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. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.

Ecstasy users can use reagent tests to check for the presence of MDMA or adulterants in their pills. The tests analyse a small sliver of the pill 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 drink about 500mls of water every hour if active, or 250mls if inactive. Alcohol dehydrates the body further and should not be mixed with ecstasy.

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 rest and reduce the need to drink too much water. 

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

Ecstasy should not be mixed with any other drug, legal or illegal. Consumers should not drive a vehicle while using ecstasy.