Staying sesh safe with drug harm reduction

People use drugs or experiment with drugs for many reasons; to unwind, have fun, socialise or have new experiences. If you choose to use drugs, it is a good idea to prepare yourself with as much information as possible to try and keep yourself safe. Although harm reduction does not entirely get rid of the risks associated with drug use, knowing tips and advice about drugs, their effects and what to do if something goes wrong, can help to keep you and those around you safe in whatever choice you make.

This page contains links to articles on spunout describing various illegal drugs, sometimes known as ‘street drugs’ or ‘recreational drugs’. It also links to pieces detailing advice on harm reduction when taking drugs, dealing with negative side effects of drugs and how to examine your own relationship with drugs in a compassionate and non-judgmental way.

Harm reduction advice and information about drugs

Drug fact sheets

• What is cannabis?
• What are the effects of MDMA (ecstasy)?
• What happens when I take cocaine or crack?
• What are the effects of amphetamines (speed)?
• What is ketamine?
• What are magic mushrooms?
• What is LSD (Acid)?
• What are poppers?
• What is back of house testing for drugs?

Harm reduction advice

• Harm reduction advice for when you are using drugs
• How to help a friend in a drug emergency
• How to cope with a ‘bad trip’ or high when using drugs
• How to cope with a drug comedown
• How to spot if your relationship with drugs is problematic
• Your rights and the Gardaí

Harm reduction videos

• Drugs and overheating
• Mixing cocaine and alcohol
• How to cope with a bad trip
• Ketamine bladder
• Staying safe with MDMA
• How to spot the signs of a medical emergency
• What is your best festival advice? (Vox pop)
• How do you feel about drug laws in Ireland? (Vox pop)
• What drug education did you get in schools? (Vox pop)
• HSE back-of-house testing at District X (Vlog)

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