Get help now. If your friend has taken a substance, no matter what the substance, get them help immediately. It is not always obviouswhat damage the substance may be causing.
If someone you know has seriously hurt him or herself or taken pills, you can call 911 for an ambulance and stay with them until help arrives.
Managing your reaction. It is normal to feel shocked, scared or sad if someone you know overdoses on drugs or does something to hurthim or herself. However, it is important that you deal with the feelings and reactions you are having, so that they don’t become overwhelming.
Talking to someone you trust may help you to manage your feelings. You may want to talk to a friend or family member or it may help to talk to someoneneutral like a counselor or other mental health professional. The fact sheets on How talking to someone andCoping with a stressful event could also be helpful.
Understanding why someone close to you would want to hurt him or herself may also be difficult to deal with. It may be helpful to check out the fact sheetson Self-harm.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
