Every drug is different and the side effects can be unpredictable, particularly when you throw alcohol into the mix too. The smartest decision is to go without, but if you do decide to take drugs, here are some tips to make sure you don’t end up cutting your night short.
Get clued up
Surprise side effects can be more than just trippy – they can be a warning sign for much worse. Think about where your head’s at and if you’re not feeling 100% then it’s a definite no-go.
You might trust your dealer, but that doesn’t mean they know what they’re selling, or what’s in it. So if you’re heading on a big night out this weekend, find out if they’ll have drug safety testing available – that way you’ll know more about what you’re planning on taking.
Have a game plan
Sounds super obvious, but before you head out, think about how you’ll get home. Make sure you’ve got your money, keys and phone, as well as some taxi numbers saved just in case you have to make a quick getaway.
This goes without saying but we’ll say it anyway – if you’re going to drop, do it with friends. It’s easy to stress out and get lost so make sure you have good people around you and decide on a meet up point just in case. If someone disappears, don’t presume they’ve bailed, find out for sure before you leave.
Oh yeah, and eating definitely isn’t cheating – line your stomach by smashing some food before you head out.
Keep it low and take it slow
Try a small amount and then go slow until you know the deal. Even alcohol can take a while to have an effect, so make sure you pace yourself properly or it won’t just be your dignity at stake.
Keep yourself cool and stay hydrated. Take regular breaks from the dance floor and check in with your friends if you’re feeling rough – who wants to waste their night hugging a toilet bowl?
Leave the mixing to the DJ
Mixing is a risky business. Stay in control and remember that mixing drugs with drink or other drugs can seriously increase the risk of something going wrong. If you want a high, pick one and leave it at that.
Know the warning signs
If you spot your friend suffering from any of these, help them out.
Throwing up: As grim as it may be, if your friend’s chucking up, give them some water to sip slowly but avoid food. If they want to sleep, lie them on their side and stay close by.
Paranoia: If they’re freaking out, find them somewhere quiet and safe to sit. Let them know that the feeling will pass but bare with them – it might take a while for them to calm down.
Chest pain: Get a medic and whilst you are waiting, sit them down and try and comfort them.
Fits: Get a medic straight away and clear the area around them so they won’t hurt themselves.
Overheating: Stimulants raise your body temperature, so if you or a friend start overheating, find somewhere safe to sit and ditch the extra layers. Wet some clothing with lukewarm water to cool the forehead and grab a glass to sip slowly.
If there’s an emergency
- Get medical help as fast as you can.
- Make sure somebody stays with them.
- Medics aren’t there to judge – if you know which drug’s been taken and how much, always tell them so they know how to help.