What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is a public health approach that accepts drug use occurs and focuses on minimizing negative health consequences through practical safety strategies such as testing, naloxone access, and overdose education.

What should I do during an opioid overdose?

Call emergency services immediately. Administer naloxone if available. Provide rescue breathing if the person is not breathing. Place them in the recovery position once breathing resumes and stay until help arrives.

Does this page link to any marketplace?

No. This is a temporary standalone harm-reduction resource with no marketplace links, no access mirrors, and no onion addresses.

Drug Harm Reduction Portal — Evidence-Based Safety Guide

Foundation

Core Harm Reduction Principles

Evidence-based practices from public health organizations. This temporary portal provides safety information only — no marketplace links, no access mirrors, no onion addresses.

01

Always Test Your Substances

Use reagent test kits and fentanyl test strips before any use. Fentanyl contamination has been documented in stimulants, benzodiazepines, and pressed pills — not only opioids.

02

Start Low, Go Slow

Begin with 10–20% of your intended dose. Wait for full onset before considering more. Batch potency varies dramatically between sources.

03

Never Use Alone

Have a trusted person present. If alone is unavoidable, call Never Use Alone: 1-800-484-3731 (US, 24/7).

04

Keep Naloxone Accessible

Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdose within minutes. Available OTC at many pharmacies. Train anyone nearby how to use it.

05

Avoid Dangerous Combinations

Opioids + benzodiazepines + alcohol multiply respiratory depression risk. Check combinations at TripSit Combo Chart.

06

Know Overdose Signs

Opioids: slow/stopped breathing, blue lips, unresponsive. Stimulants: chest pain, seizures, extreme agitation. Call emergency services immediately if unsure.

Emergency

Opioid Overdose Response

1

Call Emergency Services

Dial 911 (US), 999 (UK), or 112 (EU) immediately. Good Samaritan laws protect callers in most US states.

2

Administer Naloxone

Nasal spray: one spray per nostril. Repeat after 2–3 minutes if no response. Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes.

3

Rescue Breathing

If not breathing: tilt head back, give one breath every 5 seconds until breathing resumes or EMS arrives.

4

Recovery Position

Once breathing, place on side. Stay until paramedics arrive — re-overdose is possible as naloxone wears off.

Substance Guide

Common Substance Safety Profiles

MDMA / Ecstasy

Test with Marquis reagent. Dose: 75–120mg. Stay hydrated (500ml/hour if active). Never combine with MAOIs or SSRIs. Space use by 3+ months.

Moderate Risk

Opioids / Fentanyl

Extreme overdose risk. Always use fentanyl test strips. Never use alone. Keep naloxone accessible. Never combine with alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Extreme Risk

Cocaine / Stimulants

High cardiac risk. Test for fentanyl contamination. Never mix with alcohol (creates cocaethylene). Avoid redosing compulsively.

High Risk

Cannabis

Low physical toxicity. Edibles: delayed onset 1–3 hours — never redose early. High-potency concentrates can trigger anxiety in vulnerable users.

Low Risk

Psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin)

Low physical toxicity. Primary risks are psychological. Have a trip sitter. Avoid if history of psychosis. Test LSD with Ehrlich reagent.

Low-Moderate Risk

Ketamine

Bladder damage from chronic use. Do not combine with CNS depressants. Avoid driving. Use saline rinse if insufflating.

Moderate Risk

Support

Public Health Resources

🧪

DanceSafe

Testing kits & education

Harm Reduction Coalition

Drug checking services

→

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this harm-reduction portal?

A temporary standalone educational resource focused on reducing drug-related harms. It contains no marketplace links, access mirrors, or onion addresses.

Is this medical advice?

No. Information is sourced from public health organizations for educational purposes. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Where can I get naloxone?

Naloxone (Narcan) is available without prescription at most US pharmacies and through local harm reduction programs. Visit nextdistro.org for mail-order options.

How do I test for fentanyl?

Dissolve a small sample in water, dip a fentanyl test strip for 15 seconds. One line = fentanyl detected. Two lines = not detected in this sample. Strips available from DanceSafe and harm reduction programs.