Key points at a glance
💊 Klein starten, Pausen machen:
Never top up „by feel“.
🚫 Mischkonsum vermeiden:
No downer + alcohol, no poppers + Viagra.
🧤 Saubere Utensilien nutzen:
Own tubes, filters, sterile syringes.
🤝 Sicheres Set & Setting:
Buddy system, water, emergency plan.
What does safer use mean?
Safer use means: Consume consciously, to protect health and consent - without moralising.
The aim is to be able to make informed decisions, reduce risks such as injuries, infections or overdoses and maintain control over the dose, environment and procedure.
You decide what suits you - the main thing is to be safe and informed.
Safer use: know the effects, minimise the risks
Substances have different effects:
- Stimulants (e.g. crystal, cocaine) boost the heart and circulation.
- Downer (e.g. GHB, benzos) dampen breathing & reactions.
Tips:
- Dose small, wait before adding more.
- No mixed consumption.
- Drink water, eat regularly.
- Choose familiar people & quiet surroundings.
- Establish rules & emergency plan beforehand („Buddy stays sober(er)“).
Safer use rules
- No mixing of downers with alcohol.
- Never poppers + Viagra/Sildenafil/Tadalafil (life-threatening!).
- Use the timer, take breaks, check the dose.
- Drink water & electrolytes, ventilate the room, cool the body.
- Eat and sleep regularly - rest protects.
Injecting drugs / slamming
- Use always new, sterile syringes and needles.
- Disinfect skin and surface.
- Use clean water and filters.
- Change puncture sites, avoid arteries.
- Dispose of needles in a puncture-proof manner.
Tip: Syringe exchange & vending machines offer anonymous fresh material - often free of charge.
Sniffing & smoking drugs
- Sniffing: Only your own smooth tube. No banknotes. Clean & care for nose afterwards.
- Smoking: Clean pipe with sieve, do not inhale direct flame, take breaks.
- Replace damaged glass. Small details protect large organs.
Safer use materials: procurement, cleaning, disposal
- Syringe machines or Exchange points (sterile needles, filters, tubes, alcohol swabs).
- Counselling centres (often free of charge).
Cleaning: Rinse thoroughly, dry, never use disposable material more than once.
Disposal: Use a puncture-proof container, return to vending machines or exchange points.
Safer use counselling: contact points & help
- Online or telephone counselling
- On-site consultation hours
- Medical checks (STI, PrEP/PEP, cardiovascular)
- Help with reducing or exiting
Confidential conversations help to stay safe - without judgement.
Drug consumption rooms: access & advantages
Drug consumption rooms offer sterile materials, supervision and safe disposal.
They reduce infections & overdoses, promote calmness and self-determination.
Access and procedures vary depending on the city - information is available locally or online.
How to prepare for a Safer Party?
- Plan quantity, substance & accompaniment.
- Pack water, electrolytes & clean equipment.
- Save 112 and your location.
- Use the buddy system - mutual checks!
- Emergency: stop sex/consumption, cool, recovery position, Call 112.
Frequently asked questions
What is safer use?
Targeted risk reduction in drug use - through knowledge, material & planning.
What are „safer use drugs“?
Substances whose risk becomes more controllable through dosage, set & setting.
Which rules are important?
Do not mix, take small doses, take breaks, drink, eat, sleep.
Which utensils are safe?
Own tubes, filters, pipes with sieve, sterile syringes, gloves.
What are drug consumption rooms?
Monitored locations with sterile material, supervision & emergency assistance.
