// HARM REDUCTION PROTOCOL — PUBLIC HEALTH DATA
Comprehensive Drug Harm Reduction Guide
This standalone resource provides evidence-based, non-judgmental harm reduction information for people who use substances. The goal is to reduce risks and prevent overdose deaths. Content is drawn from public health organizations and peer-reviewed research.
DISCLAIMER: This information is for public health and harm reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not promote drug use. If you are struggling with substance dependence, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).
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| TEMPORARY STANDALONE SITE |
| NO MARKET / ONION CONTENT |
| PUBLIC HEALTH DATA ONLY |
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// UNIVERSAL RULES — ALL SUBSTANCES
Universal Harm Reduction Rules
[ CORE PRINCIPLES ]
01Test before use — Use fentanyl test strips and reagent kits (Marquis, Mecke, Froehde, etc.) on every substance. Fentanyl contamination affects all drug categories including stimulants.
02Never use alone — Never Use Alone (US: 1-800-484-3731) connects you with someone who will call emergency services if you stop responding. UK: Frank 0300 123 6600.
03Start low, go slow — Unknown potency is a primary cause of overdose. Start with a fraction of a normal dose and wait for full effects.
04Avoid poly-drug combinations — Multiple depressants (opioids + benzos + alcohol + GHB) amplify respiratory depression and cause most fatal overdoses.
05Know your tolerance — Tolerance drops rapidly after abstinence. Returning users overdose at doses that were previously tolerated.
06Carry naloxone — Anyone around opioid use should carry naloxone (Narcan). It reverses opioid overdose with no effect if opioids are absent.
07Use clean equipment — Needle exchange programs provide sterile supplies. Never share needles, pipes, or straws.
08Harm reduction is not enabling — Accurate safety information reduces death and disease. Non-judgmental support is more effective than punitive approaches.
// OPIOIDS — HIGHEST OVERDOSE RISK
Opioids (Heroin, Fentanyl, Prescription Opioids)
Opioids carry the highest overdose risk of any drug class. Respiratory depression is the cause of death. All opioids from unregulated sources must be assumed to contain fentanyl regardless of stated identity.
[ OPIOID-SPECIFIC RULES ]
01Test every batch with fentanyl test strips — a positive result means use an extremely small initial dose
02Fentanyl does not distribute evenly ("hot spots") — test multiple areas of the same batch
03Do not mix opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB, or other CNS depressants
04If someone is unresponsive, breathing very slowly (<1 breath per 5 seconds), or gurgling — administer naloxone and call 911
05Good Samaritan laws in most US states protect people who call 911 for an overdose
// STIMULANTS
Stimulants (MDMA, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Methamphetamine)
[ STIMULANT SAFETY ]
01MDMA — Test with Marquis, Mecke, and Simon's reagents. Space use by at least 3 months. Hydrate (500ml/hour if active, 250ml/hour if resting).
02Cocaine — Test with fentanyl strips and cocaine-specific reagents. Never share straws. Rotate nostrils.
03Amphetamines/Meth — Sleep deprivation compounds risks. Maintain nutrition. Seek medical help if psychosis develops.
04Do not combine stimulants with MAOIs — fatal serotonin syndrome risk
05MDMA + amphetamines increases serotonin syndrome risk — avoid combinations
// BENZODIAZEPINES
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Clonazepam)
[ BENZO SAFETY ]
01Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be fatal — never stop suddenly after regular use; taper under medical supervision.
02Designer benzodiazepines (flualprazolam, etizolam, etc.) from unregulated sources may be far more potent than pharmaceutical benzos.
03Combining benzodiazepines with opioids is a leading cause of overdose death.
04Daily use for 2–4 weeks can produce physiological dependence requiring medical management.
// PSYCHEDELICS
Psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin, DMT, Ketamine)
[ PSYCHEDELIC SAFETY ]
01Set and setting — Mental state and environment affect experiences. Avoid use during instability or with SSRIs (serotonin syndrome risk).
02Sitter — A sober, trusted person can help during difficult experiences.
03Test LSD — Ehrlich reagent confirms indole alkaloids. NBOMe compounds are bitter; real LSD is not.
04Ketamine — Bladder damage with heavy use. Use infrequently, stay hydrated, use in a safe seated position.
Need Help Now?
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 | Never Use Alone: 1-800-484-3731
[ FULL RESOURCE LIST ]