Introduction
C’mere to me now and I’ll tell you all about drugs!
Coming to University is such an exciting time where you get to try new things and explore your likes and dislikes - I’m Síofra and I’m thrilled to be your Student Welfare Officer this year! I’m here to help you understand and explore your mental, physical and sexual health. Basically, it’s my job to support you and help in any way I can to make your university experience safe and memorable! Making healthy choices is important and I understand that some of you might choose to experiment with drugs for the first time. If you do, it’s really important to do so in a way that minimises harm and helps keep you safe! So… let’s talk about DRUGS!
Do your homework!
You don’t need to have a PhD in Drug Use, but it does help to take the time to research different drug effects, both positive and negative, and how it might interact with other substances or medications. Understanding what you’re putting into your body can help prevent unpleasant surprises and reduce the risk of harm.
Start low, go slow <3
Even if you’ve used a substance before, your body’s chemistry can change over time. Starting with a small dose can help you gauge how your body will react. This is especially important for substances like ketamine, which can cause physical effects such as memory impairment, nausea, or a numbed sensation that might increase your risk of injury.
Be patient, wait it out...
Patience is key when using any substance. For example, ketamine typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to take effect, while MDMA might take 20 to 30 minutes. Waiting for the full onset of effects before considering an additional dose can prevent an accidental overdose or bad trips.
Make sure it’s legit!
Where possible, use drug testing kits to check the purity of the substance. Many drugs, like MDMA or cocaine, are often cut with other chemicals, which can significantly increase the risk of harmful reactions. Knowing what you’re taking is a crucial step in staying safe! It should go without saying… but if you stumble across drugs, and you aren’t sure who they belong to or what they are, don’t take them.
Stay hydrated but…
Hydration is important, especially with substances like MDMA that increase body temperature. However, overconsumption of water can also be dangerous. Drink regularly, but don’t overdo it. The effects of MDMA last between 2 to 4 hours, so pace yourself to stay balanced.
Leave the mixing to the DJ’s >:(
As a DJ, I’m all about mixing- but you should never mix drugs! Mixing substances, especially with alcohol, can be unpredictable and dangerous. For example, combining ketamine with alcohol or opioids can heighten the risk of severe side effects. Stick to one substance at a time. If you’re on prescription medication, consult a healthcare professional before mixing it with recreational drugs.
Not every reaction is a good reaction!
Drugs can affect your mood and physical state in various ways. For example, cocaine might make you feel energised and confident, but it can also lead to anxiety or panic attacks. Physically, it can cause a faster heartbeat and increased body temperature. Understanding these potential responses can help you be safer.
Be prepared and plan for emergencies…
It’s always best to be prepared, just in case things don’t go to plan. Know the signs of a drug emergency, such as difficulty breathing, severe agitation, or loss of consciousness. If you’re ever in a situation where someone is experiencing these symptoms, call emergency services immediately, and stay with them until help arrives.
Know the risks and mind yourself <3
Each substance comes with its own set of risks. For example, using ketamine can reduce your ability to feel pain, which might lead to injuries you don’t immediately notice. Cocaine use can lead to serious health risks like heart attacks or strokes, especially with excessive use. Weed, on the other hand, can impact mental health, particularly with heavy use.
Now that you have all that information, you can make slightly more informed choices. I encourage you to do some more research into what you are taking- as drugs effect different people in different ways! Stay safe out there x
And thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!