Safer use: reducing the risks of drugs and cannabis
The safest use is no use. If you decide to use anyway, you can reduce many risks considerably. Safer use doesn't mean playing things down; it means protecting your health through knowledge.
Unconsciousness, breathing problems, seizures, chest pain, very high body temperature, severe confusion or panic that won't stop. Put an unconscious person in the recovery position and don't leave them alone. Paramedics are bound by medical confidentiality; their priority is helping. If your German is limited, say "English" when 112 answers; operators can usually help in English.
Basic rules for lower risk
- Get informed first about effects, duration, risks and interactions, from reliable sources such as drugcom.de (German).
- Get substances tested. The purity and content of illegal substances are unknown. Berlin offers drug checking.
- Start low, go slow. Take a small amount and wait long enough before even thinking about more.
- Don't use alone. A trusted, sober person can help in an emergency.
- Mind your set & setting. Your mood (set) and surroundings (setting) strongly shape the effects. If you're stressed, grieving or anxious, it's better to skip it.
- Take breaks. Regular use increases the risk of tolerance and dependence.
- Don't use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have heart or circulation problems, or take medication, without talking to a doctor first.
- Never drive while high: not a car, a bike or an e-scooter.
Mixing substances: the biggest danger
Many emergencies are caused by combining several substances, including alcohol or medication. Particularly dangerous combinations:
| Combination | Risk |
|---|---|
| Alcohol + GHB/GBL | Life-threatening breathing failure and loss of consciousness |
| Opioids + benzodiazepines or alcohol | Respiratory depression, overdose |
| MDMA + antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs, MAO inhibitors) | Serotonin syndrome (fever, seizures, danger to life) |
| Cocaine + alcohol | Heavy strain on the heart and liver |
| Cannabis + alcohol | Nausea, circulation problems, much stronger impairment |
| Several stimulants | Overheating, irregular heartbeat |
This list is not complete. If in doubt: don't mix.
Cannabis: what you should know
- Younger means riskier. The brain keeps developing until about age 25. Early, frequent use is linked to learning and memory problems and a higher risk of psychosis.
- Dependence is possible. Some users develop cannabis dependence, and the risk is much higher with daily use.
- Check the THC content. Modern strains are often much stronger than in the past.
- Edibles kick in late, often after 30 minutes to 2 hours, and last longer and hit harder. Don't take more because "nothing is happening yet".
- Skip the tobacco. Mixing with tobacco increases the risk of lung damage and adds nicotine addiction.
- Watch out for synthetic cannabinoids. They are sometimes sprayed onto harmless-looking plant material or added to vape liquids, and even small amounts can cause severe poisoning. Unusually strong effects, racing heart or seizures are warning signs: call 112.
- Mental health history: if you or close family members have experienced psychosis, avoid cannabis.
More on the legal side: Cannabis law in Berlin.
Mental health
Substances often mask anxiety, low mood or sleep problems in the short term and make them worse in the long term. If you notice that you use to cope with your feelings, talking to someone can help, confidentially and for free. Services in Berlin.
Going out in Berlin
- Drink water regularly, but not excessively. Take breaks from dancing and get some fresh air.
- Look out for your friends and agree on a meeting point.
- If you feel unwell, talk to the awareness team, first-aiders or staff. Asking for help is always the right call.
- Don't accept drinks from strangers, and don't leave your drink unattended (drink spiking).
Sources
Questions? Talk to people in Berlin.
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