Safety Hub
Know Before You Go — Comprehensive harm reduction information.
The Golden Rules
Set & Setting
Your mindset and environment are the most important factors. Choose a safe, comfortable space. Be in a stable emotional state. Have a trusted, sober person present.
Start Low, Go Slow
Always begin with a threshold or low amount, especially with a new substance or batch. You can always take more — you can never take less. Wait for full onset before considering any additional amount.
Never Alone
Always have a sober, trusted person present who knows what you have taken and can help if things go wrong. Brief them on what to expect and when to call for help.
Test Your Substances
Use reagent testing kits to verify substance identity. Adulterants and misrepresentation are common. Fentanyl test strips are recommended for any substance. What you think you have may not be what you actually have.
Know the Risks
Research contraindications, drug interactions, and dangerous combinations BEFORE use. Check your medications. Some combinations are life-threatening. Read the full safety profile on this site.
⚠️ Dangerous Combinations
| Substance A | Substance B | Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychedelics | Lithium | FATAL | Seizures — never combine |
| Psychedelics | Tramadol | FATAL | Seizure risk — never combine |
| MDMA | MAOIs | FATAL | Serotonin syndrome — potentially lethal |
| MDMA | SSRIs | DANGER | Serotonin syndrome risk — do not combine |
| Ayahuasca | SSRIs | FATAL | Contains MAOIs — serotonin syndrome |
| Ayahuasca | Tyramine foods | DANGER | Hypertensive crisis risk |
| Stimulants | MDMA | DANGER | Cardiac strain — hyperthermia risk |
| Opioids | Alcohol | FATAL | Respiratory depression |
| Dissociatives | Alcohol | DANGER | Loss of consciousness — aspiration risk |
| PCP | Stimulants | DANGER | Severe cardiovascular stress |
| 5-MeO-DMT | MAOIs | FATAL | Extremely dangerous — potentially lethal |
| NBOMe | Any psychedelic | FATAL | Unpredictable — seizure and cardiac risk |
If Things Go Wrong
1. Stay Calm
Remind the person (or yourself) that the experience is temporary. It will end. Say: 'You took a substance, and it is causing these feelings. They will pass.'
2. Change the Setting
Move to a quieter, more comfortable space. Dim lights. Put on calm music. Reduce sensory input. Sometimes a change of room is all that is needed.
3. Ground and Breathe
Use slow, deep breathing (4 counts in, 4 counts hold, 4 counts out). Touch something physical — a blanket, the ground. Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, 3 you can touch.
4. Do Not Resist
Fighting the experience often makes it worse. Encourage surrender and acceptance. 'Let the wave pass through you.' This is a temporary altered state, not reality.
5. When to Call 911
Call emergency services immediately if: chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, extreme hyperthermia, or any sign of a medical emergency. Never hesitate — you will not get in trouble for seeking help.
Emergency Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
Call or text, 24/7
Poison Control
1-800-222-1222
24/7 free & confidential
Fireside Project
62-FIRESIDE
Psychedelic peer support
Testing Your Substances
Reagent testing kits allow you to verify the identity of a substance. They cannot confirm purity or exact composition, but they can help identify dangerous adulterants and misrepresented substances.
- ✓Marquis Reagent — Tests for MDMA, amphetamines, and their analogues
- ✓Ehrlich Reagent — Tests for LSD, psilocybin, and other indole psychedelics
- ✓Mandelin Reagent — Tests for ketamine and PMA/PMMA
- ✓Fentanyl Test Strips — Strongly recommended for any substance. Fentanyl contamination is widespread and lethal.
DanceSafe (dancesafe.org) provides reagent testing kits, fentanyl test strips, and drug checking services at events.
This is education, not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making decisions about substance use. Never use illegal substances.