Harm Reduction Support
At One Recovery Bucks (ORB), we provide non-judgemental advice, information and practical support to help reduce the risks associated with drug use and protect your health.
You do not need to be ready to stop using drugs to access harm reduction support. We will listen to you, respect your choices and work with you to agree goals that matter to you.
We aim to reduce the impact of drug use on individuals, families and the wider community. We work with partner organisations across Buckinghamshire to help people access joined-up support.
How we can help
Our harm reduction support includes:
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- Peer involvement, education and support.
- Needle and syringe programmes, including access to sterile injecting equipment and safe disposal.
- Naloxone training and distribution, including peer-to-peer naloxone training and distribution, helping people recognise and respond to suspected opioid overdoses.
- Blood-borne virus (BBV) testing, treatment and support.
- Access to hepatitis B vaccination.
- Health checks and health promotion.
- Prescribed treatment for drug dependence, where clinically appropriate.
- Referrals and support for inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation.
- Liaison with GPs, sexual health services and other professionals.
Our approach is compassionate and person-centred. We involve people who use our services in decisions about their care and in developing our services.
Harm reduction can reduce risks but cannot make drug use completely safe.
Advice to help you reduce harm
Know what you are taking
- The contents and strength of drugs can vary, and substances may contain unexpected ingredients. Potent synthetic opioids can cause an overdose in very small amounts.
- Starting with a small amount does not establish that a drug is safe. Avoid taking more if you are unsure about its contents or effects and seek advice from a harm reduction professional.
Reduce the risk of infection
- If you inject drugs, use new, sterile injecting equipment every time and never share needles, syringes or other injecting equipment. Dispose of used equipment safely through an appropriate needle and syringe service.
- Ask us about BBV testing, treatment and hepatitis B vaccination. Early testing and treatment can help protect your health.
Understand the risks of injecting and smoking
- Avoiding injecting reduces some risks, including injecting-related infections and injuries. However, smoking drugs is not risk-free and can still cause overdose and other health problems.
- If you smoke tobacco and would like to make changes to your tobacco use, we have a Smoking Cessation Practitioner who can offer support.
Look out for yourself and others
- Where possible, stay with trusted people and let someone know what you have taken. Avoid using alone, particularly with opioids, and make sure people around you know how to get emergency help.
- If someone becomes unusually sleepy, is difficult to wake or has slow or abnormal breathing, treat this as a medical emergency.
If you suspect an overdose, call 999 immediately. Tell the operator what you think the person has taken and follow their instructions.
- If an opioid overdose is suspected and naloxone is available, give it according to the kit instructions.
- If the person is not breathing normally, start CPR and follow the emergency call handler’s instructions.
- If the person is unconscious but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position.
- Stay with them until emergency help arrives. Naloxone may wear off, and further medical care is essential.
Do not assume someone is simply sleeping if they are difficult to wake.
Avoid driving under the influence
- Do not drive or operate machinery after taking drugs or drinking alcohol. Substances can affect your coordination, judgement, decision-making and reaction times.
Seek help if you feel unwell
- If you feel unwell after taking drugs, seek medical advice. Be honest with healthcare professionals about what you have taken so they can provide appropriate care.
If you want to reduce or stop using drugs or alcohol
We can talk with you about your options and help you agree a plan that meets your needs. You do not have to make every change at once.
If you may be dependent on alcohol, do not stop drinking suddenly without medical advice. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and may require medically supported treatment. Speak to a GP or alcohol treatment professional for advice on how to stop safely.