Staying sesh safe with drug harm reduction
If you or those around you choose to use drugs, you should try to be aware of harm reduction advice.
Last Updated: Apr-15-24
Factsheet
Fact checked by experts and reviewed by young people.
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?
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
- 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)
Feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to someone?
- Get anonymous support 24/7 with our text message support service
- Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you, and help you to move forward feeling better
- Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to begin
- Find out more about our text message support service
If you are a customer of the 48 or An Post network or cannot get through using the ‘50808’ short code please text HELLO to 086 1800 280 (standard message rates may apply). Some smaller networks do not support short codes like ‘50808’.
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