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Good to know

Know your chems and mixing drugs
Mixing drugs is not a good idea as you may not know what you are getting and how the strength or combination will affect you. Mixing increases the chances of interactions, overdose, passing out and/ or a trip to the Emergency Department (A&E). If you can, test your drugs, using reliable scales to measure doses accurately. When using an untested drug for the first time build up the dose amounts. 

Eat, stay hydrated and get rest
Make sure you eat enough. Even if you’re not hungry, try to eat small amounts regularly. Soft food is easier to swallow. Fruit, smoothies, protein shakes, porridge, yoghurt and soups are nutritious and provide new energy. It’s important to drink water, herbal tea or sport drinks regularly. Coffee and alcohol are not good options and consider your caffeine intake.

Recreational drugs often delay tiredness and exhaustion. Take regular breaks and rest-up outside sex/ chill out settings. If you can’t sleep, find a quiet dark space which may help you relax better.

Take your medication
If you are on medication such as HIV antiretrovirals or PrEP, set an alarm on your mobile to remind you to take them as prescribed. Always carry a spare dose or two, or three.

HIV Drug Interaction Checker | University of Liverpool

Drink water
To prevent dehydration, it’s important to drink water, herbal tea or sport drinks regularly. Coffee and alcohol are not good options.

Get rest
Recreational drugs often delay tiredness and exhaustion. Take regular breaks outside the sex setting and chill out. And if you can’t sleep, find a quiet dark space to help you relax better.

Freshen-up
Take a shower at least once every 24 hours. It’s relaxing and energizing. Wash your hands regularly. If you are going to brush your teeth do so gently or use a mouthwash instead. Sugar free chewing gum helps protect teeth and gums.

Reaching out
Not all hook-ups or parties provide the connection or high you’re after, or maybe there’s something else troubling you. The important thing is to reach out, perhaps to a friend, helpline, or organisation. 

Dark thoughts
Some people feel suicidal or have suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives which can be connected to using chems. Difficult and overwhelming feelings like these often pass but if they keep happening, you believe life is spiralling, or you are thinking about taking your life, there are people who can help.

• Call 999 - If you are in immediate danger or are thinking about harming yourself, 24/ 7.
• LGBT+ Switchboard · 0800 0119 100 365 days a year, 10am-10pm.
• Samaritans · 116 123 - 365 days a year, 24/7
• Suicide Prevention UK · 0800 587 0800 365 days a year, 6pm-midnight
• Shout · Text 85258 365 days a year, 24/7