Out the Bag

• Printed copies of the 4 groups of images (person/people, place, feeling, drug) 
• 4 bags to hold each group of images 
• Paper and pens for small group discussion 
• Whiteboard or flipchart paper for whole-group discussion 

1. Show the "Online High" video to set the context.

2. Divide the group into smaller groups and hand out paper and pens to each group.

3. Ask each group to select 4 images—one from each bag: a "person/people" image, a "place" image, a "feeling" image, and a "drug" image.

4. Explain that these images will form a scenario where a drug is being used.

5. Explain to the groups that their selected images create a scenario involving drug use. The images represent the drug being used, the location, the person’s feelings before using the drug, and who they are with.

6. Ask each group to discuss the following questions:

• Why might the person be using the drug(s) in this situation?
• What are the potential risks in this situation?
• How could these risks be reduced?
• What could someone do to stay safer in this situation?

Encourage each group to nominate a scribe to jot down their responses.

TIPS: Prompt groups to consider both short-term and long-term impacts, including effects on mental and physical health, relationships, and future opportunities.

Discuss the possible changes in risk if one aspect of the scenario were altered (e.g., changing the setting or the person’s feelings). How would this affect safety strategies?

7. Bring everyone back together to share their scenarios and the risks and harm reduction strategies they discussed.

8. Compare different scenarios and highlight similarities or differences in risk factors and harm reduction strategies.

 9. Emphasise that drug effects are influenced by factors like the person's mindset and environment. Reinforce that all drug use carries some degree of risk.

 10. Discuss emergency responses if someone becomes unwell after using drugs (Calling 999, placing the person in the recovery position).