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Drugs and Substance Use – Harm Reduction Guide

Making safer choices about drugs and substances at university.

Drugs harm reduction advice.

Navigating university life can involve new experiences, including choices around alcohol and other substances. At Bath, we understand that some students may use drugs recreationally. Our approach is rooted in harm reduction. We’re here to support your wellbeing, not to judge your decisions. You can read more about the University Drug Harm Reduction statement.

Whether you're curious, concerned, or looking to stay safer, this guide offers practical advice and resources to help you make informed decisions.

If you or someone else is in danger

If you've taken drugs and feel you're in immediate danger, or you're worried about someone else, please seek help straight away.

  • If you're on campus, call University Security on 01225 383999
  • Off campus, go to A&E or call 999

If your friend becomes unwell due to drug use and you call University Security for help, they will not get in trouble. Your safety and wellbeing always come first.

Why you may be using drugs

Students use substances for many reasons, to relax, socialise, manage stress, or out of curiosity. You might feel uncertain about your choices or concerned about someone else’s. These feelings are valid.

This guide is here to help you reflect, stay safer, and access the support you need.

What can you do to stay safer now

The only way to fully avoid harm is to not use drugs, but if you are choosing to use them, there are steps you can take to reduce risks:

  • Stay informed: Learn about the effects and risks of different substances. Withyou have a Substance Information and Advice Library giving specific information, including harm reduction advice for before, during and after taking a substance.
  • Look after yourself: Eat and sleep well, and hydrate carefully, especially if using substances.
  • Plan ahead: If you choose to use, consider how you are feeling, who you’re with, where you are, and how you’ll get home.
  • Avoid mixing: Combining substances (including alcohol and other legal substances) can increase risks of dangerous side effects.
  • Don't use alone: You are much safer with other people around you
  • Know your limits: Start low, go slow, and listen to your body. Release offers practical tips about Basic Harm Reduction.
  • Reach out: If you’re worried about your use or someone else’s, support is available.

Helpful apps and tools

Apps and tools can be useful in monitoring your consumption or aid recovery:

Helpful websites

These sites offer clear, practical advice for staying safe:

  • Talk to Frank Drugs A-Z provides information on substances, effects and risks.
  • The Drop is Bristol Drugs Project’s one-stop-shop for information and support for people who use recreational drugs
  • Team Bath Clean sport page has resources for you if you require information about drugs in sport.
  • IPED Info developed by Public Health Wales provides factual information and harm reduction advice for image and performance enhancement drugs, including anabolic steroids.
  • Withyou have useful guidance if you are supporting someone else with their drinking or drug use.

People you can talk to 

There are plenty of ways to get confidential, supportive advice:

  • For questions about drugs you can call FRANK 0300 123 6600 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or Text on 82111.
  • If you want to access expert advice or support then Turning Point  is the Bath area Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction Service. You can refer yourself or find a support centre near where you live through find drug and alcohol support near you. 
  • A Turning Point Drug and Alcohol Advisor will be available on campus every Thursday from 1:00 to 2:30pm in Room 3.08, 1 East Corridor (The Students' Union). To find the room, use the staircase outside the library, walk towards The SU, and follow the corridor down. Alternatively, access the corridor from the Norwood House Lift to Level 3. No appointment is needed, students can drop in directly and speak with the Advisor without going through SU staff. Reagent drug-testing kits will be available to collect for free, with individual and confidential support from the Advisor. Everything you share is confidential and not reported to the University.
  • Drug checking using more complex laboratory methods is also available from the Bristol city centre drug checking service, The Loop, who also provide specific harm reduction advice. 
  • Student Minds Student Space runs a programme of Support for students recovering from addiction.
  • To find support if you are a distance learner, on placement or on vacation you can also find a local drug treatment service elsewhere in the UK.
  • Prism is Bristol’s free, specialist drug and alcohol support for LGBTQ+ people. they offer one to one and drop in sessions.
  • Our Student Support Advice Service is also here to provide confidential, judgement-free help to support you to find the right specialist support for you.  
  • If you are in University accommodation, you might want to discuss your accommodation preferences

If you are worried about someone else 

It can be hard to know what to do if you’re concerned about a friend or loved one. These resources can help:

You can also talk to our Student Support Advice Service if you need support for yourself while supporting someone else.

Final thoughts

The only way to fully avoid harm is to not use drugs, but if you are choosing to use them, there are steps you can take to reduce risks. Whether you’re thinking about your own use, supporting someone else, or just looking for reliable information, make safer, more informed choices.

This guide was written in partnership with students, Student Support and Turning Point, the Bath & North East Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service.

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