{"id":3151,"date":"2026-03-10T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/drugs-101\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T15:02:00","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T14:02:00","slug":"drugs-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/drugs-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Drugs 101"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n\/* The accent is a light-background device. Inside a reversed-out panel it stops\n   being emphasis and becomes unreadable - coral on the Matrix closing panel\n   measured 2.0:1 - so the mark falls back to the panel's own text colour and\n   lets weight alone carry it. gOpen tags those panels .eq-ondark. *\/\n.eqp .eq-ondark .eqb{color:inherit}\n\/* House rule: bold emphasis is set in the article's own accent colour, so a\n   marked phrase belongs to the piece it sits in rather than importing a\n   site-wide highlight. v2-emph.js inserts <strong class=\"eqb\">; theme() has\n   already declared --eqp-accent for this post. Italics deliberately stay ink,\n   and nothing inside a component that exists to make a line stand out is\n   coloured, because that is emphasis on emphasis. *\/\n.eqp .eqb{color:var(--eqp-accent)}\n\/* A separator between a short answer and the caveat that belongs on the same\n   line. Muted and given real air on both sides, so it reads as a mark between\n   two statements rather than as punctuation inside one. A dash cannot be used\n   here: the house rule bans em and en dashes, and wptexturize rewrites a spaced\n   hyphen into an en dash on render. *\/\n.eqp .eq-tld{color:var(--eqp-muted);padding:0 .58em;font-weight:400}\n\/* A short answer standing against the caveat on the same line. Same accent as\n   an emphasis mark, but a different class, because it is a label rather than a\n   mark inside a sentence and must not count against the emphasis budget. *\/\n.eqp .eq-ans{color:var(--eqp-accent)}\n.eqp .eq-ondark .eq-ans{color:inherit}\n:root{--eqp-accent:#00373e;--eqp-accent2:#005f8d;--eqp-muted:#8d9695;--eqp-dot:#cfd8ec;--eqp-line:#dde3f1;--eqp-line2:#c3cfea;--eqp-gold:#b08d68;--eqp-body:#4a5a80;--eqp-sel:#d7def0;--eqp-shadow:rgba(0,55,62,.16)}\n.eqp{--teal:#00373e;--navy:#0b1f30;--blue:#005f8d;--ink:#26302f;--muted:#8d9695;\n  --cream:#fbf6f1;--creamE:#ecdcc9;--mist:#f3f7f6;--mistE:#dde3f1;--amber:#b08d68}\n\n\/* ---- reading progress ---- *\/\n#eqp-rail{position:fixed;top:0;left:0;right:0;height:2px;z-index:9999;pointer-events:none;background:transparent}\n#eqp-rail i{display:block;height:100%;background:var(--eqp-accent);transform:scaleX(0);transform-origin:0 50%;\n  will-change:transform}\n@supports (animation-timeline:scroll()){\n  #eqp-rail i{animation:eqp-grow linear both;animation-timeline:scroll(root block)}\n}\n@keyframes eqp-grow{from{transform:scaleX(0)}to{transform:scaleX(1)}}\n\n\/* ---- part rail ---- *\/\n#eqp-parts{position:fixed;left:26px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);z-index:60;display:none}\n@media(min-width:1280px){#eqp-parts{display:block}}\n#eqp-parts a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;padding:7px 0;text-decoration:none;color:inherit}\n#eqp-parts .dot{flex:0 0 auto;width:9px;height:9px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--eqp-dot);\n  transition:background .2s ease,transform .2s ease}\n#eqp-parts .lbl{white-space:nowrap;font:700 11px\/1 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1em;\n  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--eqp-muted);opacity:0;transform:translateX(-4px);\n  transition:opacity .2s ease,transform .2s ease;pointer-events:none}\n#eqp-parts:hover .lbl{opacity:1;transform:none}\n#eqp-parts a:focus-visible .lbl{opacity:1;transform:none}\n#eqp-parts a.on .dot{background:var(--eqp-accent);transform:scale(1.45)}\n#eqp-parts a.on .lbl{color:var(--eqp-accent)}\n\n\/* ---- back to top ---- *\/\n#eqp-top{position:fixed;right:26px;bottom:26px;z-index:60;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;\n  padding:11px 17px;border-radius:999px;border:1.5px solid var(--eqp-line);background:#fff;\n  color:var(--eqp-accent);font:600 14px\/1 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;cursor:pointer;\n  box-shadow:0 2px 14px var(--eqp-shadow);\n  opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transform:translateY(8px);\n  transition:opacity .25s ease,transform .25s ease,visibility .25s}\n#eqp-top.on{opacity:1;visibility:visible;transform:none}\n#eqp-top:hover{color:var(--eqp-accent2);border-color:var(--eqp-line2)}\n#eqp-top svg{width:13px;height:13px}\n\n\/* ---- scroll reveal ----\n   Gated on [data-eqp], which the script sets before any of these elements are\n   parsed. No script, no hiding: the article never depends on JS to be visible. *\/\n[data-eqp] .eq-rev{opacity:0;transform:translateY(12px);\n  transition:opacity .38s cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1),transform .38s cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1)}\n[data-eqp] .eq-rev.in{opacity:1;transform:none}\n\n\/* ---- drop cap ---- *\/\n.eq-drop::first-letter{float:left;font-family:\"Playfair Display\",Georgia,serif;font-weight:800;\n  font-size:4.4em;line-height:.84;margin:.06em .10em 0 0;color:var(--eqp-accent)}\n\n\/* ---- focus + selection, applied inside the article only ---- *\/\n.eqp ::selection{background:var(--eqp-sel);color:var(--eqp-accent)}\n\n@media(max-width:520px){\n  .eq-drop::first-letter{font-size:3.5em}\n  #eqp-top{right:14px;bottom:14px;padding:10px 14px}\n}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n  .eq-rev,#eqp-top,#eqp-parts .dot,#eqp-parts .lbl{transition:none!important}\n  .eq-rev{opacity:1!important;transform:none!important}\n  #eqp-rail i{animation:none!important}\n}\n\n\/* ---- print ---- *\/\n@media print{\n  #eqp-rail,#eqp-parts,#eqp-top{display:none!important}\n  .eq-rev{opacity:1!important;transform:none!important}\n  h2,h3{break-after:avoid;page-break-after:avoid}\n  a{text-decoration:none;color:#000}\n  .eqp{font-size:11pt}\n}\n\n\/* ---- phones: tap targets, back to top, small text (30 Sep 2026) ----\n   Everything here sits inside phone or touch media queries, so tablet and\n   laptop layouts are untouched. No colours are changed. *\/\n@media (hover:none),(max-width:640px){\n.eqp button,.eqp summary,.eqp select,.eqp input,.eqp textarea,.eqp label,.eqp a,.eqp [role=button],.eqp [tabindex],#eqp-top{-webkit-tap-highlight-color:rgba(35,58,104,.16)}\n}\n@media (max-width:640px){\n#eqp-top{min-height:44px;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;bottom:14px;bottom:calc(14px + env(safe-area-inset-bottom,0px));right:14px;right:calc(14px + env(safe-area-inset-right,0px))}\n#eqp-top.eqp-top-off{opacity:0!important;visibility:hidden!important;pointer-events:none!important}\nbody .eqp .eq-toc li{margin:0}\nbody .eqp .eq-toc li a{display:block;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:44px;padding:10px 0}\nbody .eqp .eq-toc summary .ttl,body .eqp .eq-toc .flat .ttl{padding:11px 0;margin:-11px 0}\nbody .eqp p.eq-lastrev{font-size:12px!important}\n}\n\/*>*\/\n\/* eq-phone-fixes-13oct:start (per post; same rules as the site-wide sweep fixes)\n   Three fixes for every post, from the 12 Oct sweeps.\n   1. The 2px reading-progress line (#eqp-rail) sat 24px below the top of the window,\n      because the block layout gives every child of the post a 24px top margin. It\n      crossed the text like a strikethrough. It now sits at the very top.\n   2. Phone: text inside boxes (evidence boxes, \"worth being clear about\", panels)\n      stayed at the fluid minimum, 14.6px, while plain paragraphs are lifted to 17px\n      by the eq-phone-fixes rule (which only reaches direct children). Figures keep\n      their own sizes.\n   3. Tablet (641 to 899px, and any touch screen above that): contents rows get the\n      same 44px tap height the phone rows already have (they were 19 to 26px),\n      including the part rows with no sub-items (.flat). *\/\n#eqp-rail{margin:0!important}\n@media (max-width:640px){\n  body.single-post .eqp .has-background p[style*=\"21px)\"]:not(figure p){font-size:17px!important;line-height:1.62!important}\n}\n@media (min-width:641px) and (max-width:899px),(min-width:641px) and (hover:none){\n  body .eqp .eq-toc li{margin:0}\n  body .eqp .eq-toc li a{display:block;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:44px;padding:10px 0}\n  body .eqp .eq-toc summary .ttl{padding:11px 0;margin:-11px 0}\n  body .eqp .eq-toc .flat > a{display:flex;align-items:center;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:44px}\n}\n\/* 13 Oct, Luka approved:\n   4. Contents box on phones and tablets: the 11px open arrow moves to the right edge of each\n      part row with a 44px tap area, so opening the subsections no longer competes with the\n      title link; the minutes line lines up under the title on phones.\n   5. Working with this panel on phones: both buttons full width, same pill shape, stacked\n      with an even gap; Book a session stays filled, Get in touch outlined. *\/\n@media (max-width:899px),(hover:none){\n  body .eqp .eq-toc details>summary{position:relative;padding-right:56px!important}\n  body .eqp .eq-toc details>summary .chev{position:absolute;right:0;top:calc(50% - 22px);width:16px;height:16px;padding:14px;box-sizing:content-box;margin:0!important}\n  body .eqp .eq-toc .flat{padding-right:56px!important}\n  body .eqp .eq-toc .flat > .chev{display:none!important}\n}\n@media (max-width:640px){\n  body .eqp .eq-toc details>summary .cnt,body .eqp .eq-toc .flat .cnt{padding-left:0!important}\n  body .eq-ondark .wp-block-buttons{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column!important;align-items:stretch!important;gap:12px!important}\n  body .eq-ondark .wp-block-button{width:100%!important;margin:0!important}\n  body .eq-ondark .wp-block-button__link{display:flex!important;justify-content:center;align-items:center;width:100%!important;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:52px;border-radius:999px!important;text-align:center}\n}\n\/* eq-phone-fixes-13oct:end *\/\n\n<\/style><style>\n\/* ---- table of contents ---- *\/\n\/* Every contents link and every part-rail link lands its target flush against\n   the top edge of the window. There is no sticky header to clear, so this is\n   only air, but a heading jammed into the browser chrome reads as a page that\n   has jumped rather than one that has arrived. *\/\n.eqp [id]{scroll-margin-top:28px}\n\n\/* The border belongs to the container, not to details:last-of-type: as soon as\n   a part with no subsections is allowed to be a plain row, the last row can be\n   one of those and the list ends with no line under it. *\/\n.eq-toc{margin:0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--eqp-line)}\n.eq-toc details,.eq-toc .flat{border-top:1px solid var(--eqp-line);margin:0}\n.eq-toc summary,.eq-toc .flat{display:flex;align-items:baseline;gap:15px;padding:17px 2px;\n  cursor:pointer;list-style:none;transition:color .18s ease}\n.eq-toc summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.eq-toc summary:hover,.eq-toc .flat:hover{color:var(--eqp-accent2)}\n.eq-toc summary:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--eqp-accent2);outline-offset:3px;border-radius:5px}\n.eq-toc .num{flex:0 0 auto;font:700 12px\/1 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.13em;color:var(--eqp-gold);\n  min-width:56px;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n\/* A part with no subsections keeps the chevron's footprint but not the chevron,\n   so every PART number stays on the same vertical line. *\/\n.eq-toc .chev.hide{visibility:hidden}\n.eq-toc .ttl{flex:1 1 auto;font:700 19px\/1.3 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;color:var(--eqp-accent);\n  text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid transparent;\n  transition:color .18s ease,border-color .18s ease}\n.eq-toc .ttl:hover{color:var(--eqp-accent2);border-bottom-color:var(--eqp-line2)}\n.eq-toc .ttl:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--eqp-accent2);outline-offset:2px;border-radius:3px}\n.eq-toc .cnt{flex:0 0 auto;font:400 13.5px\/1 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;color:var(--eqp-muted);\n  font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;white-space:nowrap}\n.eq-toc .chev{flex:0 0 auto;width:11px;height:11px;transition:transform .22s ease;color:var(--eqp-muted)}\n.eq-toc details[open] .chev{transform:rotate(90deg)}\n.eq-toc details[open] .ttl{color:var(--eqp-accent2)}\n.eq-toc ul{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0 0 16px 71px}\n.eq-toc li{margin:0 0 9px}\n.eq-toc li a{font:400 15.5px\/1.5 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;color:var(--eqp-body);text-decoration:none;\n  border-bottom:1px solid transparent;transition:color .18s ease,border-color .18s ease}\n.eq-toc li a:hover{color:var(--eqp-accent2);border-bottom-color:var(--eqp-line2)}\n.eq-toc li a:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--eqp-accent2);outline-offset:2px;border-radius:3px}\n\n@media(max-width:820px){\n  .eq-toc ul{padding-left:56px}\n  .eq-toc .sec,.eq-toc .sep{display:none}\n  .eq-toc .num{min-width:44px}\n}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n  .eq-toc .chev{transition:none!important}\n}\n@media print{\n  .eq-toc details{border-color:#bbb}\n  .eq-toc ul{display:block!important}\n}\n<\/style><style>:root{--eqp-accent:#233a68;--eqp-accent2:#1a2c52;--eqp-muted:#6b6259;--eqp-dot:#c9d3ea;--eqp-line:#e8e1d5;--eqp-line2:#ebe4d6;--eqp-gold:#6b6259;--eqp-body:#4a433c;--eqp-sel:#ecf0f8;--eqp-shadow:rgba(45,40,35,.12)}<\/style><style>\n.eqp .eqb{color:#4a67a8}\n.eqp .eqi{color:#34508c}\n.eqp .eqb .eqi{color:inherit}\n.eqp .eq-ondark .eqb{color:inherit}\n\n\/* PART HEAD: a chapter card. See partHead(). *\/\n.ra-part{position:relative;overflow:hidden;display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:0 28px;align-items:center;\n  background:#faf8f3;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:24px;padding:36px 42px}\n.ra-part .ic{position:relative;z-index:1;width:78px;height:78px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #c9d3ea;\n  display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;color:#233a68}\n.ra-part .ic svg{width:36px;height:36px}\n.ra-part .tx{position:relative;z-index:1;min-width:0}\n.ra-part .meta{display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px 14px;margin:0 0 12px}\n.ra-part .lb{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#233a68!important;margin:0}\n.ra-part .tk{display:flex;gap:4px}\n.ra-part .tk i{display:block;width:18px;height:3px;border-radius:2px;background:#ebe4d6}\n.ra-part .tk i.past{background:#c9d3ea}\n.ra-part .tk i.now{background:#233a68}\n.ra-part h2{font-family:\"Playfair Display\",Georgia,serif!important;font-size:clamp(30px,3.6vw,42px);font-weight:700;line-height:1.12;\n  color:#2a2622;margin:0;letter-spacing:-.005em;text-wrap:balance}\n.ra-part .sb{font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.55;color:#6b6259;margin:12px 0 0;max-width:620px}\n.ra-part .wm{position:absolute;right:30px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-52%);z-index:0;pointer-events:none;\n  font-family:\"Playfair Display\",Georgia,serif;font-weight:800;font-size:170px;line-height:1;color:#eef1f8;font-variant-numeric:lining-nums}\n@media(max-width:700px){.ra-part{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);gap:16px 0;padding:26px 22px;border-radius:20px}\n  .ra-part .ic{width:58px;height:58px}.ra-part .ic svg{width:28px;height:28px}.ra-part .wm{font-size:110px;right:14px;top:22px;transform:none}}\n\n@media(max-width:560px){\n  .eqp .eq-toc summary,.eqp .eq-toc .flat{flex-wrap:wrap;row-gap:6px;column-gap:15px}\n  .eqp .eq-toc .num{min-width:0;flex:1 1 auto}\n  .eqp .eq-toc .ttl{order:3;flex:1 1 100%;padding-left:26px}\n  .eqp .eq-toc .cnt{order:4;flex:1 1 100%;padding-left:26px}\n  .eqp .eq-toc ul{padding-left:26px}\n}\n\n\/* read next *\/\n.ra-next{display:block;text-decoration:none;background:#faf8f3;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:18px;padding:26px 30px;transition:border-color .2s ease}\n.ra-next:hover{border-color:#c9d3ea}\n.ra-next:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:3px}\n.ra-next .eyb{display:block;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#233a68;margin:0 0 10px}\n.ra-next .ti{display:block;font-family:\"Playfair Display\",Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(22px,2.4vw,27px);font-weight:700;line-height:1.2;color:#2a2622;margin:0 0 8px;\n  text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:5px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea}\n.ra-next:hover .ti{text-decoration-color:#4a67a8}\n.ra-next .wy{display:block;font-size:17px;line-height:1.6;color:#6b6259}\n\n\/* the series line above the title (her pick, 20 Sep 2026): the same Playfair\n   as the headline, in italics, ending with a colon, so the two lines read as\n   one sentence instead of a tiny label repeating the category *\/\n.eqp .ra-series{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif!important;font-weight:700!important;letter-spacing:.2em!important;text-transform:uppercase}\n.eqp .ra-series::before{content:\"\";flex:0 0 auto;display:block;width:46px;height:2px;background:#c9d3ea}\n@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .ra-series{gap:10px}.eqp .ra-series::before{width:28px}}\n\n\/* the invitation to read the other one (her idea and wording, 20 Sep 2026) *\/\n.ra-anyway{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:6px 18px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;\n  border-radius:18px;padding:22px 26px;margin:10px 0 0}\n.ra-anyway .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}\n.ra-anyway .mk svg{width:22px;height:22px}\n.ra-anyway .h{font-size:clamp(18px,1.9vw,20px);font-weight:700;line-height:1.3;color:#2a2622;margin:2px 0 6px}\n.ra-anyway .t{font-size:clamp(15px,calc(11px + .6vw),18px);line-height:1.6;color:#2a2622;margin:0}\n.ra-anyway .t a{color:#233a68;font-weight:600;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea}\n.ra-anyway .t a:hover{text-decoration-color:#233a68}\n@media(max-width:560px){.ra-anyway{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px}.ra-anyway .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}\n\n\/* ---- shared figure furniture ---- *\/\n.ra-fig{margin:0;background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:22px;padding:clamp(20px,3.2vw,34px)}\n.ra-fig .hd{margin:0 0 18px}\n.ra-fig .ti{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#233a68;margin:0 0 6px}\n.ra-fig .q{font-size:clamp(19px,2vw,22px);font-weight:600;line-height:1.35;color:#2a2622;margin:0}\n.ra-fig figcaption{font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.6;color:#6b6259;margin:22px 0 0;padding-top:16px;border-top:1px solid #e8e1d5}\n.ra-fig figcaption b{color:#2a2622;font-weight:600}\n.ra-seg{display:inline-flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:4px;padding:4px;background:#faf8f3;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:999px}\n.ra-seg button{font:600 14.5px\/1.2 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;border:0;border-radius:999px;padding:8px 16px;cursor:pointer;background:none;color:#6b6259;transition:background .18s ease,color .18s ease}\n.ra-seg button:hover{color:#2a2622}\n.ra-seg button[aria-pressed=true]{background:#233a68;color:#fff}\n.ra-fig button:focus-visible,.ra-fig input:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:2px}\n\n\/* ---- her asides: her own voice, in brackets, italic and muted ---- *\/\n.eqp .ra-aside{font-style:italic;color:#6b6259}\n\n\/* ---- fun fact ---- *\/\n.ra-ff{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#fff;border:1.5px dashed #c9d3ea;\n  border-radius:18px;padding:20px 24px}\n.ra-ff .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#ecf0f8;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}\n.ra-ff .mk svg{width:22px;height:22px}\n.ra-ff .k{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}\n.ra-ff .t{font-size:clamp(14px,calc(10.2px + .62vw),18px);line-height:1.6;color:#2a2622;margin:0}\n@media(max-width:560px){.ra-ff{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px}.ra-ff .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}\n\n\/* ---- the questions (part five): one card each, a berry question mark, the\n   answer on warm paper under a rule ---- *\/\n.ra-faq{display:grid;gap:12px;margin:0 0 30px}\n.ra-faq details{background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:18px;overflow:hidden;transition:border-color .2s ease,box-shadow .2s ease}\n.ra-faq details:hover{border-color:#c9d3ea}\n.ra-faq details[open]{border-color:#c9d3ea;box-shadow:0 10px 26px rgba(35,58,104,.08)}\n.ra-faq summary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr) auto;align-items:center;gap:16px;\n  padding:18px 20px;font-size:clamp(18px,1.9vw,20px);font-weight:600;line-height:1.4;color:#2a2622}\n.ra-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.ra-faq summary:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:-4px;border-radius:18px}\n.ra-faq .qb{position:relative;display:block;width:46px;height:42px;transform-origin:30% 90%}\n.ra-faq .qb svg{position:absolute;inset:0;width:100%;height:100%;overflow:visible}\n.ra-faq .qb path{fill:#ecf0f8;stroke:#c9d3ea;stroke-width:1.6;transition:fill .25s ease,stroke .25s ease}\n.ra-faq .qb i{position:absolute;left:0;right:0;top:3px;text-align:center;font-style:normal;font-family:\"Playfair Display\",Georgia,serif;\n  font-size:23px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.3;color:#34508c;transform:rotate(-9deg)}\n.ra-faq .qb .x{display:none;color:#233a68;transform:rotate(6deg)}\n.ra-faq details[open] .qb path{fill:#ecf0f8;stroke:#c9d3ea}\n.ra-faq details[open] .qb .q{display:none}\n.ra-faq details[open] .qb .x{display:block}\n.ra-faq summary:hover .qb{animation:raWig .55s ease}\n@keyframes raWig{0%,100%{transform:rotate(0)}30%{transform:rotate(-9deg)}65%{transform:rotate(6deg)}}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.ra-faq summary:hover .qb{animation:none}}\n.ra-faq summary .pl{width:30px;height:30px;border-radius:50%;border:1.5px solid #c9d3ea;color:#233a68;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;transition:transform .2s ease,background .2s ease}\n.ra-faq summary .pl svg{width:12px;height:12px}\n.ra-faq details[open] summary .pl{transform:rotate(45deg);background:#ecf0f8}\n.ra-faq .an{background:#faf8f3;border-top:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;padding:18px 24px 20px 74px}\n.ra-faq .an p{font-size:18.5px;line-height:1.66;color:#2a2622;margin:0 0 12px}\n.ra-faq .an p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n@media(max-width:560px){.ra-faq summary{gap:12px;padding:16px}.ra-faq .qb{width:38px;height:35px}.ra-faq .qb i{font-size:19px;top:2px}.ra-faq .an{padding:16px}.ra-faq .an p{font-size:17.5px}}\n.ra-faq .all{display:flex;justify-content:flex-end;margin:0 0 2px}\n.ra-faq .all button{font:600 14.5px\/1.2 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;border:0;background:none;color:#233a68;cursor:pointer;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;padding:6px 4px}\n\n\/* ---- when to talk to a doctor: tiles, one small icon each ---- *\/\n.ra-dr{background:#faf8f3;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:22px;padding:26px 28px;margin:4px 0 32px}\n.ra-dr .k{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#233a68;margin:0 0 16px}\n.ra-dr ul{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:10px}\n@media(max-width:640px){.ra-dr ul{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}.ra-dr{padding:20px 16px}}\n.ra-dr li{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:12px;align-items:center;background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:14px;\n  padding:14px 16px;margin:0;font-size:17px;line-height:1.45;color:#2a2622}\n.ra-dr li .i{width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:10px;background:#ecf0f8;color:#233a68;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}\n.ra-dr li .i svg{width:20px;height:20px}\n\n\n\/* ---- shared by the five figures ---- *\/\n.dr-f .sub{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6259;margin:0 0 12px}\n.dr-f .nm{font-size:19px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.3;color:#2a2622;margin:0 0 6px}\n.dr-f .so{font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#6b6259;margin:10px 0 0}\n.dr-chips{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;margin:0 0 20px}\n.dr-chips button{font:600 15.5px\/1.2 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:999px;padding:9px 15px;cursor:pointer;background:#fff;color:#2a2622}\n.dr-chips button:hover{border-color:#c9d3ea}\n.dr-chips button[aria-pressed=true]{background:#34508c;border-color:#34508c;color:#fff}\n.dr-f .key{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px 18px;margin:0 0 18px;padding:0;list-style:none}\n.dr-f .key li{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;margin:0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;color:#6b6259}\n.dr-f .key i{flex:0 0 auto;width:22px;height:10px;border-radius:999px}\n.dr-f .k-on,.dr-tl .tr .on{background:repeating-linear-gradient(135deg,#c9d3ea 0 3px,#ecf0f8 3px 6px)}\n.dr-f .k-pk,.dr-tl .tr .pk{background:#4a67a8;opacity:.55}\n.dr-f .k-ef,.dr-tl .tr .ef,.dr-od .nx-n,.dr-od .nx-o{background:#34508c}\n.dr-f .k-fd,.dr-tl .tr .fd{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#34508c,#ecf0f8)}\n.dr-f .ax{position:relative;height:22px;margin:6px 0 0;font-size:13.5px;color:#6b6259;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n.dr-f .ax span{position:absolute;top:0;transform:translateX(-50%);white-space:nowrap}\n.dr-f .ax span.a0{transform:none}\n.dr-f .ax span.a1{transform:translateX(-100%)}\n\n\/* ---- figure 1, part two: what to expect ---- *\/\n.dr-tl .pn{border-top:1px solid #e8e1d5;padding:20px 0 0}\n.dr-tl .pn + .pn{margin-top:26px}\n.dr-tl .al{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;gap:6px 8px;margin:0 0 18px;font-size:15px;color:#6b6259}\n.dr-tl .al .ch{display:contents}\n.dr-tl .al i{font-style:normal;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1;padding:6px 11px;border-radius:999px;background:#ecf0f8;color:#233a68}\n.dr-tl .rows{display:grid;gap:16px;margin:0 0 22px}\n.dr-tl .src{font-size:15px;font-weight:600;line-height:1.35;color:#2a2622;margin:0 0 6px}\n.dr-tl .tr{position:relative;height:14px;border-radius:999px;background:#faf8f3;overflow:hidden}\n.dr-tl .tr span{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;border-radius:999px}\n.dr-tl .tr .pk{top:3px;bottom:3px}\n.dr-tl .tx{font-size:16px;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:6px 0 0}\n.dr-tl .tx b{color:#2a2622;font-weight:600}\n.dr-tl .tx .sp{display:inline-block;width:14px}\n.dr-f .kv{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:14px;margin:0}\n.dr-f .kv > div{background:#faf8f3;border-radius:14px;padding:14px 16px}\n.dr-f .kv dt{font-size:12.5px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#233a68;margin:0 0 6px}\n.dr-f .kv dd{font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.6;color:#2a2622;margin:0}\n\n\/* ---- figure 2, part four: don't mix ---- *\/\n.dr-mx .sel{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr) auto minmax(0,1fr);align-items:center;gap:10px 12px;margin:0 0 18px}\n.dr-mx label{display:flex;align-items:center;min-height:44px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6259}\n.dr-mx select{font:500 16.5px\/1.3 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;color:#2a2622;background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:12px;padding:10px 12px;min-height:46px;width:100%;min-width:0}\n.dr-mx .res{border-radius:16px;padding:18px 20px;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;background:#faf8f3}\n.dr-mx .res .lv{display:inline-block;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;border-radius:999px;padding:6px 12px;margin:0 0 10px}\n.dr-mx .res.lv-d{border-color:#34508c}\n.dr-mx .res.lv-d .lv{background:#233a68;color:#fff}\n.dr-mx .res.lv-c .lv{background:#fff;color:#233a68;box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1.5px #4a67a8}\n.dr-mx .res.lv-n .lv{background:#fff;color:#6b6259;box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1.5px #e8e1d5}\n.dr-mx .res .wt{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}\n.dr-mx .res .so:empty{display:none}\n.dr-mx .all{margin:18px 0 0}\n.dr-mx .all summary{cursor:pointer;font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#233a68;min-height:44px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;list-style:none}\n.dr-mx .all summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.dr-mx .all summary::after{content:\"\";width:7px;height:7px;border-right:2px solid #233a68;border-bottom:2px solid #233a68;transform:rotate(45deg) translateY(-2px)}\n.dr-mx .all[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-135deg) translateY(-2px)}\n.dr-mx .all ul{list-style:none;margin:8px 0 0;padding:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:8px 18px}\n.dr-mx .all .pr{min-width:0;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.dr-mx .all li{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:baseline;gap:4px 10px;margin:0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2622}\n.dr-mx .all .lv{flex:0 0 auto;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;border-radius:999px;padding:3px 8px}\n.dr-mx .all .lv-d .lv{background:#233a68;color:#fff}\n.dr-mx .all .lv-c .lv{color:#233a68;box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1.2px #4a67a8}\n\n\/* ---- figure 3, part five: is it an overdose ---- *\/\n.dr-od .wh{font-size:15.5px;color:#6b6259;margin:0 0 16px}\n.dr-od .cols{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1.2fr) minmax(0,1fr);gap:24px}\n.dr-od .sg,.dr-od .ac{margin:0;padding:0 0 0 20px}\n.dr-od .sg li,.dr-od .ac li{font-size:17px;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2622;margin:0 0 6px}\n.dr-od .ac li::marker{color:#34508c;font-weight:700}\n.dr-od .strip{margin:24px 0 0;padding:18px 20px;border-radius:16px;background:#ecf0f8}\n.dr-od .rule{font-size:19px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.4;color:#233a68;margin:0 0 10px}\n.dr-od .rule span,.dr-od .nl span{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;color:#6b6259}\n.dr-od .nums{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px 18px;margin:0;font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2622}\n.dr-od .nums b{font-weight:700;color:#233a68;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n.dr-od .nx{margin:28px 0 0;padding:22px 0 0;border-top:1px solid #e8e1d5}\n.dr-od .nr{margin:0 0 14px}\n.dr-od .nl{font-size:16px;line-height:1.4;color:#2a2622;margin:0 0 6px}\n.dr-od .nx .tr{position:relative;height:14px;border-radius:999px;background:#faf8f3;overflow:hidden}\n.dr-od .nx .tr span{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;border-radius:999px}\n.dr-od .nx .tr .nx-n{background:#233a68}\n.dr-od .nx .tr .nx-n.fd{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#233a68,#ecf0f8)}\n.dr-od .nx .tr .nx-o.fd{background:linear-gradient(90deg,#34508c,#ecf0f8)}\n.dr-od .nx .st .tr{overflow:visible;background:none;border-top:2px dashed #e8e1d5;border-radius:0;height:0;margin-top:14px}\n.dr-od .nx .mk{position:absolute;top:-8px;width:14px;height:14px;border-radius:50%;background:#233a68;transform:translateX(-50%)}\n\n\/* ---- figure 4, part five: the recovery position ---- *\/\n.dr-rp .fr{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:18px}\n.dr-rp .fr li{margin:0}\n.dr-rp svg{display:block;width:100%;height:auto}\n.dr-rp .fl{stroke:#e8e1d5;stroke-width:1.5}\n.dr-rp polyline{fill:none;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round}\n.dr-rp .ol{stroke:#233a68}\n.dr-rp .sl{stroke:#aebde0}\n.dr-rp .sk{stroke:#f1dccb}\n.dr-rp .tr{stroke:#6f86bd}\n.dr-rp .hn{fill:#f1dccb;stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:1.8}\n.dr-rp .sh{fill:#233a68}\n.dr-rp .bdy{stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:1.8;stroke-linejoin:round}\n.dr-rp .hd2{stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:1.8}\n.dr-rp .hr{fill:#5a4638}\n.dr-rp .hl{stroke:#ffffff;opacity:.35}\n.dr-rp .fs{fill:#233a68;opacity:.16}\n.dr-rp .hs{stroke:#6f86bd}\n.dr-rp .hb{fill:#6f86bd;stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:1.6}\n.dr-rp .yl{font:600 12.5px \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;fill:#6b6259;letter-spacing:.08em}\n.dr-rp .kn{fill:#fff;stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:2}\n.dr-rp .ar{fill:none;stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:2.2;stroke-dasharray:5 4}\n.dr-rp .ah{fill:#233a68}\n.dr-rp .you path{stroke:#6b6259;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round}\n.dr-rp .you text{font:600 12.5px \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;fill:#6b6259;letter-spacing:.08em}\n.dr-rp .cp{display:flex;gap:10px;font-size:17px;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:10px 0 0}\n.dr-rp .cp b{flex:0 0 auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#34508c;color:#fff;font-size:13.5px}\n.dr-rp .vid:empty{display:none}\n\n\/* ---- figure 5, part seven: the private check ---- *\/\n.dr-sc .ck{list-style:none;margin:0 0 18px;padding:0;display:grid;gap:8px}\n.dr-sc .ck li{margin:0}\n.dr-sc .ck label{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;min-height:44px;padding:12px 16px;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:14px;cursor:pointer;background:#fff;font-size:17px;line-height:1.45;color:#2a2622}\n.dr-sc .ck input{flex:0 0 auto;width:20px;height:20px;margin:2px 0 0;accent-color:#34508c}\n.dr-sc .ck label:has(input:checked){border-color:#4a67a8;background:#ecf0f8}\n.dr-sc .out{border-radius:16px;padding:18px 20px;background:#ecf0f8}\n.dr-sc .out .n{font-size:16px;color:#6b6259;margin:0 0 6px}\n.dr-sc .out .n b{font-family:\"Playfair Display\",Georgia,serif;font-size:34px;font-weight:700;color:#233a68;margin-right:4px;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n.dr-sc .out .bd{font-size:1.125rem;font-weight:600;line-height:1.5;color:#2a2622;margin:0}\n.dr-sc .out .rt{font-size:17px;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:8px 0 0}\n.dr-sc .out .rt:empty{display:none}\n.dr-sc .out .wd{font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.55;color:#233a68;margin:12px 0 0;padding:12px 0 0;border-top:1px solid #c9d3ea}\n\n@media(max-width:760px){\n  .dr-f .kv{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}\n  .dr-mx .sel{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}\n  .dr-mx .sel label{margin:4px 0 -4px}\n  .dr-mx .all ul{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}\n  .dr-od .cols{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);gap:16px}\n  .dr-rp .fr{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}\n}\n\/* Tap targets: the gate floor is 44px below 900px wide, for any control. *\/\n@media(max-width:900px){.dr-chips button{min-height:44px}.ra-faq .all button{min-height:44px}}\n\n\/* her note, 23 Sep 2026: more readable. Captions under these figures at body-adjacent size. *\/\n.dr-f figcaption{font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.65}\n\n@media(max-width:520px){.ra-fig{padding:20px 14px;border-radius:16px;margin:0 -12px!important}}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.ra-fig *,.ra-faq *{transition:none!important}}\n@media print{.ra-seg,.ra-lad .sw,.ra-ec .sl,.ra-faq .all{display:none!important}.ra-faq details{display:block}}\n@media(max-width:480px){.eqp ol.wp-block-list{padding-left:18px}.eqp ol.wp-block-list li{overflow-wrap:anywhere}}\n<\/style><style>\n\/* ---- glossary popups ---- *\/\n\n\/* THE PAGE MUST NOT SCROLL SIDEWAYS BECAUSE OF A CARD NOBODY CAN SEE. A hidden\n   absolutely positioned box still extends the scrollable width, and a card\n   centred on a word near the right edge hangs off it until the script nudges it\n   back. The script does that on load, but \"on load\" is a moving target: web\n   fonts reflow the line after it, and the sleep article was still scrolling\n   41px sideways at 720px on some loads and not others.\n\n   overflow-x:clip settles it without depending on timing at all. Not hidden:\n   clip does not make this a scroll container, so anything sticky inside keeps\n   sticking and overflow-y stays visible. The clip edge is the page box, and a\n   320px card centred on a word inside the measure column has a couple of\n   hundred pixels of slack before it can reach that edge, so on a desktop it\n   never clips anything; on a narrow screen the clip edge is the viewport, which\n   is where the script is putting the card anyway. *\/\n.eqp{overflow-x:clip}\n\n\/* A dotted underline under a term that is usually already italic: quiet enough\n   to ignore, and different enough from a link to never be mistaken for one. *\/\n.eqp .gl{position:relative;display:inline;border-bottom:1.5px dotted #c9d3ea;\n  cursor:help;outline:none}\n.eqp .gl:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--eqp-accent);outline-offset:3px;\n  border-radius:3px}\n\n.eqp .gd{position:absolute;left:50%;bottom:calc(100% + 12px);z-index:40;\n  width:min(320px,78vw);box-sizing:border-box;\n  \/* THE NUDGE IS A MARGIN, NOT PART OF THE TRANSFORM. It used to ride inside\n     translateX as calc(-50% + var(--sx)), and the variable never took effect:\n     the script set --sx correctly, the sheet shipped correctly, and the\n     computed transform stayed at a flat -50% regardless. Measured on the live\n     page with the compositor running and a control element proving transform\n     itself worked, cards still sat 54 to 61px off the left edge of a 390px\n     screen. margin-left is a layout property, it resolves the variable, and it\n     put every card exactly where the script had calculated. *\/\n  transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(4px);margin-left:var(--sx,0px);\n  opacity:0;visibility:hidden;pointer-events:none;\n  background:#fff;border:1.5px solid var(--eqp-line2);border-radius:12px;\n  box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(20,30,40,.14);padding:14px 16px;\n  font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.55;\n  font-style:normal;font-weight:400;color:var(--eqp-body);text-align:left;\n  transition:opacity .16s ease,transform .16s ease}\n.eqp .gd b{display:block;font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:11px;\n  font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase;\n  color:var(--eqp-muted);margin:0 0 6px}\n\/* The pointer, a rotated square sitting half outside the card. It carries the\n   nudge in reverse so it stays under the term when the card has moved. *\/\n.eqp .gd::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:calc(50% - 6px - var(--sx,0px));\n  bottom:-7px;width:12px;height:12px;background:#fff;\n  border-right:1.5px solid var(--eqp-line2);border-bottom:1.5px solid var(--eqp-line2);\n  transform:rotate(45deg)}\n.eqp .gl:hover .gd,.eqp .gl:focus .gd,.eqp .gl:focus-within .gd{\n  opacity:1;visibility:visible;pointer-events:auto;\n  transform:translateX(-50%) translateY(0)}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n  .eqp .gd{transition:none;transform:translateX(-50%)}\n}\n\/* A popup means nothing on paper, and nothing is lost: every glossed term keeps\n   the author's own sentence around it. *\/\n@media print{.eqp .gd{display:none}.eqp .gl{border-bottom:0}}\n<\/style><style>\n.eqp .gl{color:#34508c}\n.eqp .gl:hover{background:#ecf0f8}\n.eqp .eqb .gl{color:inherit}\n.eqp .gd{border-left:3px solid #4a67a8}\n.eqp .gd b{color:#233a68;background:#ecf0f8;margin:-14px -16px 12px;padding:10px 16px 9px;border-bottom:1px solid #c9d3ea}\n.eqp .gd::after{border-right-color:#c9d3ea;border-bottom-color:#c9d3ea}\n<\/style><script>\n(function(){\n  \/* The sheet is the first block on the page, so at parse time not one .gl\n     exists yet and binding straight away binds to nothing. It did, silently:\n     the cards still opened, because opening is pure CSS, and only the nudge was\n     missing. Wait for the document instead. *\/\n  function bind(){\n    var gl=document.querySelectorAll('.eqp .gl');\n    if(!gl.length){return;}\n    \/* MEASURE THE TERM, NOT THE CARD. Reading the card's own rect looks like\n       the obvious thing to do and is wrong: the card is mid transition when the\n       pointer arrives, so its rect is wherever the animation has got to, and a\n       nudge computed from it was correct on a first hover and zero on a second.\n       The term does not move and offsetWidth ignores transforms.\n\n       getClientRects()[0] rather than getBoundingClientRect, because a term\n       that wraps across two lines is anchored by CSS to its first line box. *\/\n    function place(el){\n      var card=el.querySelector('.gd');\n      if(!card){return;}\n      var rects=el.getClientRects();\n      var a=rects.length?rects[0]:el.getBoundingClientRect();\n      var mid=a.left+a.width\/2, half=card.offsetWidth\/2, m=14, dx=0;\n      if(mid-half<m){dx=m-(mid-half);}\n      else if(mid+half>window.innerWidth-m){dx=(window.innerWidth-m)-(mid+half);}\n      card.style.setProperty('--sx',dx.toFixed(1)+'px');\n    }\n    for(var i=0;i<gl.length;i++){\n      (function(el){\n        el.addEventListener('mouseenter',function(){place(el);});\n        el.addEventListener('focus',function(){place(el);});\n        el.addEventListener('keydown',function(e){\n          if(e.key==='Escape'){el.blur();}\n        });\n      })(gl[i]);\n    }\n    function placeAll(){for(var j=0;j<gl.length;j++){place(gl[j]);}}\n    placeAll();\n    \/* Again once the web fonts have swapped, which moves every line on the\n       page, and again at load for anything else that reflowed. *\/\n    if(document.fonts){document.fonts.ready.then(placeAll);}\n    if(document.readyState!=='complete'){window.addEventListener('load',placeAll);}\n    var t=null;\n    window.addEventListener('resize',function(){\n      if(t){clearTimeout(t);}\n      t=setTimeout(placeAll,120);\n    });\n  }\n  if(document.readyState==='loading'){\n    document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',bind);\n  }else{bind();}\n})();\n\/*>*\/<\/script><div id=\"eqp-rail\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i><\/i><\/div><nav id=\"eqp-parts\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a href=\"#part-1\" data-i=\"1\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">Why write about using more safely<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-2\" data-i=\"2\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">How drugs work in your brain<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-3\" data-i=\"3\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">What each drug does<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-4\" data-i=\"4\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">Why one pill is never just one pill<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-5\" data-i=\"5\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">What should never be mixed<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-6\" data-i=\"6\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">If it goes wrong<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-7\" data-i=\"7\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">When the pills came from a prescription<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-8\" data-i=\"8\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">Your mind, and when it becomes a problem<\/span><\/a><a href=\"#part-9\" data-i=\"9\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span class=\"dot\"><\/span><span class=\"lbl\">Everything else you were too afraid to ask<\/span><\/a><\/nav><button id=\"eqp-top\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Back to the top of the article\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6 10.5V2M2 5.5 6 1.5l4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>Top<\/button><script>(function(){document.documentElement.setAttribute(\"data-eqp\",\"on\");function init(){var RM=false;if(window.matchMedia){RM=window.matchMedia(\"(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)\").matches;}var bar=document.querySelector(\"#eqp-rail i\");var hasST=false;if(window.CSS){if(CSS.supports){hasST=CSS.supports(\"animation-timeline\",\"scroll()\");}}if(bar){if(!hasST){  var tick=function(){    var h=document.documentElement.scrollHeight-window.innerHeight;    var p=h>0?window.scrollY\/h:0;    if(p<0)p=0; if(p>1)p=1;    bar.style.transform=\"scaleX(\"+p+\")\";  };  addEventListener(\"scroll\",tick,{passive:true});addEventListener(\"resize\",tick);tick();}}var rev=document.querySelectorAll(\".eq-rev\");if(RM||!(\"IntersectionObserver\" in window)){  Array.prototype.forEach.call(rev,function(n){n.classList.add(\"in\");});}else{  var ro=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){    es.forEach(function(e){if(e.isIntersecting){e.target.classList.add(\"in\");ro.unobserve(e.target);}});  },{rootMargin:\"0px 0px -8% 0px\",threshold:0.08});  Array.prototype.forEach.call(rev,function(n){ro.observe(n);});}var bands=document.querySelectorAll(\".eq-range .band\");if(RM||!(\"IntersectionObserver\" in window)){  Array.prototype.forEach.call(bands,function(n){n.classList.add(\"in\");});}else{  var bo=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){    es.forEach(function(e){      if(!e.isIntersecting)return;      var d=parseInt(e.target.getAttribute(\"data-d\")||\"0\",10);      setTimeout(function(){e.target.classList.add(\"in\");},d);      bo.unobserve(e.target);    });  },{threshold:0.3});  Array.prototype.forEach.call(bands,function(n){bo.observe(n);});}var figs=document.querySelectorAll(\"[data-eq-anim]\");if(RM||!(\"IntersectionObserver\" in window)){  Array.prototype.forEach.call(figs,function(n){n.classList.add(\"eq-on\");});}else{  var fo=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){    es.forEach(function(e){      var vh=window.innerHeight||document.documentElement.clientHeight;      var b=e.target.getBoundingClientRect();      var tall=b.height>vh*0.6;      var ok=tall?(b.top<vh*0.7?(b.bottom>0):false):(e.intersectionRatio>=0.35);      if(!ok)return;      e.target.classList.add(\"eq-on\");      fo.unobserve(e.target);    });  },{threshold:[0,0.15,0.35,0.6]});  Array.prototype.forEach.call(figs,function(n){fo.observe(n);});}var links=[].slice.call(document.querySelectorAll(\"#eqp-parts a\"));var tops=links.map(function(a){return document.getElementById(a.getAttribute(\"href\").slice(1));});var btn=document.getElementById(\"eqp-top\");var last=-1;var sync=function(){  var y=window.scrollY+window.innerHeight*0.32, cur=-1;  for(var i=0;i<tops.length;i++){ if(tops[i]){ if(tops[i].getBoundingClientRect().top+window.scrollY<=y) cur=i; } }  if(cur!==last){    links.forEach(function(a,i){a.classList.toggle(\"on\",i===cur);});    last=cur;  }  if(btn){    var h=document.documentElement.scrollHeight-window.innerHeight;    var far=false; if(h>0){far=window.scrollY\/h>0.35;}    btn.classList.toggle(\"on\",far);  }};addEventListener(\"scroll\",sync,{passive:true});addEventListener(\"resize\",sync);sync();if(btn)btn.addEventListener(\"click\",function(){  window.scrollTo({top:0,behavior:RM?\"auto\":\"smooth\"});});}if(document.readyState===\"loading\"){document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",init);}else{init();}})();\/*>*\/<\/script>\n<script>(function(){\nif(window.eqTopFix){return;}\nwindow.eqTopFix=1;\nvar MQ=null;\nif(window.matchMedia){MQ=window.matchMedia(\"(max-width: 640px)\");}\nvar OFF=\"eqp-top-off\";\nvar SELQ=\".eqp a[href],.eqp button,.eqp input,.eqp select,.eqp textarea,.eqp summary,.eqp label,.eqp [role=button],.eqp [role=tab],.eqp [role=slider],.eqp .gl,.eqp .eq-term,.eqp .hnd\";\nvar busy=false,typing=false;\nfunction phone(){\nif(MQ){return MQ.matches;}\nreturn false;\n}\nfunction field(el){\nif(!el){return false;}\nvar t=el.tagName;\nif(t===\"TEXTAREA\"){return true;}\nif(t===\"SELECT\"){return true;}\nif(el.isContentEditable){return true;}\nif(t===\"INPUT\"){\nvar ty=(el.getAttribute(\"type\")||\"text\").toLowerCase();\nif(ty===\"range\"){return false;}\nif(ty===\"checkbox\"){return false;}\nif(ty===\"radio\"){return false;}\nif(ty===\"button\"){return false;}\nif(ty===\"submit\"){return false;}\nif(ty===\"reset\"){return false;}\nreturn true;\n}\nreturn false;\n}\nfunction tail(){\nvar p=document.querySelector(\".eqp p.eq-lastrev\");\nvar n=null;\nif(p){\nif(p.parentNode){n=p.parentNode.nextElementSibling;}\n}\nwhile(n){\nif(n.tagName!==\"STYLE\"){\nif(n.tagName!==\"SCRIPT\"){break;}\n}\nn=n.nextElementSibling;\n}\nif(n){\nif(n.getBoundingClientRect().top<window.innerHeight){return true;}\n}\nvar f=document.querySelector(\"footer\");\nif(f){\nif(f.getBoundingClientRect().top<window.innerHeight){return true;}\n}\nreturn false;\n}\nfunction blocked(btn){\nvar r=btn.getBoundingClientRect();\nif(r.width<1){return false;}\nvar list=document.querySelectorAll(SELQ),i,q,e,ix,iy;\nfor(i=0;i<list.length;i++){\ne=list[i];\nif(e===btn){continue;}\nif(e.tagName===\"LABEL\"){\nif(!e.querySelector(\"input,select,textarea\")){continue;}\n}\nq=e.getBoundingClientRect();\nif(q.width<1){continue;}\nif(q.height<1){continue;}\nif(q.bottom<r.top){continue;}\nif(q.top>r.bottom){continue;}\nix=Math.min(r.right,q.right)-Math.max(r.left,q.left);\niy=Math.min(r.bottom,q.bottom)-Math.max(r.top,q.top);\nif(ix>1){\nif(iy>1){\nif(window.getComputedStyle(e).visibility!==\"hidden\"){return true;}\n}\n}\n}\nreturn false;\n}\nfunction sync(){\nbusy=false;\nvar b=document.getElementById(\"eqp-top\");\nif(!b){return;}\nvar h=document.documentElement.scrollHeight-window.innerHeight;\nvar far=false;\nif(h>0){far=window.scrollY\/h>0.35;}\nb.classList.toggle(\"on\",far);\nvar off=false;\nif(phone()){\nif(typing){off=true;}\nelse if(tail()){off=true;}\nelse if(blocked(b)){off=true;}\n}\nb.classList.toggle(OFF,off);\n}\nfunction ask(){\nif(busy){return;}\nbusy=true;\nif(window.requestAnimationFrame){window.requestAnimationFrame(sync);}\nelse{window.setTimeout(sync,50);}\n}\nwindow.addEventListener(\"scroll\",ask,{passive:true});\nwindow.addEventListener(\"resize\",ask);\nwindow.addEventListener(\"orientationchange\",ask);\nwindow.addEventListener(\"load\",ask);\ndocument.addEventListener(\"focusin\",function(e){typing=field(e.target);ask();});\ndocument.addEventListener(\"focusout\",function(){typing=false;ask();});\nif(MQ){\nif(MQ.addEventListener){MQ.addEventListener(\"change\",ask);}\nelse if(MQ.addListener){MQ.addListener(ask);}\n}\nask();\n})();\/*>*\/<\/script><style>@media(max-width:620px){.eqp .wp-block-group.has-background{padding:26px 22px!important}}@media(max-width:420px){.eqp .wp-block-group.has-background{padding:22px 18px!important}}<\/style>\n\n\n\n<style>\n\/* ---- plain words: one class on the post root swaps the text ----\n   Without script nothing here applies: the root never gets dr-plain, the plain blocks stay hidden, and the control is not shown. *\/\n.dr-post .dr-pl,.dr-post .dr-svp{display:none}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-pl{display:block}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-fl,.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-svn{display:none!important}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-svp{display:block}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .eq-toc details:not(.dr-p6) ul{display:none}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .eq-toc details:not(.dr-p6) .chev{visibility:hidden}\n.dr-post .dr-p2{display:none}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-p2{display:inline}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-n2{display:none!important}\n.dr-post .dr-pln{display:none}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-pln{display:inline}\n.dr-post.dr-plain div.dr-pln{display:block}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-nrm{display:none!important}\n.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-tgt{display:none!important}\n.dr-pl{box-sizing:border-box}\n.dr-pl .dr-plk{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.4;color:#233a68;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px}\n\n\/* ---- the plain words control: masthead meta row (reading time, segmented control, hint) and the floating pill ---- *\/\n.dr-swbox{box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0}\n.dr-metarow{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;column-gap:22px;row-gap:12px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0}\n.eqp .dr-metarow .dr-metat{margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0}\n.dr-seg,.dr-hint,.dr-pill{display:none}\n.dr-swbox.dr-ready .dr-seg{display:inline-flex}\n.dr-swbox.dr-ready .dr-hint{display:block}\n.dr-seg{box-sizing:border-box;align-items:stretch;border:1px solid #233a68;border-radius:10px;background:#fff;padding:0}\n.dr-segb{position:relative;box-sizing:border-box;height:36px;padding:0 16px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;border:0;border-radius:9px;background:#fff;cursor:pointer;\n  font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;line-height:1;color:#1a2c52;white-space:nowrap;transition:background .15s ease,color .15s ease}\n.dr-segb::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;top:-4px;right:0;bottom:-4px;left:0}\n.dr-segb[aria-checked=true]{background:#233a68;color:#fff}\n.dr-segb:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:2px}\n.dr-segb[aria-checked=false]:hover{background:#ecf0f8}\n.dr-hint{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#6b6259;margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:0}\n@media(max-width:900px){.dr-segb{height:44px}.dr-segb::before{top:0;bottom:0}}\n@media(max-width:480px){.dr-metarow{row-gap:14px}}\n.dr-pill{position:fixed;right:max(16px,env(safe-area-inset-right));bottom:max(16px,env(safe-area-inset-bottom));z-index:61;box-sizing:border-box;\n  align-items:center;gap:10px;min-height:44px;padding:0 14px 0 16px;border:1px solid #c9d3ea;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;cursor:pointer;\n  font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;line-height:1;color:#1a2c52;box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(26,44,82,.18);\n  opacity:0;visibility:hidden;pointer-events:none;transition:opacity .2s ease,visibility 0s linear .2s}\n.dr-swbox.dr-ready .dr-pill{display:inline-flex}\n.dr-pill.dr-pill-on{opacity:1;visibility:visible;pointer-events:auto;transition:opacity .2s ease,visibility 0s}\n.dr-pill:hover{border-color:#233a68}\n.dr-pill:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:2px}\n.dr-pl-k{position:relative;flex:0 0 auto;width:30px;height:18px;box-sizing:border-box;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #4a67a8}\n.dr-pl-k::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;top:2px;left:2px;width:11px;height:11px;border-radius:50%;background:#4a67a8}\n.dr-pill[aria-checked=true]{background:#233a68;border-color:#233a68;color:#fff}\n.dr-pill[aria-checked=true] .dr-pl-k{background:#fff;border-color:#fff}\n.dr-pill[aria-checked=true] .dr-pl-k::after{left:14px;background:#233a68}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.dr-pill,.dr-pill.dr-pill-on,.dr-segb{transition:none!important}}\n@media print{.dr-seg,.dr-hint,.dr-pill{display:none!important}}\n\/* the back to top button (house chrome) sits one pill higher so the two never overlap *\/\n#eqp-top{right:max(16px,env(safe-area-inset-right))!important;bottom:calc(max(16px,env(safe-area-inset-bottom)) + 54px)!important}\n\/* figure 1, plain words: \"docking spot\" is longer than \"receptor\" and its label is anchored on its right edge, so on a narrow figure it ran off the left side. Let it wrap to two lines there. *\/\n@media(max-width:700px){.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-bio .lb-rec{white-space:normal;width:min-content}}\n\/* the part rail must not catch clicks: its link boxes are as wide as the longest (invisible) label, so at 1280 they sat over the figures and a tap on a chip became a jump to a part. Only the dot takes the pointer. Same fix as Brain 101. *\/\n#eqp-parts,#eqp-parts a{pointer-events:none}\n#eqp-parts .dot{pointer-events:auto;position:relative;cursor:pointer}\n#eqp-parts .dot::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;top:-9px;right:-9px;bottom:-9px;left:-9px}\n\/* the reading time and word count: both versions sit in one grid cell, so the row never changes width when the mode flips *\/\n.dr-mtw{display:inline-grid;vertical-align:top}.dr-mtw>span{grid-area:1\/1}.dr-mt-p{visibility:hidden}.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-mt-f{visibility:hidden}.