What is harm reduction?
Harm reduction is an approach aimed at minimising the negative consequences of risky behaviours rather than focusing solely on eliminating the behaviour itself. It recognises that some people will continue to use, and instead of condemning or punishing them, it seeks to reduce the harm that use can cause.
That means safer alternatives, education, support and resources. It is based on the idea that everyone deserves respect, and it prioritises practical steps that reduce harm and save lives, regardless of whether the behaviour continues.
If someone might be overdosing
Opioids and other depressants
Fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, benzos, alcohol, GHB
- Breathing slow, shallow, or stopped
- Gurgling, choking, or snoring sounds
- Lips, fingertips, or face going blue or grey
- Pinpoint pupils and a limp body
- No response to their name, or to knuckles rubbed hard on the breastbone
- 01Call 911 and say they are unresponsive and not breathing.
- 02Give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it — one spray in one nostril, a second dose after 2 to 3 minutes if nothing changes.
- 03If they are still not breathing, give rescue breaths: head tilted back, one breath every 5 seconds.
- 04Once they are breathing, roll them onto their side so they cannot choke, and stay. Naloxone wears off in 30 to 90 minutes and the overdose can come back.
Stimulants and psychedelics
Cocaine, meth, MDMA, amphetamine, cathinones
- Chest pain, or a racing or irregular heartbeat
- Skin hot to the touch, or heavy sweating that suddenly stops
- Severe agitation, confusion, or paranoia
- Twitching, rigid muscles, or a seizure
- A sudden severe headache
- 01Naloxone does not reverse a stimulant overdose. Call 911 for chest pain, a seizure, or skin you cannot cool down.
- 02Move them somewhere cool and quiet, loosen tight clothing, and cool them with a damp cloth or a fan.
- 03Sips of water, not litres — overhydrating on MDMA is its own cause of death.
- 04Do not hold them down. Talk calmly, keep the space low-stimulation, and stay until it passes or help arrives.
In most US states, Good Samaritan laws protect both of you from drug possession charges when you call for an overdose — say what was taken and how much, because responders need it. Naloxone is sold over the counter in every state, and NEXT Distro mails it free in much of the country. Never leave someone alone to “sleep it off”.
Before use
Use reagent test kits
Reagents can detect dangerous additives. Test before taking any unknown substance. We recommend buying from DanceSafe.
Have a sober friend
Someone present can help if something goes wrong. Never trip or take risky combos alone. You can find someone to talk to while you use at NeverUseAlone.com.
Know who to call
Save local emergency numbers and poison control on your phone ahead of time.
Research effects and interactions
Know what you’re taking, how it works, and what it doesn’t mix well with. Knowledge reduces risk.
During use
Go slow
Give your body time to respond; effects can build, and more isn’t always better.
Stay hydrated and nourished
Sip water and eat something if you can. Your body needs support, especially during long sessions.
Be mindful of mixing
Combining substances, especially depressants or stimulants, can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Have fun
Most important of all. Enjoy the moment, laugh, dance, connect — just stay present and aware.
How much, and when to take more
- Weigh it, don’t eyeball it
- Anything active in the milligram range — most research chemicals, benzos, opioids — cannot be measured by eye. A 0.001 g scale, or volumetric dosing in a measured liquid, is the only honest way to hit a dose that small.
- Start at the bottom of the range
- Look up a dose range for your route of administration and take the lowest number the first time, especially from a new batch. You can always take more later; you cannot take less.
- Wait out the full onset before redosing
- Oral doses can take two hours to come up. Taking a second dose because the first “isn’t working” is how a normal dose becomes a double one.
- Tolerance drops faster than you expect
- After even a week or two off, the dose you were taking before may be too much. This is when opioid overdoses cluster — after a break, not during a run.
After use
Rest
Your body and brain need recovery time. Drink water, eat something nourishing, and get good sleep. Even if you feel fine, internal systems are still recalibrating.
Reflect on the experience
Think about how it went, what you enjoyed, what felt off, and what you’d do differently. Writing it down or talking it out helps you process it.
Clean up safely
Properly dispose of any leftover materials, test kits, or sharps. Keeping your space clean isn’t just hygiene, it’s self-respect and community care.
Seek support if needed
Drugs can be overwhelming, especially the first time. Whether it’s a friend, a therapist, or a hotline, there’s no shame in reaching out. You’re not alone.
Get tested, get equipped
Get a reagent testing kit
To test substances safely you’ll need a reagent kit. This is a community-maintained list of trusted suppliers.
Get fentanyl testing strips
The leading cause of death for Americans aged 18–45 is fentanyl overdose, which accounts for roughly 70% of drug overdose deaths. Test before you take anything you did not source yourself.
How to test
- 01Get a test kit.
- 02Use a clean, non-metal surface — glass or ceramic is best.
- 03Scrape off a tiny sample. You don’t need much.
- 04Drop 1 to 2 drops of reagent on the sample.
- 05Watch the colour change for 30 to 60 seconds, then compare it to a chart.
- 06Use more than one reagent for better accuracy.