Safety & Harm Reduction · 20 of 25
Tolerance changes after a break
Tolerance can fall after time away from a substance. Returning to an amount you used before can be dangerous, especially with opioids.
When to be extra careful
A break may happen during treatment, illness, a hospital stay, incarceration, or a personal decision to stop. Do not assume your body will respond as it did before. Changes in the drug supply add more uncertainty.
Plan for safety
- Talk with a clinician or harm reduction worker before returning to use.
- Keep naloxone nearby and make sure someone can respond.
- Avoid mixing opioids with alcohol or sedating medicines.
- Do not use alone; ask about supervised services where available.
If you return to use
You still deserve support. Reconnect with care and review what would make the next day safer. Do not take more to chase a familiar effect. If someone is unresponsive or breathing abnormally, call emergency services and give naloxone if available.
If you are helping someone
If someone returns to use after a break, focus on immediate safety and reconnecting with care.
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.
Learn more
For everyone across Canada. General education; individual care needs medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911, keep yourself safe, and follow the dispatcher’s directions.
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