison or hospital
Illness or injury
Periods of reduced use

Using the same amount as before a break significantly increases overdose risk.

Mixing opioids with other substances

Mixing opioids with other substances greatly increases the risk of overdose.

High-risk combinations include:

Opioids and alcohol
Opioids and benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or alprazolam)
Opioids and pregabalin or other sedatives

These substances all slow breathing. When combined, they can stop breathing altogether.

If mixing happens:

Use much smaller amounts
Avoid using alone
Space substances out in time
Carry naloxone

Ways to reduce risks when using opioids

Small harm reduction steps can save lives.

General advice

Avoid mixing opioids with alcohol or sedatives
Use smaller test doses, especially after a break
Avoid using alone
Take breaks and check in with your body

Injecting safety

Always use new, sterile equipment
Never share needles, syringes, or other equipment
Rotate injection sites to reduce vein damage
Use safer injecting advice and NSP services

Naloxone

Carry naloxone if you use opioids
Make sure people around you know how to use it

Recognising an opioid overdose

An opioid overdose is a medical emergency.

Signs include:

Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
Blue or pale lips and fingertips
Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
Snoring, gurgling, or choking sounds

If you see these signs, call 999 immediately.

While waiting for help:

Use naloxone if available
Place the person in the recovery position
Stay with them until help arrives

Medication and harm reduction

Medication can be a powerful harm reduction tool for people using opioids.

Opioid substitution treatment and long-acting medications can:

Reduce overdose risk
Improve physical health
Reduce infections
Increase stability and routine

Medication can be part of harm reduction, even if abstinence is not your goal.

Wirral Ways can talk through medication options and support you to access clinical care when you are ready.

Support from Wirral Ways

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

You can access:

Harm reduction advice
Needle and syringe services
Naloxone
Health checks
Medication support
One-to-one support and wider wellbeing services

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

Get support

If you want to talk about opioid use, overdose risk, or harm reduction support, contact Wirral Ways to find out what is available.

Support is here for you, whatever stage you are at.

Last Updated on 10 February 2026