Peer power: How friends can help keep each other safe

Your friends can influence you more than you might realize - sometimes in risky ways, but also in powerful and positive ways. When it comes to harm reduction, friends can sometimes be the first line of defense. 

What looking out for your friends looks like: 

• Sticking together at parties

• Not letting someone wander off when they’re intoxicated

• Making a pact: no one drives under the influence, ever. 

• Checking in: “Are you okay? Do you need water? Should we leave?”

Warning signs to watch for: 

• Unresponsiveness

• Vomiting or struggling to breathe

• Severe confusion or panic

What to do: 

• Call for help - even if you’re scared about getting in trouble. Many states have “Good Samaritan” laws that protect people who call 911 for overdoses. 

• Stay with your friend until help arrives. 

Being a good friend means more than hanging out - it means having each other’s backs when things get risky.