Making an informed choice and a safety plan
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 23 of 25

Start with the risks and your own priorities. You can choose not to use, ask for more information, or seek help changing your use. You can also plan how to help someone else.

Build a simple plan
- My decision: whether using fits with the risks I am willing to take; saying no is a complete option.
- My goal: one thing I want to change or protect.
- My difficult situations: places, feelings, or pressures that make my goal harder.
- My response: an alternative activity, a refusal line, or a way to leave.
- My support: someone or a service I can contact.
- My emergency plan: how to call help and where essential supplies are kept.
- My contribution: whether I can be a check-in buddy, a substance-free designated driver, or someone who teaches a safety skill.

Make it practical
Choose an action you can describe clearly, such as arranging a ride with an unimpaired driver or booking a health appointment. If physical dependence may be present, get medical advice before cutting down or stopping.

Learn from a mistake
Every mistake is an opportunity to raise awareness. First address any immediate harm or emergency. Then ask what happened, what information was missing, and what would help next time. Correct misinformation and practise a better response. Share the lesson without blame or private details; ask permission before sharing anyone’s experience.

If you are helping someone
Add your own role to the plan: who you will call, what you will say, and how you will keep yourself safe.

WARN (OTHERS): After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy. Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.

Your next step
Complete the five lines and choose when you will review them.

Learn more
NIAAA — Strategies for cutting down
https://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/thinking-about-change/tips-try

NHS — Alcohol support and withdrawal
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/making-an-informed-choice-and-a-safety-plan

The Real DOPE Project — Safety Is for Everyone.

Contact: therealdopeproject@gmail.com

Resource text updated: 2026-10-13. Earlier sources retain their individual review dates.

General education, not individual medical advice or first aid certification. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher and your exact kit instructions.

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