Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is a pragmatic response to both legal and illegal drug use, grounded in a human rights and public health framework. Harm reduction advocates practical responses to reduce the harms associated with drug use, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about what drugs they consume, and how they consume them.
Here at PsyCare UK we are passionate about harm reduction. We believe that in order to make informed choices people need credible and high quality information. With information, people can reduce the risk, and therefore the harm, associated with the use of drugs.
The most common drugs we encounter across all events are: Ketamine, MDMA, LSD, cocaine.
Psychedelic drugs are generally considered to be of low-risk physically, but create significant alterations in perception, mood and cognition. For this reason, the mind-set of the user and the setting or environment the experience takes place in, play a vital role.
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic. Though not generally considered a psychedelic drug, at higher doses uses can experience effects similar to those produced by the classical psychedelics.
MDMA is a substituted amphetamine which can have both stimulant and psychedelic effects. It is commonly described as an ‘entactogen’ or ‘empathogen’. This is because of the feelings of empathy, love and euphoria which are commonly reported by people who use it.
MDMA can also be dangerous, particularly when:
Too much MDMA is consumed.
MDMA is mixed with alcohol, other drugs, or prescription medications.
It is taken in an unsuitable environment.
For comprehensive MDMA harm reduction information check out www.rollsafe.org.
Please also check out our Aftercare & Integration page.
-
Tips for Staying Safe
Tips for safer use of legal and illegal drugs at festivals & events.
-
Using Psychedelics
Staying safe when using psychedelics at festivals & events.
-
Psychedelic Support
Introduction to Psychedelic Support - Helping Others.
Other Excellent Resources
Reagent testing
Reagent testing is an excellent way to reduce the risks of using drugs. With the ability to instantly see if what you have bought is fake or even unusually dangerous it’s much easier to make better decisions about drug use.
Drug combinations
Check out Tripsit’s excellent drug combination chart which sets out the relative risk of mixing two drugs. There is also an app version here.
Psychedelics Today: Navigating Psychedelics
Alongside a highly recommended podcast the guys at Psychedelics Today run an online course called Navigating Psychedelics: Lessons on Self-Care & Integration.