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-mt-p{visibility:visible}\n\/* short version rows: the whole row is a link, in the house pattern of the adult ADHD post (.ad-sv .rows a): the row's own ink, a thin pale underline, the full accent on hover *\/\n.dr-post .dr-svl{color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-underline-offset:4px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea}\n.dr-post .dr-svl:hover{text-decoration-color:#34508c}\n.dr-post .dr-svl:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:3px;border-radius:3px}\n@media(max-width:900px){.dr-post .dr-svl{display:inline-block;vertical-align:top;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:44px;padding-top:4px;margin-top:-4px}}\n\/* plain twins of the key point cards (parts 3 and 4): shown only in plain words, laid out exactly like the card *\/\n.dr-post .dr-plc{display:none!important}.dr-post.dr-plain .dr-plc{display:grid!important}\n\/* figure 2 in plain words: with the Safer step card hidden, two cards share the row *\/\n@media(min-width:761px){.dr-post.dr-plain #dr-tl .kv{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr))}}\n\/*>*\/<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull eqp dr-post has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69fa9525 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding:0px 22px\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<div style=\"color:#6b6259;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.455), 18px);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;margin-top:54px;margin-bottom:0\" class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-post-date has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\"><time datetime=\"2026-03-10T10:00:00+01:00\">10 o\u017eujka, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"color:#6b6259;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.455), 18px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\" class=\"taxonomy-category has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-post-terms has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\"><a href=\"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/category\/body-and-mind\/\" rel=\"tag\">Body and Mind<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/category\/too-afraid-to-ask\/\" rel=\"tag\">Everything You Were Too Afraid to Ask<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family ra-series wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0;font-size:12.5px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.2em;line-height:1.4\">Everything you were too afraid to ask<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-playfair-display-font-family\" id=\"top\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:8px;margin-bottom:16px;font-size:clamp(26.944px, 1.684rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 2.165), 46px);font-style:normal;font-weight:800;line-height:1.12\">Drugs 101<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#524a42;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:22px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.55\">Why a therapist would write about using drugs more safely, how drugs work in your brain, what each drug does and how long it lasts, why a pill is stronger and less predictable than it looks, which combinations cause the most emergencies, what an overdose looks like and what to do, the risks of pills from someone else&#8217;s prescription, when use starts to become a problem and what helps, and plain answers to the questions people rarely ask out loud<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eq-credit\" style=\"--eq-credit-ac:#233a68\">Written by <a href=\"\/our-team-ivana\/\" rel=\"author\">Ivana<\/a>, psychologist and psychotherapist<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"dr-swbox dr-keep\" id=\"dr-swbox\"><div class=\"dr-metarow\"><p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-metat\" style=\"color:#6b6259;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5\"><span class=\"dr-mtw\"><span class=\"dr-mt-f\"><strong style=\"color:#233a68\">43 minute read<\/strong> &nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; 9,637 words<\/span><span class=\"dr-mt-p\"><strong style=\"color:#233a68\">29 minute read<\/strong> &nbsp;&middot;&nbsp; 6,610 words<\/span><\/span><\/p><div class=\"dr-seg\" id=\"dr-seg\" role=\"radiogroup\" aria-label=\"Reading version\" aria-describedby=\"dr-sw-h\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"dr-segb\" id=\"dr-seg-full\" role=\"radio\" aria-checked=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">Detailed<\/button><button type=\"button\" class=\"dr-segb\" id=\"dr-seg-plain\" role=\"radio\" aria-checked=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\">Plain words<\/button><\/div><\/div><p class=\"dr-hint\" id=\"dr-sw-h\">Detailed explains the research and the reasons behind each point. Plain words gives the same main points in short, everyday language. Safety advice and emergency steps are the same in both.<\/p><button type=\"button\" class=\"dr-pill\" id=\"dr-pill\" role=\"switch\" aria-checked=\"false\"><span class=\"dr-pl-t\">Plain words<\/span><span class=\"dr-pl-k\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><!-- eq-post-top -->\n<div class=\"pt-on\" hidden data-src=\"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/drugs-101-post-top.jpg\" data-w=\"470\" data-aspect=\"1.158\" data-side=\"right\" data-bleed=\"R\" data-src2=\"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/drugs-101-post-top-hover.jpg\"><\/div>\n<script>\n\/* Post tops: turns the post's masthead group into the cream band and adds the\n   drawing beside the words. It runs as soon as the masthead's words are in, before\n   the post's own scripts measure anything (the Plain words switch keeps its place on\n   screen, so a band built later scrolled the page). Anything the page adds to the\n   masthead after this point is moved out below the band once the page has loaded.\n   The post's settings ride on the .pt-on marker, which the site CSS also keys on. *\/\n(function () {\n  function run() {\n    var cfg = document.querySelector('.pt-on');\n    var mh = document.querySelector('.eqp > .wp-block-group');\n    if (!cfg || !mh || mh.classList.contains('pt-band')) return !!mh;\n    var d = cfg.dataset, aspect = +d.aspect;\n    \/\/ Some posts run the story on inside the masthead group: stop at the drop-cap paragraph.\n    var words = document.createElement('div');\n    words.className = 'pt-words';\n    while (mh.firstElementChild && !mh.firstElementChild.matches('.eq-drop')) words.appendChild(mh.firstElementChild);\n    var rest = document.createDocumentFragment();\n    while (mh.firstElementChild) rest.appendChild(mh.firstElementChild);\n    mh.appendChild(words);\n    if (rest.childNodes.length) mh.parentNode.insertBefore(rest, mh.nextSibling);\n    var fig = document.createElement('figure');\n    fig.className = 'pt-art';\n    \/\/ Width and height reserve the drawing's space, so the band never grows when it arrives.\n    fig.innerHTML = '<img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"' + Math.round(1000 * aspect) + '\" src=\"' + d.src + '\">';\n    \/\/ A second scene (same size) takes over on hover; a tap switches it on touch screens.\n    if (d.src2) {\n      fig.insertAdjacentHTML('beforeend', '<img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"' + Math.round(1000 * aspect) + '\" src=\"' + d.src2 + '\">');\n      fig.classList.add('pt-two');\n      fig.addEventListener('pointerup', function (e) { if (e.pointerType !== 'mouse') fig.classList.toggle('pt-swap'); });\n    }\n    mh.appendChild(fig);\n    mh.classList.add('pt-band', 'pt-' + d.side);\n    (d.bleed || '').split('').forEach(function (e) { mh.classList.add('pt-b' + e); });\n    var hdr = document.querySelector('.wp-site-blocks > header .is-style-header-fixed');\n    function fit() {\n      \/\/ The header lies over the top of the page down to tablet width: clear it.\n      mh.style.setProperty('--pt-hh', hdr && getComputedStyle(hdr).position === 'absolute' ? hdr.offsetHeight + 'px' : '0px');\n      mh.style.setProperty('--pt-lift', '0px');\n      if (getComputedStyle(fig).display === 'none') return;\n      \/\/ At least 70% as tall as the words, at most 44% of the band.\n      var cs = getComputedStyle(mh), room = mh.clientWidth - parseFloat(cs.paddingLeft) - parseFloat(cs.paddingRight), w = +d.w;\n      for (var i = 0; i < 2; i++) {\n        w = Math.min(Math.max(+d.w, 0.7 * words.offsetHeight \/ aspect), room * 0.44);\n        mh.style.setProperty('--pt-w', Math.round(w) + 'px');\n      }\n      \/\/ Optical centre: of the cream left beside the words, 40% goes above and 60% below. Measured on the\n      \/\/ drawing's row, not the band: story paragraphs still loading into the masthead sit below it for a moment.\n      var fs = getComputedStyle(fig);\n      var slack = fig.offsetHeight + parseFloat(fs.marginTop) + parseFloat(fs.marginBottom) - words.offsetHeight;\n      mh.style.setProperty('--pt-lift', Math.max(0, Math.round(slack * 0.1)) + 'px');\n    }\n    fit();\n    addEventListener('resize', fit);\n    \/\/ The text grows when the site's fonts arrive: measure again then.\n    if (document.fonts) document.fonts.ready.then(fit);\n    addEventListener('load', fit);\n    function tidy() {\n      var after = document.createDocumentFragment();\n      while (fig.nextSibling) after.appendChild(fig.nextSibling);\n      mh.parentNode.insertBefore(after, mh.nextSibling);\n      \/\/ The part dots sit at the left edge, over a drawing there: they fade in once the band is behind them.\n      var rail = document.getElementById('eqp-parts');\n      if (!rail) return;\n      function dots() { rail.classList.toggle('pt-hide', mh.getBoundingClientRect().bottom > rail.getBoundingClientRect().top); }\n      addEventListener('scroll', dots, { passive: true });\n      addEventListener('resize', dots);\n      dots();\n    }\n    if (document.readyState === 'loading') document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', tidy); else tidy();\n    return true;\n  }\n  if (!run()) document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', run);\n})();\n<\/script>\n<!-- \/eq-post-top -->\n<script>(function(){var root=document.querySelector(\".dr-post\"),box=document.getElementById(\"dr-swbox\"),bf=document.getElementById(\"dr-seg-full\"),bp=document.getElementById(\"dr-seg-plain\"),pill=document.getElementById(\"dr-pill\"),seg=document.getElementById(\"dr-seg\");if(!root||!box||!bf||!bp||!pill||!seg){return;}var KEY=\"dr-plain-words\";function read(){var v=false;try{v=(window.localStorage.getItem(KEY)===\"1\");}catch(e){v=false;}return v;}function write(v){try{window.localStorage.setItem(KEY,v?\"1\":\"0\");}catch(e){}}function anchor(){var k=document.querySelectorAll(\".dr-keep\"),i,r;for(i=0;i< k.length;i+=1){r=k[i].getBoundingClientRect();if(r.bottom>1){return {el:k[i],top:r.top};}}return null;}function comp(a){if(!a){return;}var d=a.el.getBoundingClientRect().top-a.top;if(d>1||d<-1){window.scrollBy({top:d,left:0,behavior:\"instant\"});}}function set(on,user){var a=anchor();if(on){root.classList.add(\"dr-plain\");}else{root.classList.remove(\"dr-plain\");}bp.setAttribute(\"aria-checked\",on?\"true\":\"false\");bp.setAttribute(\"tabindex\",on?\"0\":\"-1\");bf.setAttribute(\"aria-checked\",on?\"false\":\"true\");bf.setAttribute(\"tabindex\",on?\"-1\":\"0\");pill.setAttribute(\"aria-checked\",on?\"true\":\"false\");var ev;try{ev=new CustomEvent(\"dr-plain-change\",{detail:{plain:on}});}catch(e2){ev=document.createEvent(\"CustomEvent\");ev.initCustomEvent(\"dr-plain-change\",false,false,{plain:on});}document.dispatchEvent(ev);if(user){comp(a);window.requestAnimationFrame(function(){comp(a);});window.setTimeout(function(){comp(a);},150);write(on);}}function isOn(){return bp.getAttribute(\"aria-checked\")===\"true\";}box.className=box.className+\" dr-ready\";set(read(),false);bf.addEventListener(\"click\",function(){set(false,true);});bp.addEventListener(\"click\",function(){set(true,true);});pill.addEventListener(\"click\",function(){set(!isOn(),true);});seg.addEventListener(\"keydown\",function(e){var k=e.key,on=null;if(k===\"ArrowRight\"||k===\"ArrowDown\"||k===\"End\"){on=true;}if(k===\"ArrowLeft\"||k===\"ArrowUp\"||k===\"Home\"){on=false;}if(on===null){return;}e.preventDefault();set(on,true);try{(on?bp:bf).focus({preventScroll:true});}catch(e3){}});\/* a link to a heading that plain words hides: go to the head of that part instead of nowhere. It never changes the mode. *\/function fromHash(){if(!root.classList.contains(\"dr-plain\")){return;}var id=window.location.hash;if(id.length< 2){return;}try{id=decodeURIComponent(id.slice(1));}catch(e4){id=id.slice(1);}var t=document.getElementById(id);if(!t){return;}if(t.getClientRects().length>0){return;}var n=t;while(n.parentElement){if(n.parentElement===root){break;}n=n.parentElement;}var h2=null;while(n){h2=n.querySelector('h2[id^=\"part-\"]');if(h2){break;}n=n.previousElementSibling;}if(h2){h2.scrollIntoView({block:\"start\",behavior:\"instant\"});}}window.addEventListener(\"hashchange\",fromHash);window.addEventListener(\"load\",fromHash);\/* the floating pill: shown only once the masthead control has scrolled up out of view, and never over the ending (the closing panel and the footer, which are parsed after this script, so they are looked up on first use) or over the emergency numbers strip in figure 4 or the emergency box under the lede. The observer says when the control leaves the screen; a passive scroll listener recomputes from the real positions as well, because a jump (a contents link, the End key) can skip an observer entirely. *\/var ends=[null,null,null,null],gap=[72,72,0,0],busy=false;function update(){busy=false;var h=window.innerHeight,show=false,hide=false,k,r;if(!ends[0]){ends[0]=document.querySelector(\".dr-end\");}if(!ends[1]){ends[1]=document.querySelector(\"footer\");}if(!ends[2]){ends[2]=document.querySelector(\"#dr-od .strip\");}if(!ends[3]){ends[3]=document.querySelector(\".dr-emerg\");}r=seg.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.bottom<=0){show=true;}for(k=0;k< ends.length;k+=1){if(ends[k]){r=ends[k].getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top< h-gap[k]){if(r.bottom>0){hide=true;}}}}\/* never over any figure or caption on the page (the article figures and the theme figures, such as the related posts): the pill sits at a fixed place, so test its box against theirs (6px of air) *\/if(!hide){var pr=pill.getBoundingClientRect(),fg=document.querySelectorAll(\"figure,figcaption\"),q;for(q=0;q< fg.length;q+=1){r=fg[q].getBoundingClientRect();if(r.bottom>pr.top-6){if(r.top< pr.bottom+6){if(r.right>pr.left-6){if(r.left< pr.right+6){hide=true;break;}}}}}}if(show){if(!hide){pill.classList.add(\"dr-pill-on\");return;}}pill.classList.remove(\"dr-pill-on\");}function soon(){if(!busy){busy=true;window.requestAnimationFrame(update);}}window.addEventListener(\"scroll\",soon,{passive:true});window.addEventListener(\"resize\",soon);if(window.IntersectionObserver){new IntersectionObserver(soon).observe(seg);}window.addEventListener(\"load\",soon);\/* a tap inside a figure (a chip, a menu) or a change of mode moves the figures without any scroll *\/document.addEventListener(\"click\",function(){window.setTimeout(soon,80);},true);document.addEventListener(\"dr-plain-change\",function(){window.setTimeout(soon,200);});update();})();\/*>*\/<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family eq-drop wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#35302a;margin-top:46px;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.642px, 0.915rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.836), 22px);line-height:1.62\">Someone at a festival offers you half a pill and says it&#8217;s fine, they&#8217;ve already had one. A friend falls asleep on the couch after a party and starts snoring in a way that doesn&#8217;t sound right. Your roommate has ADHD tablets, and your exams start on Monday. If you&#8217;ve been in a moment like one of these, you know how fast it happens, and how little you usually have to go on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The safest choice is not to use drugs at all. But if you&#8217;re going to, or someone you care about is, you deserve <strong class=\"eqb\">real information rather than a lecture<\/strong>. This article is about how to be <strong class=\"eqb\">less likely to get hurt<\/strong>: what each drug does, why strength is so hard to judge, which mixes cause the most emergencies, and what to do when something goes wrong. It&#8217;s also about the part that&#8217;s harder to talk about, which is how drugs affect your mind, and how to tell when using has started to cost you more than it gives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Nobody reading this is being judged!! Maybe you&#8217;re curious, maybe you&#8217;re worried about yourself or a friend, maybe something happened last weekend that scared you. Whichever it is, you&#8217;re in the right place.<span class=\"dr-fl\"> If you&#8217;d like everything in plainer words, choose Plain words above.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep dr-emerg has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a478845c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#ecf0f8;border-radius:18px;margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:0;padding:24px 28px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.341), 17px);line-height:1.65\">If someone is unconscious, struggling to breathe or can&#8217;t be woken right now, call your local emergency number first: 112 across the European Union, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US and Canada, 000 in Australia. Then go straight to <a href=\"#part-6\" style=\"color:#233a68;font-weight:600;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">part six<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:26px;margin-bottom:0px\"><aside class=\"ra-anyway\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.6\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M12 20.5s-7.5-4.8-7.5-10.4A4.4 4.4 0 0 1 12 7.4a4.4 4.4 0 0 1 7.5 2.7c0 5.6-7.5 10.4-7.5 10.4z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"h\">This might not be about you. Read it anyway.<\/p><p class=\"t\">Part six is for the friend on the couch next to someone who will not wake up, and it is the part most worth reading before anyone needs it: <a href=\"#part-6\" style=\"color:#233a68;font-weight:600;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">if it goes wrong<\/a>.<\/p><\/aside><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background dr-svn has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-83938ec0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#f3f5fb;border-color:#d5ddef;border-width:1.5px;border-style:solid;border-radius:20px;margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:0;padding:34px 38px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a2c52;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">THE SHORT VERSION<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-1\" class=\"dr-svl\">Not using is the safest choice, and if you do use, knowing how to stay safer <strong class=\"eqb\">has not been found to make anyone use more<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-2\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Every drug works by getting in the middle of how brain cells pass messages<\/strong>, and the ones that slow you down all end up at the same breathing cells, by different routes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-3\" class=\"dr-svl\">The same drug can hit very differently depending on how it\u2019s taken and how strong it is, and <strong class=\"eqb\">the slow ones, like edibles, are the ones people most often take twice by mistake<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-4\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">A pill is usually more than one dose<\/strong>, fake medicines look exactly like real ones, and a test result means be more careful, never that something is safe.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-5\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Mixing drugs that slow the body down is the biggest single danger<\/strong>: opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, GHB, pregabalin and gabapentin.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-6\" class=\"dr-svl\">If a friend can\u2019t be woken, <strong class=\"eqb\">call your local emergency number<\/strong>, give naloxone if opioids might be involved, put them on their side if they\u2019re breathing, and stay with them.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-7\" class=\"dr-svl\">Someone else\u2019s prescription is an unknown drug, <strong class=\"eqb\">benzodiazepines should never be stopped suddenly after regular use<\/strong>, and after any break your usual amount can be too much.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-8\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Using often isn\u2019t the same as having a problem<\/strong>, help works and recovery is common, and <strong class=\"eqb\">you don\u2019t have to stop before getting help for how you feel<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background dr-svp has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-83938ec0 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#f3f5fb;border-color:#d5ddef;border-width:1.5px;border-style:solid;border-radius:20px;margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:0;padding:34px 38px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a2c52;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">THE SHORT VERSION<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-1\" class=\"dr-svl\">Not using is the safest choice. If you do use, learning how to stay safer <strong class=\"eqb\">hasn\u2019t been found to make people use more<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-2\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Every drug works by getting between brain cells as they pass messages<\/strong>, and the ones that slow you down all end up at the cells that keep you breathing.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-3\" class=\"dr-svl\">The same drug can hit very differently from one time to the next, and <strong class=\"eqb\">slow ones like edibles are the ones people most often take twice by mistake<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-4\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">A pill is usually more than one dose<\/strong>, fake medicines look exactly like real ones, and a test result means be more careful, never that something is safe.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-5\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Mixing drugs that slow the body down is the biggest single danger<\/strong>: opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, GHB, pregabalin and gabapentin.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-6\" class=\"dr-svl\">If a friend can\u2019t be woken, <strong class=\"eqb\">call your local emergency number<\/strong>, give naloxone if opioids might be involved, put them on their side if they\u2019re breathing, and stay with them.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-7\" class=\"dr-svl\">Someone else\u2019s prescription is an unknown drug, <strong class=\"eqb\">benzodiazepines should never be stopped suddenly after regular use<\/strong>, and after any break your usual amount can be too much.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><a href=\"#part-8\" class=\"dr-svl\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Using often doesn\u2019t mean you have a problem.<\/strong> Help works, recovery is common, and <strong class=\"eqb\">you can get help for how you feel without stopping first<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4ccedd2e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#e8e1d5;border-width:1.5px;border-style:solid;border-radius:22px;background-color:#faf8f3;margin-top:56px;margin-bottom:20px;padding:30px 34px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#6b6259;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:22px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WHAT THIS ARTICLE COVERS &middot; NINE PARTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\">\n<div class=\"eq-toc\"><details><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 1<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-1\">Why write about using more safely<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\"><span class=\"sec\">3 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>2 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">1 min<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#the-starting-point\">The starting point<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-harm-reduction-means\">What harm reduction means<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-common-this-is\">How common this is<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><details><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 2<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-2\">How drugs work in your brain<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\"><span class=\"sec\">7 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>10 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">3 min<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#how-brain-cells-pass-a-message-on\">How brain cells pass a message on<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-messengers-youve-heard-of\">The messengers you&#8217;ve heard of<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-a-drug-gets-in-the-middle\">How a drug gets in the middle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-downers-add-up\">Why downers add up<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#heat-water-and-a-racing-heart\">Heat, water and a racing heart<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-the-same-amount-stops-working\">Why the same amount stops working<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-day-after-and-the-holes-in-your-brain\">The day after, and the holes in your brain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><details><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 3<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-3\">What each drug does<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\"><span class=\"sec\">7 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>6 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">4 min<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#why-the-same-drug-can-feel-so-different\">Why the same drug can feel so different<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-slow-ones-trip-people-up\">The slow ones trip people up<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cannabis-is-stronger-than-it-used-to-be\">Cannabis is stronger than it used to be<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#mdma-heat-water-and-the-day-after\">MDMA: heat, water and the day after<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#cocaine-and-the-heart\">Cocaine and the heart<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ketamine-numb-and-then-some\">Ketamine: numb, and then some<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psychedelics-and-why-the-setting-matters\">Psychedelics and why the setting matters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><details><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 4<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-4\">Why one pill is never just one pill<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\"><span class=\"sec\">4 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>3 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">2 min<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#stronger-than-people-expect\">Stronger than people expect<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fake-medicines-look-real\">Fake medicines look real<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#fentanyl-and-the-new-synthetic-opioids\">Fentanyl and the new synthetic opioids<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#testing-your-drugs-what-it-can-and-cannot-tell-you\">Testing your drugs: what it can and cannot tell you<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><details><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 5<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-5\">What should never be mixed<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\"><span class=\"sec\">4 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>3 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">2 min<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#most-emergencies-involve-more-than-one-thing\">Most emergencies involve more than one thing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#downers-together-the-most-dangerous-mix\">Downers together: the most dangerous mix<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#uppers-together-and-uppers-with-alcohol\">Uppers together, and uppers with alcohol<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#antidepressants-lithium-and-other-medicines\">Antidepressants, lithium and other medicines<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><details class=\"dr-p6\"><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 6<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-6\">If it goes wrong<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"sec\">5 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>4 min<\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#what-an-overdose-looks-like\">What an overdose looks like<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-to-do-in-order\">What to do, in order<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#naloxone-and-where-to-get-it\">Naloxone, and where to get it<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#will-i-get-in-trouble-for-calling\">Will I get in trouble for calling?