Safer Use

The term safer use refers to strategies/messages that are intended to minimize the incidental and preventable harms of substance use. Every use of psychoactive substances carries a risk. These risks can be minimized with adherence to safer use messages. Among the best-known safer use measures are syringe exchange and safersniffing papers.

Other safer use messages are:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and isotonic beverages. 3 to 5 dl (depending on the weather) per hour is ideal.
• Take breaks from dancing at parties and get some fresh air regularly.
• Eat a healthy meal before taking the medication and do not take it on an empty stomach. Be aware that the onset of the medication’s effects may be delayed if there is food in your stomach.  
• Accept it when the effects wear off. "Top-up" doses can increase the toxicity of some substances.
• Take your time to recover and take regular breaks from using the substance (at least 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the substance).
• People with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, asthma, liver disease, or hyperthyroidism, as well as pregnant women, should not consume psychoactive substances.
• Use a small amount and avoid reapplying too often! There is an increased risk of overdose.
• Avoid mixing this substance with other psychoactive substances, or be aware of the effects.
• Test your substances before use through drug checking. If drug checking isn’t possible, try a small amount and wait to see what kind of effects it has. This way, you can reduce or minimize the risk of overdoses and ingesting mislabeled substances.
• If possible, don’t use drugs alone, and let the people around you know what you’ve taken. Also, keep an eye on your friends who have used drugs as well. If there are any problems, don’t leave anyone alone, and call an ambulance in an emergency.
• The use, purchase, possession, and sale of most psychoactive substances are criminal offenses.
• Whether it's a night out or a trip in the woods, you should be prepared. You should only consider using psychoactive substances if you are in good physical and mental health. Whenever you use drugs, be mindful of the drug, your state of mind, and your surroundings.