Taking drugs always carries risks, and the potential for harm is ever-present. It’s impossible to know exactly what is in a substance just by looking at it, and the effects can be unpredictable. If you choose to use drugs, harm reduction strategies can help you stay as safe as possible while minimising risks.
Understanding “Drug, Set, and Setting”
The effects of drugs are subjective and depend on three factors:
- Drug: The type of substance and its chemical composition.
- Set: The mindset or mental state of the user.
- Setting: The physical and social environment where the drug is taken.
General Harm Reduction Tips
If you choose to use drugs, keep the following tips in mind:
- Start small: Begin with a small dose, such as a dab or half a pill, to gauge its effects.
- Avoid mixing substances: Mixing drugs, especially with alcohol, significantly increases risks.
- Be honest and seek help: If something goes wrong, share openly about what you’ve taken.
- Look out for friends: If someone is unconscious or unresponsive, place them in the recovery position and seek help immediately.
- Share your plans: Tell someone what you’re taking and where you are.
- Purchase cautiously: If you’re buying, try to source from someone you trust.
- Avoid injecting: Injection carries higher risks for first-time users, including overdose and infections.
- Use with trusted friends: Ensure you’re in a safe environment, particularly for first-time use.
- Don’t drive: Driving under the influence endangers both you and others.
Drug-Specific Advice
Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, ecstasy):
- Wait at least two hours before taking another dose.
- Stay hydrated with small sips of water or isotonic drinks (no more than 1 pint per hour).
- Take breaks from dancing to avoid overheating.
- Avoid use if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or mental health concerns like depression or anxiety.
Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, mushrooms):
- If experiencing a “bad trip,” find a calm and safe place; remind yourself it will pass.
- Even visually identical doses may vary in potency.
- Use with trusted friends, and let someone sober know your plans.
Opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine):
- Overdose is a significant risk; dosages are easy to misjudge.
- Smoking on foil is safer than injecting or snorting.
- Keep Narcan (overdose antidote) nearby if possible.
- Avoid combining opiates with alcohol or sedatives to prevent respiratory depression.
Depressants (e.g., alcohol, GHB):
- Test a small dose first, especially for GHB/GBL, as potency varies.
- Stay hydrated and eat before drinking.
- Never mix depressants, as this can lead to dangerous respiratory issues.
- Protect your drink to avoid spiking and act immediately if you suspect spiking.
Legal Highs (e.g., 25I-NBome):
- Always take a small test dose and wait two hours before taking more.
- Avoid mixing with other substances.
- Research user experiences online to understand potency and risks.
Support Resources
If you’re concerned about your drug use—or someone else’s—reach out for support:
- Talk to Frank: Offers confidential information and advice on drugs.
- SUSU Advice Centre: For concerns affecting your academic work or finances, email advice@susu.org.
Remember, while harm reduction can lower risks, the safest choice is to avoid drug use altogether. Stay informed, stay safe, and take care of yourself and those around you.
If you have any questions about this, feel free to contact the Advice Centre.