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#never-using-alone\">Never using alone<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><details><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 7<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-7\">When the pills came from a prescription<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\"><span class=\"sec\">5 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>3 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">2 min<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#this-is-not-about-your-own-prescription\">This is not about your own prescription<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#someone-elses-adhd-medicine\">Someone else&#8217;s ADHD medicine<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#benzodiazepines\">Benzodiazepines<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#opioid-painkillers\">Opioid painkillers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#after-a-break-your-usual-amount-can-be-too-much\">After a break, your usual amount can be too much<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><details><summary><svg class=\"chev\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 8<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-8\">Your mind, and when it becomes a problem<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\"><span class=\"sec\">5 sections<\/span><span class=\"sep\"> &middot; <\/span>5 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">4 min<\/span><\/span><\/summary><ul><li><a href=\"#comedowns-anxiety-and-low-mood\">Comedowns, anxiety and low mood<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psychosis-and-who-should-be-most-careful\">Psychosis, and who should be most careful<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#using-to-cope\">Using to cope<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#when-use-becomes-a-problem\">When use becomes a problem<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-helps\">What helps<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/details><div class=\"flat\"><svg class=\"chev hide\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 2l4 4-4 4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg><p hidden><\/p><span class=\"num\">PART 9<\/span><a class=\"ttl\" href=\"#part-9\">Everything else you were too afraid to ask<\/a><span class=\"cnt\"><span class=\"dr-n2\">4 min<\/span><span class=\"dr-p2\">4 min<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">01<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M12 3l7 3v5.5c0 4.2-2.9 7.7-7 9.5-4.1-1.8-7-5.3-7-9.5V6zM9 12l2 2 4-4\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part one of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-1\">Why write about using more safely<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">The starting point, and what harm reduction actually is<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-pl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-plk wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">In plain words<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Not using drugs is the safest choice<\/strong>, and saying no is a perfectly good answer. But if all you\u2019ve ever heard is \u201cdon\u2019t\u201d, then the day you say yes, you\u2019re left with a friend\u2019s advice, a forum or a guess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you do use, it helps a lot to know what you\u2019re taking, how much, what you\u2019re mixing it with and what to do if something goes wrong. Knowing that makes you much less likely to get hurt, and you have every right to know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This is health information, not legal advice. Drug laws and services are very different from one country to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This way of helping is called <strong class=\"eqb\">harm reduction<\/strong>. It means helping you stay safer without asking you to promise anything first. The World Health Organization recommends it, and so does the whole United Nations system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Does talking about safer use make people use more? Where that\u2019s been studied, it hasn\u2019t been found. <strong class=\"eqb\">Handing out overdose medicine and clean needles hasn\u2019t been found to lead to more drug use.<\/strong> Where something hasn\u2019t been tested yet, this article says so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">About one adult in sixteen around the world used a drug in the past year, and most of them don\u2019t have an addiction. <strong class=\"eqb\">Emergencies do not only happen to people with an addiction.<\/strong> A first try can be enough, or a batch that\u2019s stronger than usual. In Europe, most drug deaths involve more than one substance.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"the-starting-point\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">The starting point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most people who try a drug aren&#8217;t in crisis. They&#8217;re curious, or at a party, or exhausted, or just want one night off from their own head. Plenty of people say no, and that&#8217;s a perfectly good answer. But if all you&#8217;ve ever heard is &#8220;don&#8217;t&#8221;, then the day you say yes, your information comes from a friend, a forum or a guess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">That isn&#8217;t fair on you. <strong class=\"eqb\">Not using is still the safest choice.<\/strong> If you do use drugs, knowing what you&#8217;re taking, how much, what with, and what to do if it goes wrong makes you much less likely to be hurt, and you have every right to know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This is health information, not legal advice. Drug laws are very different from one country to the next, and so are the services this article mentions. When it names one, it says where it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"what-harm-reduction-means\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">What harm reduction means<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This approach is called harm reduction. <strong class=\"eqb\"><em class=\"eqi\">Harm reduction<\/em> means meeting you where you are and helping you stay safer<\/strong>, without making you promise anything first. It includes things like sterile needles, a medicine that reverses an overdose, and treatment that doesn&#8217;t demand you stop using before you&#8217;re allowed any help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">It isn&#8217;t a fringe idea. The World Health Organization recommends it, and so does the whole United Nations system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">You might wonder whether talking this way encourages people to use drugs. Where that has been tested, it has not been found. Studies of handing out overdose medicine found no sign that it led to more drug use, and the same is true of needle programs. Where something hasn&#8217;t been tested yet, this article says so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"how-common-this-is\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">How common this is<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you&#8217;ve ever felt like the only one, you aren&#8217;t. The United Nations estimates that about one adult in every sixteen worldwide used a drug in the past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most of them don&#8217;t have an addiction. UN figures suggest that roughly four in five people who use drugs don&#8217;t have what doctors call a <em class=\"eqi\">drug use disorder<\/em>, meaning use that has become a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">That&#8217;s exactly why the practical side matters. <strong class=\"eqb\">Emergencies do not only happen to people with an addiction.<\/strong> A first time, a stronger batch than usual or an unlucky mix can be enough. In Europe, most drug deaths involve more than one substance, which means a lot of them start with a decision that felt small at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-keep\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">Not using is the safest choice. If you do use, you deserve to know how to stay safer, and where that&#8217;s been studied, it hasn&#8217;t made people use more. That&#8217;s what the rest of this article is for.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">02<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"9\" r=\"3\"\/><path d=\"M12 12v9M9.4 7.5 5 5M14.6 7.5 19 5M9.2 10.3 4.5 12.5M14.8 10.3l4.7 2.2M12 21l-3 1.5M12 21l3 1.5\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part two of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-2\">How drugs work in your brain<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">Messengers, receptors, and the biology behind the risks<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-pl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-plk wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">In plain words<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Your brain runs on nerve cells that pass messages to each other. Inside a cell, a message is a tiny electrical pulse. But the cells don\u2019t quite touch. To cross the tiny gap between them, the message turns into a chemical, called a messenger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The messenger lands on the next cell in a docking spot shaped to fit it, a bit like a key in a lock. Then it gets cleared away, mostly by being pumped back into the cell that sent it. <strong class=\"eqb\">Every drug in this article works by getting in the middle of this handover.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A few messengers explain most of what drugs do. <strong class=\"eqb\">Dopamine<\/strong> helps you learn what\u2019s worth doing again, and it drives wanting. <strong class=\"eqb\">Serotonin<\/strong> helps with mood, sleep, appetite and body heat (most of your body\u2019s serotonin is actually in your gut, not your brain!). <strong class=\"eqb\">Noradrenaline<\/strong> keeps you alert and raises your heart rate and blood pressure. <strong class=\"eqb\">GABA<\/strong> is the brain\u2019s main brake, and <strong class=\"eqb\">glutamate<\/strong> is its main accelerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Drugs get in the middle in different ways. Opioids copy the body\u2019s own painkillers. MDMA makes the cell pour out extra messenger. Cocaine jams the pump, so messenger builds up in the gap. Naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, blocks the docking spot that opioids use. Alcohol and benzodiazepines make the brake work harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A small group of cells at the base of your brain keeps you breathing without you having to think about it. <strong class=\"eqb\">Drugs that slow you down all end up there<\/strong>, each by its own route. These are opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB, and the nerve-pain medicines pregabalin and gabapentin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">That\u2019s why <strong class=\"eqb\">two of them together slow your breathing so much more than either one alone<\/strong>, and why \u201cI only had a little of each\u201d doesn\u2019t protect you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Opioids also dull the urge to breathe, so someone can stop breathing without gasping. <strong class=\"eqb\">An overdose can look like deep sleep, snoring and all.<\/strong> With GHB, the gap between an amount that feels good and a dangerous one is small, and there\u2019s no antidote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Uppers like cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA raise noradrenaline, which is why cocaine can strain the heart of someone young and healthy. MDMA also pushes your body heat up. And it makes your body hold on to water, so drinking lots of water on it can drop the salt in your blood low enough for the brain to swell. How fast a drug reaches the brain matters too. The faster the rise, the stronger the pull to do it again, which is part of why smoking or injecting a drug tends to be harder to control than swallowing or snorting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">MDMA releases a lot of serotonin at once. With some other drugs, serotonin can build up to a dangerous level. This is called <strong class=\"eqb\">serotonin syndrome, and in severe cases it can kill<\/strong>. The signs are shaking, stiff or twitching muscles, a racing heart, overheating and confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The most dangerous partner for MDMA is an older type of antidepressant called MAOIs, and the painkiller tramadol is another. The common SSRI antidepressants mostly weaken MDMA instead, and then the risk is taking more to make up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If someone takes a drug often, the brain pushes back, and <strong class=\"eqb\">the same amount does less. That\u2019s tolerance.<\/strong> It fades fast after a break, often within days, so a usual amount can then be too much. With opioids, the body seems to get used to the high faster than to the effect on breathing. <strong class=\"eqb\">So needing more to feel the same can put someone closer to an overdose than they think.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines suddenly after heavy regular use isn\u2019t a test of willpower.<\/strong> It can cause seizures, and with alcohol, a severe kind of confusion. <strong class=\"eqb\">It needs a doctor.<\/strong> The same goes for GHB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A lot of people feel low a few days after MDMA, and it passes. <strong class=\"eqb\">There\u2019s no good evidence that a night on MDMA burns holes in your brain.<\/strong> Heavy, repeated use is linked to small problems with memory and attention, though other drugs and lost sleep make that hard to untangle. Animal studies at high doses do show damage to serotonin nerve endings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Pick a drug in the figure below to see what it does between two brain cells.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"how-brain-cells-pass-a-message-on\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">How brain cells pass a message on<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">One drink makes you chatty. A few more and you&#8217;re swaying, and the next morning there&#8217;s a gap where the walk home should be. A painkiller after an operation takes the edge off, and a drug from the same family can stop someone breathing. It can look as if every drug has its own kind of magic. They don&#8217;t. They all work the same basic way, and once you can see it, a lot of the advice in this article makes much more sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Your brain runs on nerve cells, called neurons, and each one is wired to many others. Inside a cell, a message travels as a tiny electrical pulse that lasts about a thousandth of a second. But the cells don&#8217;t actually touch. Between one and the next there&#8217;s a gap, called a synapse, far too small to see under an ordinary microscope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">To get across the gap, the pulse turns into chemistry. The end of the sending cell holds tiny packets of chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters. When the pulse arrives, some of the packets empty into the gap. The messenger drifts across and lands on receptors on the next cell, which are docking spots shaped to fit it, a bit like a key fitting a lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Then the message has to be cleared away, or it would keep going. Most messengers are pumped back into the cell that sent them, to be used again, and some are broken down by enzymes. It all takes a split second, and it&#8217;s happening billions of times over in your head right now. <strong class=\"eqb\">Every drug in this article works by getting in the middle of that handover<\/strong>, at the packets, the gap, the docking spots or the pumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"the-messengers-youve-heard-of\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">The messengers you&#8217;ve heard of<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">There are dozens of messengers, but a handful explain most of what drugs do. You&#8217;ve probably heard some of their names, and some of the myths that come with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Dopamine<\/strong> helps your brain learn what&#8217;s worth doing again, and drives motivation and wanting. It&#8217;s often called the pleasure chemical, but that isn&#8217;t really its job.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Serotonin<\/strong> does many jobs: mood, yes, but also sleep, appetite, body temperature and digestion (most of your body&#8217;s serotonin is actually in your gut, not your brain!). The idea that depression is simply a lack of serotonin hasn&#8217;t held up well, although serotonin is still part of the story.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Noradrenaline<\/strong>, called norepinephrine in the US, keeps you alert and raises your heart rate and blood pressure. It&#8217;s a big part of why stimulants are hard on the heart.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">GABA<\/strong> is the brain&#8217;s main brake. It calms cells down and makes them less likely to fire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Glutamate<\/strong> is the main accelerator. It excites cells, and it&#8217;s central to learning and memory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Endorphins<\/strong> are the body&#8217;s own opioids. They ease pain and bring a sense of comfort (the famous runner&#8217;s high, it turns out, may have more to do with the next one on this list!).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Endocannabinoids<\/strong> are the body&#8217;s own cannabis-like messengers. They work backwards: the receiving cell releases them, and they tell the sending cell to send less. They turn the volume down in many circuits at once.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Where a drug acts matters as much as what it acts on. An opioid eases pain in one part of the brain and slows breathing in another. Alcohol slows the cerebellum, which handles balance, so you sway. It slows the hippocampus, which stores new memories, so there are gaps. And it slows the front of the brain, which weighs up consequences, so another drink seems like a great idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"how-a-drug-gets-in-the-middle\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">How a drug gets in the middle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A drug can get into that handover in a few different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">It copies a messenger.<\/strong> Some drugs are shaped enough like a natural messenger to fit its receptor and switch it on. Opioids copy endorphins. THC, the part of cannabis that gets you high, copies the body&#8217;s cannabis-like messengers, but only partly: it fits the lock without turning it all the way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">It makes more messenger pour out.<\/strong> MDMA and amphetamines, including speed and some ADHD medicines, get taken into the sending cell through its recycling pump and make the pump run backwards, pushing messenger out into the gap. MDMA does this mainly with serotonin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">It stops the messenger being cleared.<\/strong> Cocaine jams the pumps, so dopamine and noradrenaline stay in the gap and keep signaling. Methylphenidate, the ADHD medicine sold as Ritalin or Concerta, mainly works this way too, and so do the common SSRI antidepressants, for serotonin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">It blocks a receptor.<\/strong> Ketamine plugs the gate on one of glutamate&#8217;s receptors, which is part of why the world goes distant and numb. Naloxone sits on the opioid receptor without switching it on and takes the opioid&#8217;s place, which is how it reverses an overdose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">It turns up a signal that&#8217;s already there.<\/strong> Benzodiazepines don&#8217;t copy GABA. They sit on a second spot on the GABA receptor and make it respond more strongly whenever GABA arrives. Alcohol does something similar, among other things.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:12px\"><strong class=\"eqb\">It turns down how much gets sent.<\/strong> Pregabalin and gabapentin work on the sending side and reduce how much messenger is released. Despite the name, they don&#8217;t act on GABA receptors at all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Receptors also come in two broad kinds. Some are gates: when the messenger lands, the gate opens and the cell changes in a split second. GABA and glutamate receptors work like this, and so do the drugs that act on them, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and ketamine, which change how awake, steady and responsive you are. Others work more like a dimmer switch. They set off a chain of steps inside the cell that turns a whole circuit up or down, more slowly. Opioids, cannabis and psychedelics act on these, which may be part of why they change mood, pain and perception rather than just making you more or less awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The lock and key picture is useful, but it&#8217;s a simplification. A key can fit without turning, which is how naloxone works. Some drugs use a second lock on the same door, like benzodiazepines. And the locks themselves change with regular use, which is where tolerance comes from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Pick a drug in the figure below to see which messenger it works on, how, and the risk that follows. If you pick a downer, you can add a second one and see where the two meet.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:48px\"><style>.eqp .dr-bio{overflow-anchor:none}.eqp .dr-bio .hd .ti{font-size:13px}.eqp .dr-bio .bio{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,12fr) minmax(0,9fr);gap:32px;align-items:start}.eqp .dr-bio .lc{min-width:0}.eqp .dr-bio .rc{min-width:0}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-mob{display:none}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-lab{display:block;font:700 13px\/1.3 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6259;margin:0 0 8px}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-sel{display:block;width:100%;max-width:none;height:auto;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:52px;font:600 16px\/1.3 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;color:#2a2622;background-color:#fff;border:1.5px solid #34508c;border-radius:12px;padding:12px 44px 12px 16px;margin:0 0 20px;cursor:pointer;box-shadow:none;-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;appearance:none;background-image:linear-gradient(45deg,transparent 50%,#34508c 50%),linear-gradient(135deg,#34508c 50%,transparent 50%);background-position:calc(100% - 22px) 50%,calc(100% - 16px) 50%;background-size:6px 6px,6px 6px;background-repeat:no-repeat}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-sel:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:2px}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-chips{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;margin:0 0 22px}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-chips button,.eqp .dr-bio .vr button{font:600 15.5px\/1.2 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;border:1.5px solid #e8e1d5;border-radius:999px;padding:9px 15px;cursor:pointer;background:#fff;color:#2a2622;min-height:40px;text-align:left}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-chips button:hover,.eqp .dr-bio .vr button:hover{border-color:#c9d3ea}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-chips button[aria-pressed=true],.eqp .dr-bio .vr button[aria-pressed=true]{background:#34508c;border-color:#34508c;color:#fff}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-chips button[hidden]{display:none}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-chips button:focus-visible,.eqp .dr-bio .vr button:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:2px}.eqp .dr-bio .st{position:relative;background:#ecf0f8;border:1.5px solid #c9d3ea;border-radius:20px;overflow:hidden}.eqp .dr-bio .st::before{content:\"\";display:block;padding-top:120.8%}.eqp .dr-bio .sv{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:100%;height:100%;display:block}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cell{fill:#dbe3f3;stroke:#34508c;stroke-width:7.5;stroke-linejoin:round}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cellf{fill:#dbe3f3}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cell.cs{fill:none}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cvd{fill:#233a68;pointer-events:none}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cvu{fill:#fff;pointer-events:none}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .gl{fill:url(#dr-bio-glow);transform-box:fill-box;transform-origin:50% 0%;pointer-events:none}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .mem{fill:none;stroke:#ecf0f8;stroke-width:3.2;stroke-linejoin:round}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .psd{fill:none;stroke:#4a67a8;stroke-width:9;stroke-linecap:round;opacity:.17}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ves{fill:#f7f9fd;stroke:#4a67a8;stroke-width:2}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .vd{fill:#233a68}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .rp{fill:#c9d3ea;stroke:#34508c;stroke-width:2.2;stroke-linejoin:round}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .gt{fill:#4a67a8}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .pb{fill:#aebde0;stroke:#34508c;stroke-width:2.2}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .pl{fill:none;stroke:#34508c;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;opacity:.55}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .pk{fill:#ecf0f8}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .pore{fill:#dbe3f3}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ms{fill:#233a68}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .io{fill:#fff;stroke:#4a67a8;stroke-width:1.8}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ar{fill:none;stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:3;stroke-linecap:round}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ar.dash{stroke-dasharray:3 5}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ah{fill:#233a68}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .xm{fill:none;stroke:#233a68;stroke-width:3;stroke-linecap:round}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .sp{fill:#fff;stroke:#34508c;stroke-width:1.8}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx{fill:#b08d68;stroke:#5a4638;stroke-width:1.8;stroke-linejoin:round}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx-part{fill:url(#dr-bio-half)}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .halo{fill:none;stroke:#b08d68;stroke-width:1.8;stroke-dasharray:5 5;transform-box:fill-box;transform-origin:center}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ld line{stroke:#4a67a8;stroke-width:1.3;vector-effect:non-scaling-stroke}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ld