Why Using Substances Alone is Risky – and Why Being a Bystander Isn’t “Staying Out of It"

Imagine you’re hanging out with friends, and someone takes a pill without telling anyone and goes into another room alone. What would happen if something went wrong and no one knew? Taking substances is risky behavior, but taking substances alone can be especially dangerous – and staying silent as a bystander can make things worse.

What Does “Using” Alone Really Mean?

Many people think using alone means being the only person in a house. That’s not always true. Using alone can also mean.

• Being in a bedroom while others are in another room.

• Sitting in a car where no one notices you.

• Being away from others at a party.

• Not telling anyone what you took.
  

No one knows what’s happening, and no one can help if something goes wrong.

Why Is It More Dangerous?

1. No one is there to help.

Overdoses can happen quickly and quietly, which means no one is around to notice if someone stops breathing or loses consciousness and can’t call for help. 

2. You don’t always know what you’re taking. 

Today, many drugs are mixed or laced with other substances, like fentanyl, a very strong drug that is 100 times stronger than morphine. Sometimes people take a pill thinking it’s something else. Even if someone has taken something before and felt okay, it only takes one time for things to go wrong. 

3. Mixing substances is risky. You may not think much of it in the moment, but mixing things can be very dangerous.  For example:

   -Alcohol and pills

   -Prescription drugs and alcohol

   -Opioids (like fentanyl) and benzodiazepines (“benzos”)

Mixing substances can cause blackouts, accidents, or overdose.

4. Bad reactions can happen. 

Some drugs can cause strong reactions like:

• Anxiety or panic

• A racing heart

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

When someone is alone, these reactions can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.

Why People Don’t Step In

There is also another danger to know about – the bystander effect. This happens when people see a problem but assume someone else will help.

It can happen in many situations like bullying or emergencies. It can also happen when someone is overdosing. Two common reasons why people don’t step in are:

• The fear of getting in trouble

Someone might be worried about parents finding out, getting in trouble at school, or with police even if you didn’t use any drugs. But during a medical emergency, getting help should always come first. 

Many states, including Nevada, have a Good Samaritan law. This law protects people who call 911 during an overdose from some drug-related charges. 

• Not knowing the signs of an overdose

Even if you don’t use drugs, it’s important to know the signs of an overdose. Look for:

• Someone who won’t wake up or respond

• Slow or no breathing

• Blue lips or fingertips

• Cold or clammy skin

• Gurgling or choking sounds
  

If you see these signs, act right away!

What can you do?

• Check in with your friends. If they look off, simply ask if they’re okay.

• Stay! Don’t leave someone alone if they are very intoxicated or not responding normally.

• Call for help. If someone shows signs of an overdose, call 911 and use Narcan if it’s available. Narcan (naloxone) is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life if it’s given in time. It’s safe to use and will not hurt someone if opioids are not in their body.

Remember: Narcan can wear off after a short time. Always call 911 right away, even if the person starts to feel better.

Your Choice Matters

Looking out for your friends matters.

Talking about the dangers of fentanyl and using alone can help keep people safe.

Most importantly, remember this:

Being a bystander is a choice. Speaking up or getting help could save someone’s life.

#DontRiskItAll — Your Future Matters!

Sources

• NCDAS: Drug Use Among Youth

• CDC: Youth Overdose Deaths (2019–2021)

• Nevada State Opioid Response: Good Samaritan Law