EASY Project - Ealing

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Substance information

Keep yourself safe

  • Do your research. If you are curious to try something, then do as much research as you can into what the effects are and what the risks are.
  • Buy from someone you trust. There’s no way to guarantee what you’re buying is safe. But if you’re going to buy drugs, get them from someone that people you know have bought from before without having any negative effects. 
  • Charge your phone. Before you go out, make sure your phone is fully charged in case of emergency. If your battery is low, turn down screen brightness and close apps to preserve battery life. Invest in a power bank if you're planning to go to longer events, like festivals.
  • Start small. If you’re new to taking something, you won’t have any tolerance or any idea how you will react. Start with a little bit and see how you feel. Things you take orally (by mouth) will take a while to kick in. Always wait a few hours before you take more.  
  • Don’t do it alone. Make sure you’re with someone you trust and who you know will take care of you. Tell them what you’ve taken and how much; if you need a doctor this will help them help you. 

Read all our tips for a night out.

What to do if your friend is unconscious or has difficulty breathing

If this happens, call for an ambulance immediately and put them in the recovery position. Stay with them until the ambulance arrives. If you know what drugs they’ve taken, tell the ambulance crew. It’ll make sure they get the right treatment faster. 

See the NHS advice on what to do if your friend is unconscious or having difficulty breathing.

Comedowns

After using drugs, you may notice that you feel differently as the effects start to wear off. You might feel tired, low in mood, irritable, nauseous or experience flu-like symptoms. This is what people mean when they refer to a comedown.

Find out more about comedowns and how to get through them safely.

Spiking

Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without their knowledge.

In most cases, being spiked involves someone adding something to your drink. This is usually a substance like a ‘date rape’ drug or alcohol. Spiking someone is illegal, but people who have been spiked often don’t report it.  Being spiked is never your fault, and you should never feel guilty or ashamed.

Read our advice on spiking, including how to try and avoid it, how to recognise the signs, and what to do if you or your mate has been spiked.