circle{fill:#4a67a8}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .vs{transform-box:fill-box;transform-origin:center}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hl{transform:translateX(0px)}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hl-r{transform:translateX(var(--o))}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hl-l{transform:translateX(var(--no))}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ra2,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .dm,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .dj,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .db,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .pa-dn,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .pa-no,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx-pocket,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx-spot,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx-pore,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx-pump,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx-part,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hx-side,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .sp-r1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .sp-sg,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .sgp,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hl-r1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hl-pump,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hl-sg,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r1a1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r1a2,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r1a3,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r1b1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r1b2,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r1b3,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ip1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ip2,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .ip3,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r2a1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r2a2,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r2a3{opacity:0}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .ra1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .ra2{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .rb1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .rb2{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .dc{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .dm{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .dj{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .db,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .db{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .pa-up,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .pa-up{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .pa-dn{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .pa-no{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .hx-pocket,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .hx-pocket,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .hx-pocket,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .hx-pocket{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .hx-spot{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .hx-pore{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .hx-pump,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .hx-pump{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .hx-part{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .hx-side{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .sp-r1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .sp-sg{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .sgp,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .sgp{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .hl-r1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .hl-r1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .hl-r1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .hl-r1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .hl-r1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .hl-r1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .hl-pump,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .hl-pump{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .hl-sg,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .hl-sg{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1a1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .r1a1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .r1a1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1a2{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1a3{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1b1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1b2{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1b3{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ip1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ip2{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ip3{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2a1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2a1,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2a1{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2a2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2a2,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2a2{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2a3,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2a3,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2a3{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .gl,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cvd,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cvu{opacity:0}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r1 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r1 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .r1 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .r1 .gv{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .r1 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .r1 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .r1 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .r1 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .r1 .dv{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .r1 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .r1 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .r1 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .r1 .gl{opacity:.8}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .r2 .gv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .r2 .gv{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .r2 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .r2 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .sv .r2 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .r2 .dv,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .r2 .dv{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .r2 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .r2 .gl{opacity:.8}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .sgp .gv{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .sgp .dv{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .sgp .gl{opacity:.8}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .cvd{opacity:.1}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .cvu,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .sv .cvu,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .cvu{opacity:.3}.eqp .dr-bio .lc .ld-sr,.eqp .dr-bio .lc .ld-cc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc .ld-cd,.eqp .dr-bio .lc .ld-cu{opacity:0}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .ld-sr,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .ld-cc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .ld-cd,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .ld-cu,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .ld-cu,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .ld-cu{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r1,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r2,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .sgp{--o:0px;--no:0px;--dl:0s}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .r2{--dl:-.8s}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1{--o:7px;--no:-7px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r1{--o:7px;--no:-7px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .sv .r1{--o:2px;--no:-2px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .r1{--o:2px;--no:-2px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2{--o:5px;--no:-5px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2{--o:5px;--no:-5px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2{--o:5px;--no:-5px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .sv .sgp{--o:3px;--no:-3px}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-send{left:2.1%;bottom:90.3%}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-pk{right:2.1%;text-align:right;bottom:90.3%}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-pump{left:12.1%;bottom:74.1%}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-gap{right:77.5%;text-align:right;top:54.8%;transform:translateY(-50%)}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-rec{right:76.7%;text-align:right;top:62.1%;transform:translateY(-50%)}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-recv{right:78.3%;text-align:right;top:88.3%;transform:translateY(-50%)}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-sr{right:1.7%;text-align:right;top:46.2%}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-cc{right:1.7%;text-align:right;top:46.2%}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-cd{right:1.7%;text-align:right;top:87.6%}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-cu{right:1.7%;text-align:right;top:87.6%}.eqp .dr-bio .lb{position:absolute;font:600 13.5px\/1.2 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;color:#233a68;pointer-events:none;margin:0;white-space:nowrap}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-pump,.eqp .dr-bio .lb-recv{white-space:normal;width:min-content}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-c{white-space:normal;width:112px;opacity:0}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-cs{width:92px}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .lb-sr,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .lb-cc,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .lb-cd,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .lb-cu,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .lb-cu,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .lb-cu{opacity:1}.eqp .dr-bio .lg{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px 18px;list-style:none;margin:12px 0 0;padding:0}.eqp .dr-bio .lg li{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;margin:0;padding:0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.4;color:#6b6259}.eqp .dr-bio .lg svg{width:16px;height:16px;flex:0 0 auto}.eqp .dr-bio .alw{margin:12px 0 0;border-radius:14px;background:#ecf0f8;padding:12px 16px}.eqp .dr-bio .alw p{display:none;margin:0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622}.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=copy] .al-copy,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=part] .al-part,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=more] .al-more,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=jam] .al-jam,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=block] .al-block,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=plug] .al-plug,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=nblock] .al-nblock,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=boost] .al-boost,.eqp .dr-bio .lc[data-v=less] .al-less{display:block}.eqp .dr-bio .pn[hidden]{display:none}.eqp .dr-bio .pn .nm{font-size:22px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.3;color:#2a2622;margin:0 0 12px}.eqp .dr-bio .tg{list-style:none;margin:0 0 16px;padding:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;gap:8px}.eqp .dr-bio .tg li{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:baseline;gap:2px 10px;margin:0;padding:7px 14px;border-radius:12px;background:#ecf0f8;color:#233a68;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.4;font-weight:600;max-width:100%}.eqp .dr-bio .tg li span{flex:0 0 auto;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6259}.eqp .dr-bio .vr{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;margin:0 0 14px}.eqp .dr-bio .kv{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);gap:10px;margin:0}.eqp .dr-bio .kv div{background:#faf8f3;border-radius:14px;padding:12px 16px;margin:0}.eqp .dr-bio .kv dt{font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#233a68;margin:0 0 4px}.eqp .dr-bio .kv dd{font-size:16px;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}.eqp .dr-bio .lo{font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#6b6259;margin:14px 0 0}.eqp .dr-bio .lo b{color:#2a2622;font-weight:600}.eqp .dr-bio .dd{margin:30px 0 0;padding:22px 0 0;border-top:1px solid #e8e1d5}.eqp .dr-bio .dd[hidden]{display:none}.eqp .dr-bio .dd .sub{font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6259;margin:0 0 12px}.eqp .dr-bio .dd .dr-chips{margin:0}.eqp .dr-bio .rsrc{display:none}.eqp .dr-bio .pr{margin:18px 0 0;border-radius:18px;background:#ecf0f8;padding:20px clamp(12px,2.4vw,24px) 18px}.eqp .dr-bio .pr[hidden]{display:none}.eqp .dr-bio .pr-in{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:0 14px}.eqp .dr-bio .rt{background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #c9d3ea;border-radius:14px;padding:12px 14px;min-width:0}.eqp .dr-bio .rt-b{border-style:dashed}.eqp .dr-bio .rt p{margin:0}.eqp .dr-bio .rn{font-size:16.5px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.3;color:#2a2622}.eqp .dr-bio .rl{font-size:15px;line-height:1.45;color:#2a2622;margin:4px 0 0}.eqp .dr-bio .pr-ar{grid-column:1 \/ -1;display:block;width:100%;height:auto;max-height:84px}.eqp .dr-bio .pr-ar path{fill:none;stroke-width:3.2;stroke-linecap:round}.eqp .dr-bio .pr-ar .a-a{stroke:#233a68}.eqp .dr-bio .pr-ar .a-b{stroke:#4a67a8;stroke-dasharray:8 6}.eqp .dr-bio .pr-ar .a-h{fill:#233a68}.eqp .dr-bio .nd{grid-column:1 \/ -1;justify-self:center;margin:0;padding:10px 18px;border-radius:999px;background:#233a68;color:#fff;font-size:16px;font-weight:600;line-height:1.35;text-align:center;max-width:100%}.eqp .dr-bio .tr{grid-column:1 \/ -1;margin:12px 0 0;display:grid;gap:10px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);background:#fff;border:1.5px solid #c9d3ea;border-radius:14px;padding:12px 16px 10px}.eqp .dr-bio .tw{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);gap:2px;align-items:center;min-width:0}.eqp .dr-bio .tl{margin:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.35;font-weight:600;color:#233a68}.eqp .dr-bio .ts{display:block;width:100%;height:56px;overflow:hidden}.eqp .dr-bio .ts path{fill:none;stroke-width:2.6;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round;vector-effect:non-scaling-stroke}.eqp .dr-bio .ts .w1{stroke:#4a67a8}.eqp .dr-bio .ts .w2{stroke:#233a68}.eqp .dr-bio .sm{font-size:17px;line-height:1.55;font-weight:600;color:#233a68;margin:14px 0 0}.eqp .dr-bio figcaption{font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.65}.eqp .dr-bio figcaption .so{display:block;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#6b6259;margin:10px 0 0}@media(min-width:760px){.eqp .dr-bio .tw{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,5fr) minmax(0,8fr);gap:16px}}@media(max-width:900px){.eqp .dr-bio .bio{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);gap:22px}.eqp .dr-bio .st{max-width:560px;margin:0 auto}.eqp .dr-bio .lc{max-width:560px;margin:0 auto;width:100%}}@media(min-width:641px) and (max-width:900px){.eqp .dr-bio .kv{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr))}}@media(max-width:640px){.eqp .dr-bio .dr-dsk{display:none}.eqp .dr-bio .dr-mob{display:block}}@media(max-width:900px){.eqp .dr-bio .dr-chips button,.eqp .dr-bio .vr button{min-height:44px}}@media(max-width:480px){.eqp .dr-bio .lb-pk{white-space:normal;width:92px}.eqp .dr-bio .pr{padding:14px 10px 14px}.eqp .dr-bio .pr-in{gap:0 8px}.eqp .dr-bio .rt{padding:10px 8px}.eqp .dr-bio .rn{font-size:14.5px;overflow-wrap:anywhere}.eqp .dr-bio .rl{font-size:14px}}@media(prefers-reduced-motion:no-preference){.eqp .dr-bio .sv *{transition:opacity .35s ease}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .hl{transition:opacity .35s ease,transform .45s ease}.eqp .dr-bio .lb-c{transition:opacity .35s ease}.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cvd,.eqp .dr-bio .sv .cvu{transition:opacity .9s ease}@keyframes drbio-fly{0%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:0}6%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:1}50%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:1}76%{transform:translate(var(--ex),var(--ey));opacity:1}88%{transform:translate(var(--ex),var(--ey));opacity:0}100%{transform:translate(var(--ex),var(--ey));opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-pour{0%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:0}7%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:1}40%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:1}88%{transform:translate(var(--wx),var(--wy));opacity:1}100%{transform:translate(var(--wx),var(--wy));opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-pile{0%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:0}6%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:1}34%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:1}94%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:1}100%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-bounce{0%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:0}6%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:1}46%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:1}70%{transform:translate(var(--bx),var(--by));opacity:1}84%{transform:translate(var(--bx),var(--by));opacity:0}100%{transform:translate(var(--bx),var(--by));opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-hexin{0%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:0}18%{opacity:1}100%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:1}}@keyframes drbio-ride{0%{transform:translate(var(--sx),var(--sy));opacity:0}10%{opacity:1}38%{transform:translate(0,0);opacity:1}56%{transform:translate(0,-30px);opacity:1}64%{transform:translate(0,-40px);opacity:0}100%{transform:translate(0,-40px);opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-fuse{0%{transform:none}8%{transform:translateY(7px) scale(1.14,.86)}18%{transform:translateY(2px) scale(.92)}28%{transform:none}50%{transform:none}58%{transform:translateY(7px) scale(1.14,.86)}68%{transform:translateY(2px) scale(.92)}78%,100%{transform:none}}@keyframes drbio-fuse1{0%{transform:none}8%{transform:translateY(7px) scale(1.14,.86)}18%{transform:translateY(2px) scale(.92)}28%,100%{transform:none}}@keyframes drbio-ion2{0%,26%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}30%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:1}40%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}47%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}76%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}80%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:1}90%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}97%,100%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-ion1{0%,76%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}80%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:1}90%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}97%,100%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-ionc{0%{transform:translateY(-44px);opacity:0}15%{opacity:1}80%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}100%{transform:translateY(6px);opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-spin{to{transform:rotate(360deg)}}@keyframes drbio-w1{to{transform:translateX(-100px)}}@keyframes drbio-w2{to{transform:translateX(-150px)}}@keyframes drbio-open2-l{0%{transform:translateX(0px)}20%{transform:translateX(0px)}28%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}42%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}50%{transform:translateX(0px)}70%{transform:translateX(0px)}78%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}92%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}100%{transform:translateX(0px)}}@keyframes drbio-open2-r{0%{transform:translateX(0px)}20%{transform:translateX(0px)}28%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}42%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}50%{transform:translateX(0px)}70%{transform:translateX(0px)}78%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}92%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}100%{transform:translateX(0px)}}@keyframes drbio-open1-l{0%{transform:translateX(0px)}70%{transform:translateX(0px)}78%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}92%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}100%{transform:translateX(0px)}}@keyframes drbio-open1-r{0%{transform:translateX(0px)}70%{transform:translateX(0px)}78%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}92%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}100%{transform:translateX(0px)}}@keyframes drbio-open4-l{0%{transform:translateX(0px)}3%{transform:translateX(0px)}7%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}19%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}23%{transform:translateX(0px)}28%{transform:translateX(0px)}32%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}44%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}48%{transform:translateX(0px)}53%{transform:translateX(0px)}57%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}69%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}73%{transform:translateX(0px)}78%{transform:translateX(0px)}82%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}94%{transform:translateX(var(--no))}98%{transform:translateX(0px)}100%{transform:translateX(0px)}}@keyframes drbio-open4-r{0%{transform:translateX(0px)}3%{transform:translateX(0px)}7%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}19%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}23%{transform:translateX(0px)}28%{transform:translateX(0px)}32%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}44%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}48%{transform:translateX(0px)}53%{transform:translateX(0px)}57%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}69%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}73%{transform:translateX(0px)}78%{transform:translateX(0px)}82%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}94%{transform:translateX(var(--o))}98%{transform:translateX(0px)}100%{transform:translateX(0px)}}@keyframes drbio-ion4{0%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}8%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}10%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:1}19%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}23%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}33%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}35%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:1}44%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}48%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}58%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}60%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:1}69%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}73%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}83%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:0}85%{transform:translateY(-40px);opacity:1}94%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:1}98%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}100%{transform:translateY(0);opacity:0}}@keyframes drbio-gspread{0%{transform:scale(.25);opacity:0}100%{transform:scale(1);opacity:.8}}@keyframes drbio-gpulse{0%{transform:scale(1);opacity:.8}100%{transform:scale(.9);opacity:.5}}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=less] .sv .ra1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .ra1{animation:drbio-fly 6s cubic-bezier(.45,.05,.55,.95) infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .ra2{animation:drbio-fly 6s cubic-bezier(.45,.05,.55,.95) infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .rb1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .rb1{animation:drbio-fly 6s cubic-bezier(.45,.05,.55,.95) infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .rb2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .rb2{animation:drbio-fly 6s cubic-bezier(.45,.05,.55,.95) infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=less] .sv .dc,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .dc{animation:drbio-fly 6s cubic-bezier(.45,.05,.55,.95) infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .dm{animation:drbio-pour 6s ease-out infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .dj{animation:drbio-pile 6s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .db1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .db1{animation:drbio-bounce 6s cubic-bezier(.45,.05,.55,.95) infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .db2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .db2{animation:drbio-bounce 6s cubic-bezier(.45,.05,.55,.95) infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .hx-pocket,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .hx-pocket,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .hx-pocket,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .hx-pocket{animation:drbio-hexin 2.4s cubic-bezier(.3,.7,.3,1) both}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .hx-spot{animation:drbio-hexin 2.4s cubic-bezier(.3,.7,.3,1) both}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .hx-pore{animation:drbio-hexin 2.4s cubic-bezier(.3,.7,.3,1) both}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .hx-part{animation:drbio-hexin 2.4s cubic-bezier(.3,.7,.3,1) both}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=less] .sv .hx-side{animation:drbio-hexin 2.4s cubic-bezier(.3,.7,.3,1) both}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .hx-pump{animation:drbio-hexin 2.4s cubic-bezier(.3,.7,.3,1) both}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .hx-pump{animation:drbio-ride 6s ease-in-out infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .vs-a,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=less] .sv .vs-a{animation:drbio-fuse 6s ease-in-out infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .vs-b,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .vs-b,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .vs-b,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .vs-b,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=block] .sv .vs-b,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .vs-b,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .vs-b,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .vs-b{animation:drbio-fuse 6s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:-.8s}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1 .hl-l{animation:drbio-open4-l 6s ease-in-out infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1 .hl-r{animation:drbio-open4-r 6s ease-in-out infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r1 .hl-l,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=less] .sv .r1 .hl-l,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .r1 .hl-l{animation:drbio-open1-l 6s ease-in-out infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r1 .hl-r,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=less] .sv .r1 .hl-r,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .r1 .hl-r{animation:drbio-open1-r 6s ease-in-out infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2 .hl-l,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2 .hl-l{animation:drbio-open2-l 6s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2 .hl-r,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2 .hl-r{animation:drbio-open2-r 6s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2 .hl-l{animation:drbio-open4-l 6s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2 .hl-r{animation:drbio-open4-r 6s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:var(--dl)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=less] .sv .r1a1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .r1a1{animation:drbio-ion1 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1a1{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1a2{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1a3{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1b1{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1b2{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r1b3{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ip1{animation:drbio-ion1 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ip2{animation:drbio-ion1 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .ip3{animation:drbio-ion1 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2a1,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2a1{animation:drbio-ion2 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--dl) + var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2a1{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--dl) + var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2a2,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2a2{animation:drbio-ion2 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--dl) + var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2a2{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--dl) + var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=plug] .sv .r2a3,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=nblock] .sv .r2a3{animation:drbio-ion2 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--dl) + var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=boost] .sv .r2a3{animation:drbio-ion4 6s linear infinite both;animation-delay:calc(var(--dl) + var(--i) * .12s)}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=down] .sv .r1 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=copy][data-d=up] .sv .r1 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .r1 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .r1 .gl{animation:drbio-gspread 2.4s ease-out 1s both,drbio-gpulse 2.8s ease-in-out 3.4s infinite alternate}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=more] .sv .r2 .gl,.