Some of us choose to use drugs, and pretending otherwise doesn’t keep anyone safe. What does help is knowing how to look after yourself and your mates when you do.

Here are seven quick harm-reduction tips that can make a huge difference.

1. A little prep goes a long way:

Plan ahead for what you’re taking. Text the Effects is a free, anonymous SMS service run by the Australian Drug Foundation. Just text the name (or slang name) of any drug to 0439 835 563, and you’ll instantly get info about what it does, how long it lasts, signs of overdose, mixing risks, and safer-use tips.

If you’re on gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and wondering how hormones might interact with alcohol or other drugs, check out Touchbase — it’s a great resource for that.

Carry naloxone. Here’s the thing — strong synthetic opioids have been turning up in drugs sold as cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA in Victoria. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, so it’s a good idea to have some around just in case. You can learn more about it here [hyperlink to naloxone article].

Eat something decent first. Before you dose, have a proper meal with some carbs, protein, and a bit of fat — it’ll help line your stomach. Later on, snacks like fruit or a smoothie can make you feel better as you come down. It’s also smart to have a few easy meals ready for the next day.

2. Test it before you take it.

Even if you got your drugs from someone you trust, you can’t always know what’s really in them. Use pill testing or drug checking services whenever they’re available — they’re free and confidential. You can find out more about Victoria’s pill testing service here.

If you don’t have access to that, DIY testing kits (also called reagent kits) are available from Drug Policy Australia. They’re not perfect and have some limitations, but they’re better than nothing. Ideally, everyone would use an official service, but a DIY kit can help if that’s not an option. You can find more info on how to use them here.

3. Go low and slow.

Start small and pace yourself — take half a pill, a light bump, or a half dose and wait to see how your body reacts. You can always take more later, but you can’t take less once it’s in your system.

4. Drugs and Sex

If you’re thinking about exploring wired play (AKA taking drugs and f@cking), here are a few things to keep in mind.
Before you dive in, stock up. You can grab free safer sex supplies — like condoms, lube, and dams — plus sterile injecting, smoking, or snorting gear from Needle and Syringe Program Services across Victoria. If you want to learn more about how different drugs can affect sex, check out Down an’ Dirty. It’s written for guys who have sex with guys, but the info’s still really relevant for everyone.

5. Talk and check in.

Drugs can mess with how we communicate and make decisions, so chat with your partner or partners beforehand about what you want and what’s off limits. Keep checking in while you play — consent isn’t a one-time thing. If someone’s too out of it to say yes, they can’t actually consent. Having those honest chats ahead of time helps keep everyone safe — and usually makes the experience better too. You can find more info on this at Touchbase.

6. Queer Care

Remember: queer care = relying on your mates. Let your friends know what you’re taking, how much, and when — and get them to do the same. Keep an eye on each other throughout the night. Ask, “How are you feeling?” “Need some water?” “Want to take a breather?” If someone looks off — pale, dizzy, unsteady, or unresponsive — don’t hesitate. Call 000. Paramedics aren’t there to judge, they’re there to help. Police only get involved if paramedics are in danger, or if someone’s a danger to themselves or others.

7. Take Breaks

Hydrate, breathe, cool down. Overheating and dehydration can sneak up on you — they mess with your heart rate, drain your electrolytes, and make the comedown worse. Sip water or electrolytes slowly (about 500 mL an hour), get some fresh air, and rest between sessions.

8. Coping with the comedown

Then there’s the comedown. It’s totally normal to feel flat, anxious, or sad for a few days after. Your brain’s just finding its balance again. You can check how long different drugs stay in your system here.

To make it easier on yourself, plan some recovery time. Rest, sleep, do something gentle that makes you feel good — a bath, a walk, a stretch. Taking magnesium can help with muscle tension too. If you can, hang out with a comedown buddy — having someone nearby can make a big difference. And don’t forget to refuel — eat the meals you prepped earlier and keep up your fluids.

Most importantly, go easy on yourself. You don’t need to bounce back straight away. Rest is harm reduction too.