Understanding the risks before you decide
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 14 of 25

You deserve clear information before making a decision about alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. Legal, familiar, or prescribed does not mean risk-free.

Immediate and longer-term risks
- Impaired judgment and coordination can lead to falls, crashes, and other injuries.
- Poisoning or overdose can happen, including when a substance is unfamiliar or mixed with something else.
- Some substances can affect mood, memory, sleep, and mental health.
- Repeated use can lead to dependence or a substance use disorder.
- Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers and can damage organs.

Different ages and situations
Young people’s developing brains are especially vulnerable to substance-related harms. Older adults should ask a pharmacist about medication interactions and effects on balance or alertness. Health conditions, pregnancy, and other medicines can change the risks. A clinician can give advice for your situation.

A decision and a way to help
Choosing not to use avoids the risks from taking that substance. If you use prescribed medication, speak with the prescriber before changing it. If someone makes a different choice, you can respect their dignity, recognize danger, and call for help.

If you are helping someone
Explain risks without shaming, then offer to learn emergency response together.

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
Ask: “What could happen now, what could happen over time, and am I willing to take those risks?”

Learn more
Health Canada — About substance use and its risks
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/about-substance-use.html

Health Canada — Health risks of alcohol
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/alcohol/health-risks.html

Health Canada — Talking with teenagers about drugs and alcohol
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/talking-about-drugs/talking-with-teenagers-about-drugs.html

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/understanding-the-risks-before-you-decide

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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