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=jam] .sv .r2 .gl{animation:drbio-gspread 2.4s ease-out 1.8s both,drbio-gpulse 2.8s ease-in-out 4.2s infinite alternate}.eqp .dr-bio.on .lc[data-v=part] .sv .sgp .gl{animation:drbio-gspread 2.4s ease-out 1s both,drbio-gpulse 2.8s ease-in-out 3.4s infinite alternate}.eqp .dr-bio.on .sv .halo{animation:drbio-spin 18s linear infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .w1{animation:drbio-w1 2.4s linear infinite}.eqp .dr-bio.on .w2{animation:drbio-w2 3.5s linear infinite}}<\/style><figure class=\"ra-fig dr-f dr-bio\" id=\"dr-bio\"><div class=\"hd\"><p class=\"ti\">Where two brain cells meet<\/p><p class=\"q\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Pick a drug to see what it does in the gap<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Pick a drug to see what it does between two brain cells<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-chips dr-dsk\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Choose a drug\"><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"alcohol\" aria-pressed=\"true\">alcohol<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"opioids\" aria-pressed=\"false\">heroin and other opioids<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"benzodiazepines\" aria-pressed=\"false\">benzodiazepines<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"ghb\" aria-pressed=\"false\">GHB and GBL<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"pregabalin\" aria-pressed=\"false\">pregabalin and gabapentin<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"cannabis\" aria-pressed=\"false\">cannabis<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"mdma\" aria-pressed=\"false\">MDMA<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"cocaine\" aria-pressed=\"false\">cocaine<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"adhd\" aria-pressed=\"false\">amphetamines and ADHD medicine<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"ketamine\" aria-pressed=\"false\">ketamine<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"lsd\" aria-pressed=\"false\">LSD and magic mushrooms<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"nitrous\" aria-pressed=\"false\">nitrous oxide<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"naloxone\" aria-pressed=\"false\">naloxone<\/button><\/div><div class=\"dr-mob\"><label class=\"dr-lab\" for=\"dr-bio-sel\">Choose a drug<\/label><select class=\"dr-sel\" id=\"dr-bio-sel\"><option value=\"alcohol\" selected>alcohol<\/option><option value=\"opioids\">heroin and other opioids<\/option><option value=\"benzodiazepines\">benzodiazepines<\/option><option value=\"ghb\">GHB and GBL<\/option><option value=\"pregabalin\">pregabalin and gabapentin<\/option><option value=\"cannabis\">cannabis<\/option><option value=\"mdma\">MDMA<\/option><option value=\"cocaine\">cocaine<\/option><option value=\"adhd\">amphetamines and ADHD medicine<\/option><option value=\"ketamine\">ketamine<\/option><option value=\"lsd\">LSD and magic mushrooms<\/option><option value=\"nitrous\">nitrous oxide<\/option><option value=\"naloxone\">naloxone<\/option><\/select><\/div><div class=\"bio\"><div class=\"lc\" data-v=\"boost\" data-d=\"\"><div class=\"st\"><svg class=\"sv\" viewBox=\"0 0 480 580\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"A drawing of the gap between a sending cell above and a receiving cell below. The pump, the receptors and the dots change with the drug you pick, and the sentence under the drawing says what changed.\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"dr-bio-half\" x1=\"0\" y1=\"0\" x2=\"1\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\".5\" stop-color=\"#b08d68\"\/><stop offset=\".5\" stop-color=\"#ffffff\"\/><\/linearGradient><radialGradient id=\"dr-bio-glow\" cx=\".5\" cy=\".5\" r=\".5\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#ffffff\" stop-opacity=\".95\"\/><stop offset=\".55\" stop-color=\"#aebde0\" stop-opacity=\".6\"\/><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#aebde0\" stop-opacity=\"0\"\/><\/radialGradient><\/defs><path class=\"cellf\" d=\"M40,424 C40,404 54,396 70,396 Q240,346 410,396 C426,400 440,408 440,424 C440,462 372,482 322,500 C296,510 292,528 294,548 C296,566 340,572 396,574 L490,576 V600 H-10 V576 L84,574 C140,572 184,566 186,548 C188,528 184,510 158,500 C108,482 40,462 40,424 Z\"\/><path class=\"cvd\" d=\"M40,424 C40,404 54,396 70,396 Q240,346 410,396 C426,400 440,408 440,424 C440,462 372,482 322,500 C296,510 292,528 294,548 C296,566 340,572 396,574 L490,576 V600 H-10 V576 L84,574 C140,572 184,566 186,548 C188,528 184,510 158,500 C108,482 40,462 40,424 Z\"\/><path class=\"cvu\" d=\"M40,424 C40,404 54,396 70,396 Q240,346 410,396 C426,400 440,408 440,424 C440,462 372,482 322,500 C296,510 292,528 294,548 C296,566 340,572 396,574 L490,576 V600 H-10 V576 L84,574 C140,572 184,566 186,548 C188,528 184,510 158,500 C108,482 40,462 40,424 Z\"\/><path class=\"cell cs\" d=\"M40,424 C40,404 54,396 70,396 Q240,346 410,396 C426,400 440,408 440,424 C440,462 372,482 322,500 C296,510 292,528 294,548 C296,566 340,572 396,574 L490,576 V600 H-10 V576 L84,574 C140,572 184,566 186,548 C188,528 184,510 158,500 C108,482 40,462 40,424 Z\"\/><path class=\"mem\" d=\"M40,424 C40,404 54,396 70,396 Q240,346 410,396 C426,400 440,408 440,424 C440,462 372,482 322,500 C296,510 292,528 294,548 C296,566 340,572 396,574 L490,576 V600 H-10 V576 L84,574 C140,572 184,566 186,548 C188,528 184,510 158,500 C108,482 40,462 40,424 Z\"\/><path class=\"cell\" d=\"M214,-4 L214,34 C214,52 190,64 140,72 C84,80 40,104 38,146 C36,190 64,212 110,214 Q240,236 370,214 C416,212 444,190 442,146 C440,104 396,80 340,72 C290,64 266,52 266,34 L266,-4 Z\"\/><path class=\"mem\" d=\"M214,-4 L214,34 C214,52 190,64 140,72 C84,80 40,104 38,146 C36,190 64,212 110,214 Q240,236 370,214 C416,212 444,190 442,146 C440,104 396,80 340,72 C290,64 266,52 266,34 L266,-4 Z\"\/><path class=\"psd\" d=\"M96,404.9 Q240,362 384,404.9\"\/><path class=\"psd\" d=\"M130,201.1 Q240,220 350,201.1\"\/><circle class=\"halo hl-r1\" cx=\"170\" cy=\"367.2\" r=\"66\"\/><circle class=\"halo hl-pump\" cx=\"124.9\" cy=\"238.7\" r=\"52\"\/><circle class=\"halo hl-sg\" cx=\"350\" cy=\"239.1\" r=\"52\"\/><g class=\"ld ld-send\"><line x1=\"28\" y1=\"60\" x2=\"92\" y2=\"94\"\/><circle cx=\"92\" cy=\"94\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-pk\"><line x1=\"448\" y1=\"60\" x2=\"340\" y2=\"108\"\/><circle cx=\"340\" cy=\"108\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-pump\"><line x1=\"100\" y1=\"154\" x2=\"124\" y2=\"184\"\/><circle cx=\"124\" cy=\"184\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-gap\"><line x1=\"111\" y1=\"318\" x2=\"140\" y2=\"318\"\/><circle cx=\"140\" cy=\"318\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-rec\"><line x1=\"115\" y1=\"360\" x2=\"134\" y2=\"360\"\/><circle cx=\"134\" cy=\"360\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-recv\"><line x1=\"107\" y1=\"506\" x2=\"120\" y2=\"452\"\/><circle cx=\"120\" cy=\"452\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-sr\"><line x1=\"430\" y1=\"265\" x2=\"356\" y2=\"252\"\/><circle cx=\"356\" cy=\"252\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-cc\"><line x1=\"430\" y1=\"265\" x2=\"356\" y2=\"252\"\/><circle cx=\"356\" cy=\"252\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-cd\"><line x1=\"452\" y1=\"504\" x2=\"388\" y2=\"456\"\/><circle cx=\"388\" cy=\"456\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"ld ld-cu\"><line x1=\"452\" y1=\"504\" x2=\"388\" y2=\"456\"\/><circle cx=\"388\" cy=\"456\" r=\"3.2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-r\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"178\" cy=\"150\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"171\" cy=\"145\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"185\" cy=\"145\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"178\" cy=\"157\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-r\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"238\" cy=\"146\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"231\" cy=\"141\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"245\" cy=\"141\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"238\" cy=\"153\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-r\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"300\" cy=\"152\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"293\" cy=\"147\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"307\" cy=\"147\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"300\" cy=\"159\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-r\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"206\" cy=\"104\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"199\" cy=\"99\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"213\" cy=\"99\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"206\" cy=\"111\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-r\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"270\" cy=\"100\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"263\" cy=\"95\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"277\" cy=\"95\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"270\" cy=\"107\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-r\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"334\" cy=\"112\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"327\" cy=\"107\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"341\" cy=\"107\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"334\" cy=\"119\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-a\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"212\" cy=\"199.5\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"205\" cy=\"194.5\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"219\" cy=\"194.5\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"212\" cy=\"206.5\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"vs vs-b\"><circle class=\"ves\" cx=\"268\" cy=\"199.5\" r=\"21\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"261\" cy=\"194.5\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"275\" cy=\"194.5\" r=\"3.8\"\/><circle class=\"vd\" cx=\"268\" cy=\"206.5\" r=\"3.8\"\/><\/g><g class=\"pmp\" transform=\"translate(130,217.1) rotate(188.1)\"><rect class=\"pk\" x=\"-9\" y=\"-36\" width=\"18\" height=\"40\"\/><rect class=\"pore\" x=\"-9\" y=\"3\" width=\"18\" height=\"46\"\/><rect class=\"pb\" x=\"-34\" y=\"-34\" width=\"27\" height=\"82\" rx=\"11\"\/><rect class=\"pb\" x=\"7\" y=\"-34\" width=\"27\" height=\"82\" rx=\"11\"\/><path class=\"pl\" d=\"M-26,-22 H-15 M-26,-12 H-15 M15,-22 H26 M15,-12 H26\"\/><\/g><g transform=\"translate(350,217.1) rotate(171.9)\" class=\"rc sgp\"><ellipse class=\"gl\" cx=\"0\" cy=\"50\" rx=\"52\" ry=\"46\"\/><g class=\"gv\"><rect class=\"pk\" x=\"-26\" y=\"-10\" width=\"52\" height=\"13\"\/><rect class=\"pore\" x=\"-16\" y=\"3\" width=\"32\" height=\"42\"\/><circle class=\"sp sp-sg\" cx=\"43\" cy=\"-10\" r=\"10\"\/><g class=\"hl hl-l\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M0,42 H-34 Q-40,42 -40,36 V-14 Q-40,-34 -24,-34 Q-12,-34 -12,-20 V-10 Q-12,2 0,2 Z\"\/><rect class=\"gt\" x=\"-11\" y=\"17\" width=\"11\" height=\"8\" rx=\"3\"\/><\/g><g class=\"hl hl-r\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M0,42 H34 Q40,42 40,36 V-14 Q40,-34 24,-34 Q12,-34 12,-20 V-10 Q12,2 0,2 Z\"\/><rect class=\"gt\" x=\"0\" y=\"17\" width=\"11\" height=\"8\" rx=\"3\"\/><\/g><\/g><g class=\"dv\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M-34,42 Q-40,42 -40,36 V-14 Q-40,-34 -24,-34 Q-12,-34 -12,-20 V-10 Q-12,2 0,2 Q12,2 12,-10 V-20 Q12,-34 24,-34 Q40,-34 40,-14 V36 Q40,42 34,42 Z\"\/><\/g><polygon class=\"hx hx-part\" points=\"11,-13 5.5,-3.5 -5.5,-3.5 -11,-13 -5.5,-22.5 5.5,-22.5\" style=\"--sx:27px;--sy:-34.6px\"\/><polygon class=\"hx hx-side\" points=\"53,-10 48.5,-2.2 39.5,-2.2 35,-10 39.5,-17.8 48.5,-17.8\" style=\"--sx:11.9px;--sy:-27.4px\"\/><\/g><g transform=\"translate(170,375.2) rotate(-6.9)\" class=\"rc r1\"><ellipse class=\"gl\" cx=\"0\" cy=\"50\" rx=\"52\" ry=\"46\"\/><g class=\"gv\"><rect class=\"pk\" x=\"-26\" y=\"-10\" width=\"52\" height=\"13\"\/><rect class=\"pore\" x=\"-16\" y=\"3\" width=\"32\" height=\"42\"\/><circle class=\"sp sp-r1\" cx=\"43\" cy=\"-10\" r=\"10\"\/><g class=\"hl hl-l\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M0,42 H-34 Q-40,42 -40,36 V-14 Q-40,-34 -24,-34 Q-12,-34 -12,-20 V-10 Q-12,2 0,2 Z\"\/><rect class=\"gt\" x=\"-11\" y=\"17\" width=\"11\" height=\"8\" rx=\"3\"\/><\/g><g class=\"hl hl-r\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M0,42 H34 Q40,42 40,36 V-14 Q40,-34 24,-34 Q12,-34 12,-20 V-10 Q12,2 0,2 Z\"\/><rect class=\"gt\" x=\"0\" y=\"17\" width=\"11\" height=\"8\" rx=\"3\"\/><\/g><\/g><g class=\"dv\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M-34,42 Q-40,42 -40,36 V-14 Q-40,-34 -24,-34 Q-12,-34 -12,-20 V-10 Q-12,2 0,2 Q12,2 12,-10 V-20 Q12,-34 24,-34 Q40,-34 40,-14 V36 Q40,42 34,42 Z\"\/><\/g><circle class=\"io r1a1\" cx=\"0\" cy=\"54\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:0\"\/><circle class=\"io r1a2\" cx=\"-6\" cy=\"69\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:1\"\/><circle class=\"io r1a3\" cx=\"6\" cy=\"84\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:2\"\/><circle class=\"io r1b1\" cx=\"-14\" cy=\"61\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:3\"\/><circle class=\"io r1b2\" cx=\"14\" cy=\"76\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:4\"\/><circle class=\"io r1b3\" cx=\"0\" cy=\"99\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:5\"\/><circle class=\"io ip1\" cx=\"-5\" cy=\"-8\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:0\"\/><circle class=\"io ip2\" cx=\"6\" cy=\"-15\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:1\"\/><circle class=\"io ip3\" cx=\"-3\" cy=\"-23\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:2\"\/><polygon class=\"hx hx-pocket\" points=\"11,-13 5.5,-3.5 -5.5,-3.5 -11,-13 -5.5,-22.5 5.5,-22.5\" style=\"--sx:-6.2px;--sy:-101.8px\"\/><polygon class=\"hx hx-spot\" points=\"53,-10 48.5,-2.2 39.5,-2.2 35,-10 39.5,-17.8 48.5,-17.8\" style=\"--sx:13.3px;--sy:-97.1px\"\/><polygon class=\"hx hx-pore\" points=\"8,8 4,14.9 -4,14.9 -8,8 -4,1.1 4,1.1\" style=\"--sx:12.6px;--sy:-112.4px\"\/><\/g><g transform=\"translate(310,375.2) rotate(6.9)\" class=\"rc r2\"><ellipse class=\"gl\" cx=\"0\" cy=\"50\" rx=\"52\" ry=\"46\"\/><g class=\"gv\"><rect class=\"pk\" x=\"-26\" y=\"-10\" width=\"52\" height=\"13\"\/><rect class=\"pore\" x=\"-16\" y=\"3\" width=\"32\" height=\"42\"\/><g class=\"hl hl-l\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M0,42 H-34 Q-40,42 -40,36 V-14 Q-40,-34 -24,-34 Q-12,-34 -12,-20 V-10 Q-12,2 0,2 Z\"\/><rect class=\"gt\" x=\"-11\" y=\"17\" width=\"11\" height=\"8\" rx=\"3\"\/><\/g><g class=\"hl hl-r\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M0,42 H34 Q40,42 40,36 V-14 Q40,-34 24,-34 Q12,-34 12,-20 V-10 Q12,2 0,2 Z\"\/><rect class=\"gt\" x=\"0\" y=\"17\" width=\"11\" height=\"8\" rx=\"3\"\/><\/g><\/g><g class=\"dv\"><path class=\"rp\" d=\"M-34,42 Q-40,42 -40,36 V-14 Q-40,-34 -24,-34 Q-12,-34 -12,-20 V-10 Q-12,2 0,2 Q12,2 12,-10 V-20 Q12,-34 24,-34 Q40,-34 40,-14 V36 Q40,42 34,42 Z\"\/><\/g><circle class=\"io r2a1\" cx=\"0\" cy=\"54\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:0\"\/><circle class=\"io r2a2\" cx=\"-6\" cy=\"69\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:1\"\/><circle class=\"io r2a3\" cx=\"6\" cy=\"84\" r=\"3.9\" style=\"--i:2\"\/><\/g><g class=\"pa pa-up\"><path class=\"ar\" d=\"M82,268 V246\"\/><polygon class=\"ah\" points=\"82,232 74,248 90,248\"\/><\/g><g class=\"pa pa-dn\"><path class=\"ar\" d=\"M82,232 V254\"\/><polygon class=\"ah\" points=\"82,268 74,252 90,252\"\/><\/g><g class=\"pa pa-no\"><path class=\"ar dash\" d=\"M82,232 V244\"\/><path class=\"ar\" d=\"M73,252 L91,270 M91,252 L73,270\"\/><\/g><circle class=\"ms fl ra1\" cx=\"192\" cy=\"294\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:20px;--sy:-60px;--ex:-23.7px;--ey:67.3px;--dl:0s\"\/><circle class=\"ms fl ra2\" cx=\"178\" cy=\"322\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:36px;--sy:-86px;--ex:-6.7px;--ey:34.3px;--dl:-3s\"\/><circle class=\"ms fl rb1\" cx=\"290\" cy=\"296\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-22px;--sy:-62px;--ex:21.7px;--ey:65.3px;--dl:-0.8s\"\/><circle class=\"ms fl rb2\" cx=\"304\" cy=\"324\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-40px;--sy:-88px;--ex:4.7px;--ey:32.3px;--dl:-3.8s\"\/><circle class=\"ms fl dc\" cx=\"126.9\" cy=\"266.7\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:49.1px;--sy:39.3px;--ex:-2px;--ey:-66px;--dl:-1.5s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"158\" cy=\"270\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-33.1px;--sy:-13.3px;--dl:0s;--wx:-7px;--wy:11px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"204\" cy=\"258\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-79.1px;--sy:-1.3px;--dl:-0.66s;--wx:9px;--wy:7px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"238\" cy=\"280\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-113.1px;--sy:-23.3px;--dl:-1.32s;--wx:-7px;--wy:7px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"276\" cy=\"262\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-151.1px;--sy:-5.3px;--dl:-1.98s;--wx:9px;--wy:11px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"322\" cy=\"284\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-197.1px;--sy:-27.3px;--dl:-2.64s;--wx:-7px;--wy:7px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"364\" cy=\"264\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-239.1px;--sy:-7.3px;--dl:-3.3000000000000003s;--wx:9px;--wy:7px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"204\" cy=\"320\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-79.1px;--sy:-63.3px;--dl:-3.96s;--wx:-7px;--wy:11px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"262\" cy=\"322\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-137.1px;--sy:-65.3px;--dl:-4.62s;--wx:9px;--wy:7px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dm\" cx=\"356\" cy=\"312\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:-231.1px;--sy:-55.3px;--dl:-5.28s;--wx:-7px;--wy:7px\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"140\" cy=\"270\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:74px;--sy:-32px;--dl:0s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"162\" cy=\"266\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:52px;--sy:-28px;--dl:-0.66s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"184\" cy=\"274\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:30px;--sy:-36px;--dl:-1.32s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"132\" cy=\"289\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:82px;--sy:-51px;--dl:-1.98s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"154\" cy=\"287\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:60px;--sy:-49px;--dl:-2.64s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"176\" cy=\"292\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:38px;--sy:-54px;--dl:-3.3000000000000003s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"198\" cy=\"286\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:16px;--sy:-48px;--dl:-3.96s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"150\" cy=\"308\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:64px;--sy:-70px;--dl:-4.62s\"\/><circle class=\"ms dj\" cx=\"172\" cy=\"310\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:42px;--sy:-72px;--dl:-5.28s\"\/><circle class=\"ms db db1\" cx=\"165\" cy=\"333.5\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:47px;--sy:-99.5px;--dl:0s;--bx:34px;--by:-28px\"\/><circle class=\"ms db db2\" cx=\"165\" cy=\"333.5\" r=\"6\" style=\"--sx:49px;--sy:-97.5px;--dl:-3s;--bx:-30px;--by:-30px\"\/><path class=\"xm db\" d=\"M126,323.2 l12,12 M138,323.2 l-12,12\"\/><polygon class=\"hx hx-pump\" points=\"136.4,250.7 131.7,258.9 122.2,258.9 117.4,250.7 122.2,242.5 131.7,242.5\" style=\"--sx:73.1px;--sy:65.3px\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"lb lb-send\">sending cell<\/span><span class=\"lb lb-pk\">packets of messenger<\/span><span class=\"lb lb-pump\">recycling pump<\/span><span class=\"lb lb-gap\">the gap<\/span><span class=\"lb lb-rec\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">receptor<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">docking spot<\/span><\/span><span class=\"lb lb-recv\">receiving cell<\/span><span class=\"lb lb-c lb-sr\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">receptor on the sending side<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">docking spot on the sending cell<\/span><\/span><span class=\"lb lb-c lb-cc\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">calcium channel<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">channel on the sending cell<\/span><\/span><span class=\"lb lb-c lb-cs lb-cd\">cell turned down<\/span><span class=\"lb lb-c lb-cs lb-cu\">cell turned up<\/span><\/div><ul class=\"lg\" aria-label=\"Key to the drawing\"><li><svg viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"5.5\" fill=\"#233a68\"\/><\/svg>messenger<\/li><li><svg viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><polygon points=\"15,8 11.5,14.1 4.5,14.1 1,8 4.5,1.9 11.5,1.9\" fill=\"#b08d68\" stroke=\"#5a4638\" stroke-width=\"1.4\"\/><\/svg>the drug<\/li><li><svg viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"4.6\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#4a67a8\" stroke-width=\"1.8\"\/><\/svg>signal passing<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"alw\"><p class=\"al-copy\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">A copy of the messenger sits in the receptor and switches it on.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The drug looks enough like the messenger to fit its docking spot and switch it on.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-part\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">A partial copy sits in a receptor on the sending side. It switches the receptor on only part way, and that turns down how much is released.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The drug fits a docking spot on the sending cell and switches it on only part way, so the cell sends less.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-more\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">The pump runs backwards, so messenger pours out into the gap.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The pump runs backwards and pushes extra messenger out into the gap.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-jam\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">The pump is jammed, so messenger is not cleared and builds up in the gap.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The pump is jammed, so the messenger isn\u2019t cleared away and builds up in the gap.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-block\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">The drug takes the receptor\u2019s seat but does not switch it on, so the messenger cannot get in.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The drug sits in the docking spot without switching it on, so the messenger can\u2019t get in.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-plug\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">The drug plugs the open gate, so the signal cannot pass.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The drug plugs the open gate, so the signal can\u2019t get through.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-nblock\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">The drug blocks this glutamate receptor, so the signal cannot pass.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The drug blocks this docking spot for glutamate, the accelerator, so the signal can\u2019t get through.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-boost\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">The drug sits on a second spot of the receptor, so the receptor responds more strongly whenever the messenger arrives.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The drug sits on a second spot, so the docking spot reacts more strongly each time the messenger arrives.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"al-less\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">The drug latches onto a channel on the sending side, so fewer packets are released.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">The drug grabs a channel on the sending cell, so fewer packets are sent.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"rc\" aria-live=\"polite\"><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-alcohol\" data-k=\"alcohol\" data-v=\"boost\" data-d=\"\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Alcohol<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>GABA and glutamate<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>GABA-A and NMDA receptors, among others<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>turns up a signal that is already there, and turns another down<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Turns up the brake and turns down the accelerator. It strengthens GABA, the brain\u2019s main brake, and weakens glutamate, the main accelerator.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Turns up the brain\u2019s brake (GABA) and turns down its accelerator (glutamate).<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Looser, slower and clumsier, with gaps in your memory.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>With other downers, breathing can slow dangerously. Stopping suddenly after heavy daily drinking can cause seizures.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The cerebellum (balance), the cortex and the hippocampus (memory). When drinking is heavy, the brainstem too.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p class=\"lo dr-tgt\"><b>What this picture leaves out.<\/b> Alcohol has several targets, not one. Scientists still argue about which matter most, and about why a little can feel stimulating.<\/p><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-opioids\" data-k=\"opioids\" data-v=\"copy\" data-d=\"down\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Heroin and other opioids<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>the body\u2019s own opioids (endorphins)<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>mu-opioid receptors<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>copies the messenger<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Copies the body\u2019s own pain-relieving messengers and fits their receptor. That quiets the nerve cell.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Copies the body\u2019s own painkillers and fits their docking spot. That slows the nerve cell down.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Pain relief, warmth and a drowsy calm.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>Breathing slows and can stop, and the urge to breathe is dulled, so someone can stop without gasping. Much worse with other downers.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The brainstem cells that set the rhythm of breathing, plus pain and reward pathways.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p class=\"lo dr-tgt\"><b>What this picture leaves out.<\/b> Breathing is controlled by more than one site, and this picture shows one receptor, not the whole circuit.