Harm Reduction
Practical strategies for safer use
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with substance use. It's not about promoting drug use—it's about keeping people who do use drugs safer and alive.
🧠 Set & Setting
Your mindset and environment significantly impact your experience.
Mental State (Set)
- Only use when you're in a positive, stable mental state
- Avoid using to escape problems—they'll still be there after
- Have clear intentions for your experience
- Don't use if you're feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed
Environment (Setting)
- Choose a safe, comfortable, familiar location
- Be with people you trust completely
- Have a sober trip sitter for strong experiences
- Ensure you have no responsibilities for the duration
⚖️ Dosing Guidelines
Start Low, Go Slow
- Always start with a low dose, especially with new substances
- Wait for full effects before redosing—this can take hours
- Potency varies between batches—test cautiously
- Body weight, tolerance, and metabolism all affect intensity
Know Your Substance
- Research dosage ranges before using anything
- Understand onset time, peak, and total duration
- Know the difference between threshold, common, and strong doses
- Check our substance database for specific info
⚠️ Drug Checking & Testing
Street drugs are often adulterated or misrepresented. Testing your substances can literally save your life.
Testing Options
- Reagent test kits - Quick, affordable home tests that identify substance classes
- Fentanyl test strips - Essential for any powder or pill. Fentanyl is odorless and invisible
- Drug checking services - Some cities offer free, confidential lab testing
- Never assume what you have is what you were told it is
🚫 Avoid Dangerous Combinations
Mixing substances multiplies risks. Some combinations are particularly dangerous:
⛔ Opioids + Depressants
Combining opioids with alcohol, benzos, or other depressants causes most overdose deaths
⛔ MAOIs + Many Substances
MAO inhibitors (some antidepressants, ayahuasca) have dangerous interactions with many drugs
⚠️ Stimulants + Stimulants
Combining stimulants increases cardiovascular strain and overheating risk
⚠️ Psychedelics + Cannabis
Cannabis can intensify and redirect psychedelic experiences unpredictably
Use our combination checker before mixing any substances.
🆘 Emergency Protocol
Signs of Emergency
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
- Difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or blue lips
- Seizures
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe overheating (hyperthermia)
- Extreme confusion or psychosis
What to Do
- Call emergency services immediately (112 in EU, 911 in US)
- Stay with the person—don't leave them alone
- If unconscious, place in recovery position
- If you have naloxone and suspect opioid overdose, administer it
- Tell paramedics what substances were taken (you won't get in trouble)
💧 General Safety Tips
Stay Hydrated
Drink water, but don't overdo it (especially with MDMA—sip, don't chug)
Eat & Rest
Don't use on an empty stomach. Get proper sleep before and after.
Don't Use Alone
Have someone sober who can help if things go wrong.
Space Your Use
Give your body and mind time to recover between sessions.
Safer Administration
Use clean equipment. Never share straws, pipes, or needles.
Know Your Limits
Tolerance decreases with breaks. Don't assume you can handle what you used to.
Learn More
Get detailed information on specific substances in our database.