Trying a drug for the first time is a big decision. It’s normal to feel curious, nervous, and excited. But it’s worth slowing down and thinking through what might happen. This can help you avoid a bad time.
Here’s some tips to be safer:
Get your drugs tested
When you’re buying drugs from the black market, there’s no guarantee they are what you think they are. They could be mixed with another drug or could be a different drug entirely. Or they could be mixed with a filler that’s dangerous or unpleasant to take.
If you don’t know what you’re taking, you could end up taking too much or having a bad time. Worst case, you could get sick or die.
Drug checking services are free, confidential and legal, and can tell you what’s in your drugs — our calendar has all available drug checking clinics in the country.
Plan beforehand
The drug you take, your mindset and the environment you're in will all influence your experience.
Have a think about how you can manage these. Here’s some suggestions:
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Make sure you’re in an environment you’re familiar with and feel comfortable in. If that’s not possible (e.g. you’re at a festival), make sure you’re with people you trust who care about you.
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Check in on your mental health and consider if now is the right time to be trying drugs.
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Research the drug and learn about what it does and the amount people commonly take. Check out our drug information pages for dosage and other info.
Start low and go slow
It’s tempting to think that more means better, but most drugs have a point where taking extra will only add to the unpleasant effects instead of the pleasant ones. MDMA, for example, works by releasing serotonin — but once your brain has released all its serotonin, taking more will just make the comedown worse and won’t add to the high.
Learn about common doses for your drug and consider taking a small ‘tester’ amount first. This will allow you to wait and see how you feel before deciding if you want to take more.
Remember, you don’t need to take the same amount as the people around you! You can stop at any time if you don't feel comfortable.
Take care if mixing drugs
Mixing different drugs (including alcohol and medications) can increase the risk of overdose or unpleasant effects.
It's particularly risky to mix multiple drugs at the same time that slow your body down (like alcohol, benzos and ketamine) or multiple drugs that speed your body up (like MDMA, cocaine and speed).
Avoid mixing, especially if it’s your first time. If you do choose to mix, take a lower dose of each and leave much time as possible between taking each drug.
Tripsit.me has a tool that helps identify the risks of different combinations. For more information, see our Mixing drugs page.
Be safe with sex
Some drugs can change the way you experience sex. Stimulants and certain depressants can make people feel more aroused or lower inhibitions, which can complicate consent. If sex might be part of the night, talk with your partner beforehand and plan for safer sex with condoms and lube.
Make sure everyone involved is giving an enthusiastic “yes” and if someone’s too high to consent properly, that’s a clear “no”. Remember: consent is not a one-time evet! You can withdraw consent at any time so it’s important to keep checking in with each other.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Having someone sober around who knows what you’re taking can make a big difference if you start feeling unwell. Talk to someone you trust and let them know what you’re taking. If you need medical help, be honest about what you’ve taken — knowing the details helps them act quickly and safely. Emergency staff aren’t there to judge you or get you in trouble.
Although using drugs will always bring risk. There is lots you can do to reduce that risk and be safer. Take care of yourself and make sure to look out for each other!
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