<\/p><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-benzodiazepines\" data-k=\"benzodiazepines\" data-v=\"boost\" data-d=\"\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Benzodiazepines<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>GABA<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the GABA-A receptor, at a second spot<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>turns up a signal that is already there<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Fits a second spot on the GABA receptor and makes GABA work better. They only boost GABA that is already there.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Sits on a second spot on GABA\u2019s docking spot, so the brain\u2019s brake works harder. It can only boost GABA that\u2019s already there.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Calm and sleepy, with loose muscles.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>On their own they rarely cause a fatal overdose, but with opioids or alcohol breathing can fail. Stopping suddenly after regular use can cause seizures.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>Widespread: the cortex, the amygdala and the brainstem.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-ghb\" data-k=\"ghb\" data-v=\"copy\" data-d=\"down\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">GHB and GBL<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>GABA<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the GABA-B receptor and the GHB receptor<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>copies the messenger<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Copies GABA at a different receptor from the one alcohol and benzodiazepines use. GBL turns into GHB in the body within about a minute, so they act as one drug.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Copies GABA, the brake, at a different docking spot from the one alcohol and benzodiazepines use. GBL turns into GHB in the body within about a minute, so they act as one drug.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Relaxed, warm and sociable, then drowsy.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>The gap between the amount people want and an overdose is very small, and there is no antidote. Withdrawal after regular use can be dangerous.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The hippocampus, the cortex and the amygdala.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-pregabalin\" data-k=\"pregabalin\" data-v=\"less\" data-d=\"\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Pregabalin and gabapentin<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>glutamate and several others<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the alpha-2-delta part of calcium channels<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>turns down how much is sent<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Latches onto part of a channel on the sending cell, so less messenger is released. They look like GABA, but they do not work on GABA receptors.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Grabs part of a channel on the sending cell, so less messenger is sent. They look like GABA, but they don\u2019t act on GABA\u2019s docking spots.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Calm and sleepy, with some pain relief.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>They add to the effect of opioids on breathing.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The cortex, the spinal cord and pain pathways.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-cannabis\" data-k=\"cannabis\" data-v=\"part\" data-d=\"\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Cannabis<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>the body\u2019s own cannabis-like messengers<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>CB1 receptors, mostly on the sending side<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>copies the messenger, partly<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">THC fits the receptors that the body\u2019s own cannabis-like messengers use, but switches them on only part way. On the sending side that turns down how much is released, in many circuits at once.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">THC, the part that gets you high, fits the docking spots the body\u2019s own cannabis-like messengers use, but switches them on only part way. That turns down how much is sent, in many circuits at once.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Relaxed, with time distorted and a bigger appetite. Anxious for some people.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>Anxiety and paranoia, and with heavy use of strong cannabis, a higher risk of psychosis.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The cortex, the hippocampus (memory), the cerebellum (coordination) and the reward circuit.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p class=\"lo dr-tgt\"><b>What this picture leaves out.<\/b> The body makes its own cannabis-like messengers in the receiving cell and sends them backwards to this receptor. And what causes the psychosis risk is not known.<\/p><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-mdma\" data-k=\"mdma\" data-v=\"more\" data-d=\"up\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">MDMA<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>mainly serotonin, with noradrenaline and dopamine too<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the serotonin pump, and the noradrenaline and dopamine pumps<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>makes more be released<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">MDMA is carried into the sending cell by the pump and makes the pump run backwards, so serotonin pours out into the gap. Noradrenaline and dopamine are released too.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Gets carried into the sending cell by the pump and makes the pump run backwards, so serotonin pours out into the gap. Noradrenaline and dopamine come out too.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Warmth, closeness and energy.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>Overheating. Too much water can drop the salt in the blood (hyponatremia). With MAOI antidepressants, serotonin can build up to a dangerous level.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The cortex and limbic regions, and the hypothalamus, which handles body heat and water balance.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p class=\"lo dr-tgt\"><b>What this picture leaves out.<\/b> The pleasant effect and the dangerous ones partly use different routes: serotonin for mood, noradrenaline for the racing heart and the heat.<\/p><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-cocaine\" data-k=\"cocaine\" data-v=\"jam\" data-d=\"up\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Cocaine<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the dopamine pump, and the noradrenaline and serotonin pumps<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>stops it being cleared<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Cocaine blocks the dopamine pump, so dopamine is not cleared from the gap and builds up. It blocks the noradrenaline and serotonin pumps too.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Jams the dopamine pump, so dopamine isn\u2019t cleared and builds up in the gap. It jams the noradrenaline and serotonin pumps too.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Energy and confidence, but short.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>Heart strain, even in young, healthy people. A strong urge to take more. With alcohol, cocaethylene may add to the toxic effect on the heart.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The reward circuit, and the heart and blood vessels through noradrenaline.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-adhd\" data-k=\"adhd\" data-v=\"more\" data-d=\"up\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Amphetamines and ADHD medicine<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>dopamine and noradrenaline<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the dopamine and noradrenaline pumps<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>makes more be released, or stops it being cleared<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"vr\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Which kind of medicine to draw\"><button type=\"button\" data-v=\"more\" aria-pressed=\"true\">amphetamine<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-v=\"jam\" aria-pressed=\"false\">methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)<\/button><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Both raise dopamine and noradrenaline in the gap. Amphetamine makes the pumps run backwards, so more is released. Methylphenidate mainly blocks the pumps, so less is cleared.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Both raise dopamine and noradrenaline in the gap. Amphetamine makes the pumps run backwards, so more comes out. Methylphenidate mostly jams the pumps, so less is cleared.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Alertness and focus.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>A faster heart, higher blood pressure and lost sleep, more so at high doses or when not taken as prescribed.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The prefrontal cortex and the striatum, which handle focus and drive. Noradrenaline also drives heart rate and blood pressure.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p class=\"lo dr-tgt\"><b>What this picture leaves out.<\/b> There are two families of medicine here, with two routes. The picture shows one at a time.<\/p><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-ketamine\" data-k=\"ketamine\" data-v=\"plug\" data-d=\"\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Ketamine<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>glutamate<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the channel of the NMDA receptor<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>blocks the receptor<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Sits inside the open channel of the NMDA glutamate receptor and plugs it, and it stays stuck there. The signal cannot pass.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Gets inside the open gate of one of glutamate\u2019s docking spots and plugs it, and it stays stuck there. The signal can\u2019t get through.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Detached and numb.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>Injuries you do not feel, and choking when you cannot move. Bladder damage is a known problem with regular use, though the cause is not settled.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The cortex and the thalamus.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-lsd\" data-k=\"lsd\" data-v=\"copy\" data-d=\"up\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">LSD and magic mushrooms<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>serotonin<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>copies the messenger<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Copies serotonin at one type of receptor, mostly on cells in the cortex. The body turns psilocybin from mushrooms into psilocin, and psilocin is the form that acts.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Copies serotonin at one type of docking spot, mostly on cells in the brain\u2019s outer layer. The body turns psilocybin from mushrooms into psilocin, the form that acts.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Changed perception, and a changed sense of time and self.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>Frightening trips, accidents, and psychosis in people who are vulnerable to it.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The cortex, on large cells in one of its layers.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p class=\"lo dr-tgt\"><b>What this picture leaves out.<\/b> LSD also touches dopamine and other serotonin receptors. The 5-HT2A receptor is the main one, not the only one.<\/p><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-nitrous\" data-k=\"nitrous\" data-v=\"nblock\" data-d=\"\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Nitrous oxide<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>glutamate (and opioid and noradrenaline messengers)<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>the NMDA receptor<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>blocks the receptor<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Blocks the NMDA glutamate receptor, like ketamine. It also acts on opioid and noradrenaline pathways, and may add to the dopamine signal.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Blocks one of glutamate\u2019s docking spots, like ketamine. It also acts on the body\u2019s own opioid and noradrenaline signals, and may add to the dopamine signal.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Brief, giddy numbness.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>Low oxygen, and nerve damage with regular use.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The cortex and the reward circuit.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><p class=\"lo dr-tgt\"><b>What this picture leaves out.<\/b> The nerve damage is not about this receptor. Nitrous oxide switches off vitamin B12, and that is what harms the nerves.<\/p><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-bio-p-naloxone\" data-k=\"naloxone\" data-v=\"block\" data-d=\"\" hidden><p class=\"nm\">Naloxone<\/p><ul class=\"tg\"><li><span>Messenger<\/span>the body\u2019s own opioids (endorphins)<\/li><li class=\"dr-tgt\"><span>Target<\/span>mu-opioid receptors<\/li><li><span>How<\/span>blocks the receptor<\/li><\/ul><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>What it does<\/dt><dd><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Takes the opioid\u2019s seat at the receptor and does nothing once it is there. That reverses the opioid\u2019s effects.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Takes the opioid\u2019s place at the docking spot and does nothing once it\u2019s there. That reverses the opioid\u2019s effects.<\/span><\/dd><\/div><div><dt>What you may feel<\/dt><dd>Breathing picks up and the person wakes. In someone who is dependent, it can bring sudden, unpleasant withdrawal.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>The risk that follows<\/dt><dd>It can wear off before the opioid does, so breathing can slow again. Stay, and call for help.<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Where in the brain<\/dt><dd>The same sites as opioids, including the brainstem breathing cells.<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><\/div><\/div><div class=\"dd\" hidden><p class=\"sub\">Add a second downer<\/p><div class=\"dr-chips dd-chips\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Add a second downer\"><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"alcohol\" aria-pressed=\"false\">alcohol<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"opioids\" aria-pressed=\"false\">heroin and other opioids<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"benzodiazepines\" aria-pressed=\"false\">benzodiazepines<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"ghb\" aria-pressed=\"false\">GHB and GBL<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"pregabalin\" aria-pressed=\"false\">pregabalin and gabapentin<\/button><\/div><ul class=\"rsrc\" hidden><li data-k=\"alcohol\"><b>Alcohol<\/b><span>strengthens the brake (GABA) and weakens the accelerator (glutamate)<\/span><span>turns up the brake and turns down the accelerator<\/span><\/li><li data-k=\"opioids\"><b>Opioids<\/b><span>copy the body\u2019s own opioids<\/span><span>copy the body\u2019s own painkillers<\/span><\/li><li data-k=\"benzodiazepines\"><b>Benzodiazepines<\/b><span>turn up the brake (GABA) at a second spot<\/span><span>make the brake work harder, from a second spot<\/span><\/li><li data-k=\"ghb\"><b>GHB and GBL<\/b><span>copy GABA at a different receptor<\/span><span>copy the brake at a different docking spot<\/span><\/li><li data-k=\"pregabalin\"><b>Pregabalin and gabapentin<\/b><span>turn down how much messenger is sent<\/span><span>turn down how much messenger is sent<\/span><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"pr\" aria-live=\"polite\" hidden><div class=\"pr-in\"><div class=\"rt rt-a\"><p class=\"rn\"><\/p><p class=\"rl\"><\/p><\/div><div class=\"rt rt-b\"><p class=\"rn\"><\/p><p class=\"rl\"><\/p><\/div><svg class=\"pr-ar\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 96\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path class=\"a-a\" d=\"M100,2 C100,52 200,36 200,78\"\/><path class=\"a-b\" d=\"M300,2 C300,52 200,36 200,78\"\/><polygon class=\"a-h\" points=\"200,94 190,76 210,76\"\/><\/svg><p class=\"nd\"><span class=\"dr-nrm\">the brainstem cells that keep you breathing<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">the cells at the base of your brain that keep you breathing<\/span><\/p><div class=\"tr\"><div class=\"tw\"><p class=\"tl\">Breathing with one downer<\/p><svg class=\"ts\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 60\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path class=\"w1\" d=\"M0,30 C18.2,15.7 31.8,15.7 50,30 C68.2,44.3 81.8,44.3 100,30 C118.2,15.7 131.8,15.7 150,30 C168.2,44.3 181.8,44.3 200,30 C218.2,15.7 231.8,15.7 250,30 C268.2,44.3 281.8,44.3 300,30 C318.2,15.7 331.8,15.7 350,30 C368.2,44.3 381.8,44.3 400,30 C418.2,15.7 431.8,15.7 450,30 C468.2,44.3 481.8,44.3 500,30 C518.2,15.7 531.8,15.7 550,30 C568.2,44.3 581.8,44.3 600,30\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tw\"><p class=\"tl\">Breathing with both downers together: slower and shallower<\/p><svg class=\"ts\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 60\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path class=\"w2\" d=\"M0,30 C27.3,23.5 47.7,23.5 75,30 C102.3,36.5 122.7,36.5 150,30 C177.3,23.5 197.7,23.5 225,30 C252.3,36.5 272.7,36.5 300,30 C327.3,23.5 347.7,23.5 375,30 C402.3,36.5 422.7,36.5 450,30 C477.3,23.5 497.7,23.5 525,30 C552.3,36.5 572.7,36.5 600,30 C627.3,23.5 647.7,23.5 675,30 C702.3,36.5 722.7,36.5 750,30\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><p class=\"sm\">Different routes, same place: together they slow breathing more than either would alone.<\/p><\/div><\/div><figcaption><span class=\"dr-nrm\">Drugs do not all work the same way. Some copy a messenger at its receptor: opioids, GHB and GBL, LSD and magic mushrooms, and cannabis, which copies it only partly. MDMA and amphetamines make the pump run backwards, so more messenger is released. Cocaine and methylphenidate jam the pump, so messenger builds up. Ketamine, nitrous oxide and naloxone block a receptor. Alcohol and benzodiazepines turn up a signal that is already there, and pregabalin and gabapentin turn down how much is sent. Five of these slow you down by different routes and meet at the cells that keep you breathing, which is why mixing them is dangerous. The drawing is a simplification: most drugs act on more than one target.<\/span><span class=\"dr-pln\">Drugs work in different ways. Some copy a messenger, some make more of it pour out, some stop it being cleared, some block its docking spot, and some make a signal stronger or weaker. The five downers here take different routes to the same place, the cells that keep you breathing, which is why mixing them is dangerous. The drawing is simplified, because most drugs act on more than one target.<\/span><span class=\"so\">Sources: pharmacology reviews and NIDA, US, listed in the references.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><script>(function(){var f=document.getElementById(\"dr-bio\");if(!f){return;}var bs=f.querySelectorAll(\".dr-chips.dr-dsk button\"),ps=f.querySelectorAll(\".pn\"),sel=document.getElementById(\"dr-bio-sel\"),lc=f.querySelector(\".lc\"),dd=f.querySelector(\".dd\"),b2=f.querySelectorAll(\".dd-chips button\"),pr=f.querySelector(\".pr\"),ra=f.querySelector(\".rt-a\"),rb=f.querySelector(\".rt-b\"),cur=\"alcohol\",second=\"\";var DOWN={alcohol:1,opioids:1,benzodiazepines:1,ghb:1,pregabalin:1};function fill(slot,k){var li=f.querySelector('.rsrc li[data-k=\"'+k+'\"]');if(!li){return false;}slot.querySelector(\".rn\").textContent=li.querySelector(\"b\").textContent;var sp=li.querySelectorAll(\"span\"),tx=sp[0],rt=document.querySelector(\".dr-post\");if(rt){if(rt.classList.contains(\"dr-plain\")){if(sp.length> 1){tx=sp[1];}}}slot.querySelector(\".rl\").textContent=tx.textContent;return true;}function clearPair(){second=\"\";pr.hidden=true;for(var i=0;b2.length>i;i++){b2[i].setAttribute(\"aria-pressed\",\"false\");}}function setVar(v){lc.setAttribute(\"data-v\",v);var vb=f.querySelectorAll(\".vr button\");for(var i=0;vb.length>i;i++){vb[i].setAttribute(\"aria-pressed\",vb[i].getAttribute(\"data-v\")===v?\"true\":\"false\");}}function show(k){cur=k;var v=\"copy\",dr=\"\";for(var i=0;ps.length>i;i++){var on=ps[i].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===k;ps[i].hidden=!on;if(on){v=ps[i].getAttribute(\"data-v\");dr=ps[i].getAttribute(\"data-d\")||\"\";}}for(var j=0;bs.length>j;j++){bs[j].setAttribute(\"aria-pressed\",bs[j].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===k?\"true\":\"false\");}if(sel){sel.value=k;}lc.setAttribute(\"data-d\",dr);setVar(v);dd.hidden=!DOWN[k];for(var m=0;b2.length>m;m++){b2[m].hidden=b2[m].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===k;}clearPair();}function pick(k2){if(!DOWN[cur]){return;}if(!DOWN[k2]){return;}if(second===k2){clearPair();return;}clearPair();if(!fill(ra,cur)){return;}if(!fill(rb,k2)){return;}second=k2;for(var i=0;b2.length>i;i++){b2[i].setAttribute(\"aria-pressed\",b2[i].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===k2?\"true\":\"false\");}pr.hidden=false;}for(var i=0;bs.length>i;i++){bs[i].addEventListener(\"click\",function(){show(this.getAttribute(\"data-k\"));});}if(sel){sel.addEventListener(\"change\",function(){show(sel.value);});}for(var n=0;b2.length>n;n++){b2[n].addEventListener(\"click\",function(){pick(this.getAttribute(\"data-k\"));});}var vbs=f.querySelectorAll(\".vr button\");for(var q=0;vbs.length>q;q++){vbs[q].addEventListener(\"click\",function(){setVar(this.getAttribute(\"data-v\"));});}if(\"IntersectionObserver\" in window){var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){for(var e=0;es.length>e;e++){if(es[e].isIntersecting){f.classList.add(\"on\");}else{f.classList.remove(\"on\");}}});io.observe(f);}else{f.classList.add(\"on\");}document.addEventListener(\"dr-plain-change\",function(){if(second){fill(ra,cur);fill(rb,second);}});show(\"alcohol\");})();<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"why-downers-add-up\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Why downers add up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">You never have to think about breathing, because a small group of cells in your brainstem, at the base of the brain, keeps the rhythm going for you. Your body also has an alarm that makes you want to breathe, the urge you feel when you&#8217;ve held your breath too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Opioids act on both. The breathing cells have opioid receptors, and when an opioid lands there, the rhythm slows. Opioids also dull the urge to breathe, so someone can slow right down and stop without gasping or looking distressed. That&#8217;s why an overdose can look like deep sleep, snoring and all, which part six explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The other downers take different routes to the same place. Alcohol and benzodiazepines turn up GABA, the brake. GHB copies GABA at a different receptor. Pregabalin and gabapentin turn down how much gets sent. <strong class=\"eqb\">Different doors, but they all lead to the same room: the cells that keep you breathing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Benzodiazepines show this clearly. On their own they rarely stop someone breathing, because they can only boost the GABA that&#8217;s already there. Add an opioid or alcohol, and that limit stops protecting you. Each drug pushes on the same circuit from a different side, so &#8220;I only had a little of each&#8221; doesn&#8217;t hold up. The amounts add up in the same place. This is the biology behind the mixing checker in part five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">GHB has a problem of its own. The gap between an amount that feels good and an amount that&#8217;s dangerous is small, and there&#8217;s no antidote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"heat-water-and-a-racing-heart\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Heat, water and a racing heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Stimulants work on the messengers that keep you alert. Cocaine, amphetamines and MDMA all raise noradrenaline, the same messenger your body uses when you&#8217;re frightened or exercising hard. Your heart beats faster, your blood vessels tighten and your blood pressure goes up. That&#8217;s why cocaine can strain the heart of someone young and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">How fast a drug reaches the brain matters too. In one study of people who use cocaine, smoked cocaine blocked the dopamine pumps about as much as snorted cocaine did, but the high came on in under two minutes instead of around fifteen, and felt much stronger. <strong class=\"eqb\">The faster the rise, the stronger the pull to do it again<\/strong>, which is part of why smoking or injecting a drug tends to be harder to control than swallowing or snorting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">MDMA adds two problems of its own, both run by the hypothalamus, a small area deep in the brain that controls body temperature and water. The drug pushes your temperature up, partly through noradrenaline, and in a hot room you can overheat. It also makes the body release a hormone that tells the kidneys to hold on to water. That&#8217;s how drinking lots of water on MDMA can drop the salt in your blood low enough for the brain to swell, which is called hyponatremia, and why part three says to sip, not gulp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Then there&#8217;s serotonin. MDMA releases a lot of it at once. If something else stops serotonin being cleared or broken down at the same time, it can build up far beyond what either drug would cause alone. That&#8217;s serotonin syndrome: shaking, stiff or twitching muscles, a racing heart, overheating and confusion, and in severe cases it can kill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The MAOI antidepressants, which stop serotonin being broken down, are the most dangerous partner for MDMA for exactly this reason. Tramadol, a painkiller that also slows serotonin clearing, is another. The common SSRIs mostly do something different with MDMA: they block the pump MDMA needs to get into the cell, which weakens it, and the risk becomes taking more to make up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"why-the-same-amount-stops-working\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Why the same amount stops working<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Your brain keeps itself in balance. If a drug pushes a system the same way day after day, the brain pushes back. It can make receptors less responsive, pull some of them inside the cell, or turn up the system that works the other way. <strong class=\"eqb\">That push-back is tolerance, and it&#8217;s why the same amount does less.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">It isn&#8217;t as simple as &#8220;your receptors are wrecked&#8221;. Most of these changes reverse. In one brain-scan study of people who smoked cannabis every day, their cannabis receptors were reduced, and after about four weeks without it they were back to normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">With opioids there&#8217;s an extra trap. Tolerance to the high seems to build faster than tolerance to the effect on breathing. So someone who needs more to feel the same can be closer to an overdose than they realize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Tolerance also fades, often within days, much faster than most people expect. Your body readjusts, but your sense of what &#8220;your usual&#8221; is doesn&#8217;t change with it. That&#8217;s why part seven warns that your usual amount can be too much after a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Withdrawal is the same push-back, seen from the other side. When the drug is gone, the brain&#8217;s adjustments are still there, with nothing to push against. With alcohol and benzodiazepines, that&#8217;s dangerous. Months of a boosted brake leave the brain with its own brake turned down and its accelerator turned up. Take the drug away suddenly and the accelerator runs unopposed, which can cause seizures and, with alcohol, a severe state of confusion called delirium tremens. <strong class=\"eqb\">Stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines suddenly after heavy regular use isn&#8217;t a test of willpower. It needs a doctor.