Harm reduction: Set, Setting, Drug

Set: The brain is still developing up until the age of 25 years, so to reduce harm, it is important to avoid, delay, and reduce risky drinking during this period.

Setting: We tend to make more risky decisions in the company of friends, and consequently, often high-risk drinking occurs at social events. To reduce harm, it can help to plan whether you’re going to drink at all, determine how much you want to drink, and decide on a reasonable time to stop drinking, before arriving at the event.

Drug: Alcohol can interact with other drugs in a dangerous or even fatal way. It is important to avoid polysubstance use (taking other drugs at the same time) when consuming alcohol, and particularly avoid consuming other central nervous system depressants, such as opioids, GHB, and benzodiazepines.

Set: Many people experience a physical and/or mental ‘come down’ after taking MDMA. This can lead to anxious and/or depressive thoughts, which can be particularly dangerous if you are susceptible to low moods.

Setting: MDMA is often taken in hot, overcrowded environments, where there is heightened social and physical stimulation, which can lead to dangerous overheating. It’s important to avoid hot environments, drink water, take frequent breaks, and cool down as much as possible to avoid overheating. These setting factors are important because overheating is a common side effect of MDMA.

Drug: Every MDMA cap has a different dose of MDMA (from 0% - 99% purity) and higher doses are more likely to cause neurotoxicity (harm to the brain). It is important to be aware of signs of overdose and allergic reactions and be aware of the location of the closest medical facilities. For more information on helping someone, see how to help someone who has taken a drug.

Set: Cannabis effects everybody differently. If you have a history of mental illness in your family, then using cannabis can increase your risk for psychiatric disorders. It is important to investigate the presence of mental disorders in your family tree.

Setting: Cannabis impairs judgement, coordination, and reflex speed. Never drive or get in the car with someone who has recently smoked cannabis.

Drug: Some strains of cannabis have higher concentrations of the psychoactive ingredient, THC, than other strains. These higher potency strains are linked to increased learning and memory deficits and risk of psychiatric disorders, avoid using strong strains of cannabis and minimise regular ongoing use.