4.9.1 Harm Reduction & Safety

Harm Reduction & Safety #

As you might expect, the Internet is awash with useful information and advice. The following segment is a re-worked version of a list I posted to a forum some years ago, and is chronologically focused upon safety:

1. WHAT’S THE DOSE?

The bywords are research research research. However, for a quick and rough general approximation, the following are often used:

Reminder: Always start low and always allergy test.

2. COMBINATIONS

If you are researching more than one substance, even if not on the same day (extended half-life is real), always check the risks of the combination. Some can be lethal. In my opinion, this is a superb document:

In connection with this, it’s a good idea to have at least a basic grasp of where different drugs fit into a bigger picture. This diagram provides one representation:

3. TEST IT

Not totally sure about the drug you have? Whether it is what it is supposed to be? Whether it has been adulterated with something else? Use a testing service before using it. They will test it anonymously and sometimes for free.

Three examples follow, but if these are not local any search engine will hopefully provide similar websites in your own territory.

4. SUBSTANCE INFORMATION

Erowid is probably the most famous directory of individual substance information. The entry page to its substantial vault is here:

Another is PsychonautWiki:

5. TALK THE TALK

If you need to chat online pretty damn quick:

Or there may be someone available in one of the major forums:

Or subreddits:

In posting these, I think it’s fair to issue a health warning that not all forums are as well run in terms of managing irresponsible posts as they might be.

If you feel at serious risk, never hesitate to call the emergency services.

6. DRUG HELPLINES (VOICE)

If you need to talk with your actual voice (horror of horrors), there are services which do offer 24x7 cover, including:

www.urban75.com/Drugs/helpline.html
www.talktofrank.com/emergency-help (surprisingly, there is some good info on that page)
www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs.php (all sorts of numbers)

These are UK-centric but similar services are available in many territories. The best advice is to seek them out now, just in case you need them later.

Again, if you feel at serious risk, never hesitate to call the emergency services.

If you get into trouble and are stuck, Release provide a free confidential and non-judgemental national information and advice service in relation to drugs and drug laws. 

8. SERIOUSLY, DON’T DO IV

But if you must, at least take as many precautions as possible. Some further advice:

Also, check for needle exchange programmes in your locale, such as:

Again UK centric but search engines can be your friend.

OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES #

The following (inexhaustive) list of online sources may be of value for general interest and research.

MAJOR INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES

www.erowid.org (Erowid)
tripsit.me (TripSit)
psychonautwiki.org (PsychonautWiki)
www.drugscience.org.uk (DrugScience)
www.maps.org (MAPS)

NEWS

www.hightimes.com (High Times)
www.marijuana.com (Marijuana News)
www.talkingdrugs.org (Talking Drugs)
www.thefix.com (The Fix)

FORUMS

www.bluelight.org (BlueLight)
www.drugs-forum.com (Drugs Forum)
www.shroomery.org/forums/ (The Shroomery)
www.mycotopia.net (Mycotopia)
www.dmt-nexus.me (DMT Nexus)
www.entheogen-network.com (Entheogen Network)

REDDIT SUBREDDITS

old.reddit.com/me/m/drugs/
old.reddit.com/me/m/dmt/
old.reddit.com/me/m/researchchemicals/
old.reddit.com/r/askdrugs/
old.reddit.com/r/harmreduction/
old.reddit.com/r/ReagentTesting/wiki/test_kit_suppliers

TWITTER ACCOUNTS

twitter.com/Release_drugs
twitter.com/VoltefaceHub
twitter.com/TheNewImpostor
twitter.com/Talkingdrugs

YOUTUBE CHANNELS

www.youtube.com/user/TheDrugClassroom (Drug Classroom)
www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRQKXtIGcK1yEnQ4Te8hWQ (DrugsLab)
www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHAXRpV8paPh3FFwXo7-Fw (Controlled Substance)
www.youtube.com/user/dmttsm (Spirit Molecule)
www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8V3KNSgDr1Dai77_y8JrQ (Psyched Substance)
www.youtube.com/user/StrainCentral (Strain Central)

CANNABIS

www.norml.org
www.thecannabist.co
www.smokersguide.com
www.leafly.com
www.allbud.com
www.kindgreenbuds.com en.seedfinder.eu

USEFUL ARTICLES & RESOURCES

old.reddit.com/r/Drugs/wiki/knowledgebase
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_designer_drugs
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis_by_country
www.azarius.net/encyclopedia/
www.drugs-forum.com/forums/drug-articles.459/
www.release.org.uk/drugs-law/drugs-a-to-z/3
wiki.dmt-nexus.me/Known_substance-interactions_and_their_effects
www.psychonautdocs.com

MISC

www.psychedelicsociety.org.uk
www.sociedelic.com
www.emcdda.europa.eu
www.kfx.org.uk
www.vice.com/en_uk/topic/drugs
www.archive.org/details/psychedelia_collection
www.reset.me
www.drugtruth.net
www.psycareuk.org
www.firesideproject.org
www.sociedelic.com