Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.

Ecstasy users can use reagent tests to check the presence of MDMA or adulterants in their tablets. They analyse a small sliver of the tablet or powder and change colour to indicate the presence of MDMA or adulterants. Each test can only confirm the presence of one substance at a time however, and the presence of MDMA confirmed by a reagent test does not mean that other adulterants are not present. People using reagent tests should follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.

Users of ecstasy, especially those who partake in vigorous physical activity such as dancing, run a significant risk of both dehydrating or drinking too much water. It is recommended that people using ecstasy who are active drink about 500mls of water every hour, or 250mls if inactive. Alcohol dehydrates the body further.

Intense and prolonged dancing can cause considerable stress on the cardiovascular system and raise body temperature. It is recommended that people take regular breaks to calm the body down and reduce the need to drink too much water. 

Ecstasy presents risks to both the body and the mind so users should stay with friends who can look after them if they begin to feel physically unwell or emotionally upset.