Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. But we realise there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs. In order to limit the harm from their drug use, we provide information about effective methods of drug harm minimisation. Such information directly benefits the person using drugs, and also protects the wider community.

Because methamphetamine can stimulate physical activity, users should always ensure they are well hydrated. However, care should be taken not to over-hydrate (drinking too much water). This can cause brain swelling, convulsions, coma and death.

Do not combine drugs. Combining drugs, even with legal substances such as alcohol or party pills can cause unpredictable effects such as comas, convulsions, seizures, dehydration and death. If the effects are unpredictable, then the user is unpredictable. Not only is the user's health at risk, but so is the health and wellbeing of people around them.

Using too much methamphetamine can keep the user awake for days, causing severe irritability and volatility, making the effects of the drug even worse. Methamphetamine should not be taken for an extended period.

Injecting users should always use clean needles and return used needles to a needle exchange service. This will help avoid blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.