<\/strong> The same goes for GHB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Regular use changes something else too, which is what the brain treats as important. The pull toward a drug can keep growing even as the enjoyment fades. <a href=\"\/dopamine-addiction-everyday-habits\/\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Our article on dopamine<\/a> explains why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"the-day-after-and-the-holes-in-your-brain\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">The day after, and the holes in your brain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A lot of people feel low a few days after taking MDMA, often midweek after a weekend. That dip seems to be real: small studies have found people&#8217;s mood dropping a few days after they used it. The usual explanation is that MDMA empties the brain&#8217;s serotonin stores for a while. That&#8217;s plausible, but it hasn&#8217;t been proven, and lost sleep, alcohol and a long weekend probably play a part too. It passes, and it&#8217;s one reason drug services suggest leaving a long gap between uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">You may also have heard that MDMA burns holes in your brain. Part of that story goes back to a 2002 study in monkeys that made headlines around the world. A year later it was retracted: most of the animals had been given methamphetamine instead of MDMA, because of a mislabeled bottle. <strong class=\"eqb\">There&#8217;s no good evidence that a night on MDMA leaves holes in anyone&#8217;s brain.<\/strong> Heavy, repeated use is linked to small problems with memory and attention, though it&#8217;s hard to separate those from other drugs and lost sleep, and animal studies at high doses do show damage to serotonin nerve endings.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-keep\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">Every drug works by getting in the middle of how brain cells pass messages. Drugs that slow you down take different routes to the same place, the cells that keep you breathing, which is why two of them together are so much more dangerous than either one alone.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">03<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M12 21a9 9 0 1 0 0-18 9 9 0 0 0 0 18zM12 7.5V12l3 2\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part three of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-3\">What each drug does<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">When it starts, how long it lasts, and what trips people up<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-pl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-plk wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">In plain words<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The same drug can feel mild one night and too much the next. How it\u2019s taken matters. <strong class=\"eqb\">Smoked cannabis kicks in within minutes, but the same amount eaten can take hours.<\/strong> Strength matters too, and you usually can\u2019t know it. So do your body, your sleep, what you\u2019ve eaten and anything else in your system. The figure below shows when each drug usually starts and how long it lasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A common mistake is about waiting. Someone eats an edible, feels nothing after an hour and takes another, and then both kick in at once. Eaten cannabis can take up to two hours to start and up to four to reach its strongest. That\u2019s why the Australian drug service warns that an edible can still be building up 4 hours later. Pills can be slow too. MDMA can take up to an hour to start, and the same trap applies. <strong class=\"eqb\">Feeling nothing yet may just mean it hasn\u2019t kicked in.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Edibles look like candy. In Canada, more young children ended up in the hospital after eating cannabis by accident once edibles went on sale. Keep them where a child can\u2019t reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Cannabis is much stronger on average than it was a few decades ago. Heavy use of strong cannabis is linked to a higher risk of psychosis, which means losing touch with what\u2019s real. Canada\u2019s guidelines say not to drive for at least 6 hours after using. They also say that <strong class=\"eqb\">people with a close family history of psychosis shouldn\u2019t use it at all<\/strong>. Starting later in life is also safer than starting young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">MDMA, also called ecstasy, makes you hotter, and dancing for hours in a hot room adds to it. Drug services say breaks somewhere cooler help, even when someone doesn\u2019t feel hot. The Australian service notes that the risk goes up on warm days, above about 25\u2103, or 77\u2109.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Drinking too much water on MDMA can be as dangerous as drinking too little.<\/strong> The drug makes the body hold on to water, and the salt in the blood can drop so low that the brain swells. It\u2019s rare, but it has killed people, and women seem to be at higher risk. <strong class=\"eqb\">So sip, don\u2019t gulp!<\/strong> FRANK, the UK\u2019s drug advice service, says to \u201csip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Feeling flat for a day or several after MDMA is common (cue New Order\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c1GxjzHm5us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Blue Monday<\/a>), and it\u2019s the drug wearing off. The Australian service advises a long break between uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Cocaine works within minutes and the high is short, so the urge to take more comes back fast. It\u2019s hard on the heart. <strong class=\"eqb\">Even healthy young people can have a seizure, a heart attack or a stroke<\/strong> on it, so \u201cI\u2019m young and fit\u201d doesn\u2019t protect you. Chest pain on cocaine sends many people to the emergency room, and it\u2019s always worth getting checked rather than hoping it passes. Sharing a straw can pass on infections such as hepatitis C and HIV. Use your own, and not a rolled-up banknote, which can cut the inside of your nose (I know, it\u2019s less cool).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Ketamine makes you feel cut off from your body and what\u2019s around you. A larger amount can leave someone unable to move or speak for a while. Most of the danger comes from the numbness. People hurt themselves without feeling it, fall, or choke if they vomit while they can\u2019t move. The risk is much higher with alcohol or other drugs that slow you down. <strong class=\"eqb\">If a friend on ketamine is asleep or can\u2019t move, put them on their side.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you use it regularly and it\u2019s started to hurt when you pee, you need to go all the time, or you\u2019ve seen blood, please don\u2019t be embarrassed to see a doctor. It can feel like a urine infection that won\u2019t clear, but it\u2019s damage to the bladder, and it can get serious enough to need surgery. It\u2019s a known problem, and telling them you use ketamine helps them help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">LSD can last up to 12 hours and mushrooms up to around 6, and once a trip starts you can\u2019t stop it early. Drug services say <strong class=\"eqb\">a friend who stays sober and stays the whole time, called a trip sitter, is one of the most effective ways to stay safe<\/strong>. They also advise against taking psychedelics when someone is already feeling low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">A frightening trip isn\u2019t the same as an overdose<\/strong>, and it usually passes as the drug wears off. If a friend is panicking, you don\u2019t need to fix it. Take them somewhere quiet, away from crowds, lights and noise, help them breathe slowly, and stay. A calm voice helps. Most deaths linked to LSD are accidents, such as falls or car crashes, which is why a familiar place away from roads and water is safer.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"why-the-same-drug-can-feel-so-different\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Why the same drug can feel so different<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">You may have noticed this already: the same drug can feel mild one night and overwhelming the next. How it&#8217;s taken makes a big difference. <strong class=\"eqb\">Smoked cannabis is felt within minutes, but the same amount eaten can take hours.<\/strong> Strength matters too, and you usually can&#8217;t know it. So do your body, your sleep, what you&#8217;ve eaten and what else is in your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The figure below shows what drug advice services say about each drug, mainly FRANK in the UK and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in Australia. Pick the one you&#8217;re wondering about to see when it usually starts, how long it lasts, its main danger and the step that makes it safer.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:48px\"><style>.dr-tl .dr-mob{display:none}.dr-tl .dr-lab{display:block;font:700 13px\/1.3 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6259;margin:0 0 8px}.dr-tl .dr-sel{display:block;width:100%;max-width:none;height:auto;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:52px;font:600 16px\/1.3 \"Work Sans\",sans-serif;color:#2a2622;background-color:#fff;border:1.5px solid #34508c;border-radius:12px;padding:12px 44px 12px 16px;margin:0 0 20px;cursor:pointer;box-shadow:none;-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;appearance:none;background-image:linear-gradient(45deg,transparent 50%,#34508c 50%),linear-gradient(135deg,#34508c 50%,transparent 50%);background-position:calc(100% - 22px) 50%,calc(100% - 16px) 50%;background-size:6px 6px,6px 6px;background-repeat:no-repeat}.dr-tl .dr-sel:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:2px}@media(max-width:640px){.dr-tl .dr-dsk{display:none}.dr-tl .dr-mob{display:block}}#dr-tl .dr-rax,#dr-tl .key .dr-kp{display:none}@media(max-width:640px){#dr-tl .hd .ti{font-size:13px}#dr-tl .key li:not(.dr-kp){display:none}#dr-tl .key li.dr-kp{display:flex}#dr-tl .key{gap:8px 24px;margin:0 0 22px}#dr-tl .key .k-on,#dr-tl .tr .on{background:repeating-linear-gradient(135deg,#34508c 0 2px,#c9d3ea 2px 5px)}#dr-tl .key .k-fd{background:#34508c}#dr-tl .rows{gap:30px;margin:0 0 26px}#dr-tl .row{display:flex;flex-direction:column}#dr-tl .src{order:1;margin:0 0 8px}#dr-tl .tx{order:2;display:grid;grid-template-columns:5.6em minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 0;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 12px}#dr-tl .tx b{font-weight:700;color:#233a68}#dr-tl .tx .sp{display:none}#dr-tl .tr{order:3;height:12px;background:#eee8dc}#dr-tl .tr .pk,#dr-tl .tr .ef,#dr-tl .tr .fd{background:#34508c;opacity:1;top:0;bottom:0;border-radius:0}#dr-tl .tr .ef{border-radius:999px 0 0 999px}#dr-tl .tr .fd{border-radius:0 999px 999px 0}#dr-tl .rows>.ax{display:none}#dr-tl .dr-rax{order:4;display:block;height:22px;margin:6px 0 0;font-size:13px}#dr-tl .dr-nl .tr,#dr-tl .dr-nl .dr-rax{display:none}#dr-tl .dr-nl .tx{margin-bottom:0}#dr-tl .kv dt{font-size:13px}}@media(max-width:380px){#dr-tl{padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px}#dr-tl .dr-rax{letter-spacing:-.03em}}<\/style><figure class=\"ra-fig dr-f dr-tl\" id=\"dr-tl\"><div class=\"hd\"><p class=\"ti\">What to expect<\/p><p class=\"q\">When each drug starts, and how long it lasts<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-chips dr-dsk\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Choose a drug\"><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"cannabis-smoked\" aria-pressed=\"false\">cannabis, smoked<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"cannabis-eaten\" aria-pressed=\"false\">cannabis, eaten<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"lsd\" aria-pressed=\"false\">LSD<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"mushrooms\" aria-pressed=\"false\">magic mushrooms<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"ketamine\" aria-pressed=\"false\">ketamine<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"mdma\" aria-pressed=\"true\">MDMA<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"cocaine\" aria-pressed=\"false\">cocaine<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"adhd-medicine\" aria-pressed=\"false\">ADHD medicine<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"opioids\" aria-pressed=\"false\">heroin and other opioids<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"benzodiazepines\" aria-pressed=\"false\">benzodiazepines<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"ghb\" aria-pressed=\"false\">GHB and GBL<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"nitrous-oxide\" aria-pressed=\"false\">nitrous oxide<\/button><\/div><div class=\"dr-mob\"><label class=\"dr-lab\" for=\"dr-tl-sel\">Choose a drug<\/label><select class=\"dr-sel\" id=\"dr-tl-sel\"><option value=\"cannabis-smoked\">cannabis, smoked<\/option><option value=\"cannabis-eaten\">cannabis, eaten<\/option><option value=\"lsd\">LSD<\/option><option value=\"mushrooms\">magic mushrooms<\/option><option value=\"ketamine\">ketamine<\/option><option value=\"mdma\" selected>MDMA<\/option><option value=\"cocaine\">cocaine<\/option><option value=\"adhd-medicine\">ADHD medicine<\/option><option value=\"opioids\">heroin and other opioids<\/option><option value=\"benzodiazepines\">benzodiazepines<\/option><option value=\"ghb\">GHB and GBL<\/option><option value=\"nitrous-oxide\">nitrous oxide<\/option><\/select><\/div><ul class=\"key\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><li><i class=\"k-on\"><\/i>starts within<\/li><li><i class=\"k-pk\"><\/i>strongest<\/li><li><i class=\"k-ef\"><\/i>effects<\/li><li><i class=\"k-fd\"><\/i>may still be going<\/li><li class=\"dr-kp\"><i class=\"k-on\"><\/i>starts<\/li><li class=\"dr-kp\"><i class=\"k-fd\"><\/i>lasts<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"pns\"><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-cannabis-smoked\" data-k=\"cannabis-smoked\"><p class=\"nm\">Cannabis, smoked<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>weed<\/i><i>grass<\/i><i>skunk<\/i><i>hash<\/i><i>pot<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:1.11%;width:calc(1.11% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:2.22%;width:42.22%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:44.44%;width:22.22%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">1 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">1.5 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 1 to 2 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 40 minutes to 1 hour<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">1 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">1.5 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Anxiety or paranoia, and with heavy use of strong cannabis, a higher risk of psychosis<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Choose less strong products, keep use occasional, and do not drive for at least 6 hours (Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines)<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, or anxiety and paranoia that last for hours or days<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-cannabis-eaten\" data-k=\"cannabis-eaten\"><p class=\"nm\">Cannabis, eaten<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>edibles<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row dr-nl\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:10.00%;width:calc(30.00% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"pk\" style=\"left:20.00%;width:60.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 30 minutes to 2 hours<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Strongest<\/b> 1 to 4 hours<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> not given<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Taking more because nothing seems to be happening, and then feeling both amounts at once<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>The same service advises you to wait at least 4 hours before deciding whether to take more. Keep edibles away from children<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, hallucinations or paranoia<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-lsd\" data-k=\"lsd\"><p class=\"nm\">LSD<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>acid<\/i><i>blotter<\/i><i>tab<\/i><i>trips<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:2.78%;width:calc(13.89% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:16.67%;width:33.33%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:50.00%;width:50.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">6 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">8 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">10 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">12 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 20 minutes to 2 hours<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 6 to 12 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:2.78%;width:calc(9.72% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:12.50%;width:54.17%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:66.67%;width:33.33%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">6 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">8 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">10 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">12 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 20 to 90 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> around 8 to 12 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">6 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">8 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">10 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">12 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>A frightening trip, accidents while confused, and psychosis in people who are vulnerable to it. Never with lithium<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>A safe place, people you trust and a sober trip sitter. Not when you already feel low or depressed<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Intense panic, paranoia, a seizure, chest pain, or hearing and seeing things that do not stop<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-mushrooms\" data-k=\"mushrooms\"><p class=\"nm\">Magic mushrooms<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>shrooms<\/i><i>mushies<\/i><i>liberty caps<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:0;width:83.33%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">5 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">6 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> can take more than 30 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> up to 5 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:0.00%;width:66.67%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:66.67%;width:33.33%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">5 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">6 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> not given<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 4 to 6 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">5 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">6 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Picking a poisonous mushroom by mistake, which FRANK calls the biggest danger. Strength varies a lot<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>If there is any doubt about what a mushroom is, do not take it. Crew advises waiting at least two hours before taking more<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>If a poisonous mushroom may have been eaten, contact a poisons center at once, before any symptoms<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-ketamine\" data-k=\"ketamine\"><p class=\"nm\">Ketamine<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>k<\/i><i>ket<\/i><i>special k<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK (snorted)<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:12.50%;width:calc(0.00% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:12.50%;width:12.50%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:25.00%;width:25.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">1.5 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">2 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> about 15 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 30 minutes to an hour<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Crew, Scotland<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:0.00%;width:calc(4.17% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:4.17%;width:45.83%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:50.00%;width:50.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">1.5 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">2 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> within 5 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 1 to 2 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">1.5 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">2 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Injuries you do not feel, choking on vomit when unable to move, and bladder damage with regular use<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Never with alcohol or other downers. Crew advises a minimum of 2 hours before each dose, and anyone who cannot move goes on their side<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Cannot be woken with a shout or a shake, snoring or raspy breathing, or pain or blood when you pee<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-mdma\" data-k=\"mdma\"><p class=\"nm\">MDMA<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>e<\/i><i>mandy<\/i><i>molly<\/i><i>pills<\/i><i>md<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:6.67%;width:calc(3.33% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:10.00%;width:30.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:40.00%;width:40.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 20 to 30 minutes on average<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 2 to 4 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row dr-nl\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:6.67%;width:calc(13.33% + 4px)\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> about 20 minutes to an hour<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> not given<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Overheating while dancing, drinking too much water, and pills far stronger than a single dose<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Take part of a pill and wait. Take breaks to cool down, and sip water rather than gulping it<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Very high body temperature, confusion, rigid muscles, a racing heart, chest pain or a seizure<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-cocaine\" data-k=\"cocaine\"><p class=\"nm\">Cocaine<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>coke<\/i><i>charlie<\/i><i>blow<\/i><i>snow<\/i><i>crack<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK (snorted)<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:8.33%;width:calc(41.67% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:50.00%;width:0.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:33.33%;width:16.67%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">15 min<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">45 min<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">1 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> around 5 to 30 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> around 20 to 30 minutes (the high)<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">NIDA, US<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:0.00%;width:25.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:25.00%;width:25.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">15 min<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">45 min<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">1 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> not given<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 15 to 30 minutes (the high)<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">15 min<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">30 min<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">45 min<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">1 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Strain on the heart, including in young, healthy people, and the urge to keep taking more<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Your own straw, never a shared one or a banknote. Avoid alcohol and other stimulants<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Chest pain, including in the arm, back, neck or jaw, a racing heart, a seizure, or severe agitation<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-adhd-medicine\" data-k=\"adhd-medicine\"><p class=\"nm\">ADHD medicine<\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row dr-nl\"><p class=\"src\">NHS, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:4.17%;width:calc(4.17% + 4px)\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">6 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">8 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">10 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">12 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 30 to 60 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> not given<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia (short-acting)<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:0.00%;width:33.33%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:33.33%;width:16.67%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">6 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">8 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">10 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">12 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> not given<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> around 4 to 6 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia (long-acting)<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:0.00%;width:66.67%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:66.67%;width:33.33%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">6 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">8 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">10 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">12 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> not given<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> about 8 to 12 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:16.67%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:33.33%\">4 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">6 h<\/span><span style=\"left:66.67%\">8 h<\/span><span style=\"left:83.33%\">10 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">12 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>A racing heart and high blood pressure in someone who was never checked for heart problems, and lost sleep<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Start with a small amount and wait, do not mix it with alcohol, and tell someone what you have taken<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Chest pain or tightness, a fast irregular heartbeat, a seizure, or weakness in the face or limbs<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-opioids\" data-k=\"opioids\"><p class=\"nm\">Heroin and other opioids<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>brown<\/i><i>gear<\/i><i>smack<\/i><i>h<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:0.00%;width:60.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:60.00%;width:40.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> not given<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 3 to 5 hours (main effects)<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Breathing slows or stops. Fentanyl and nitazenes can be hidden in heroin, fake pills and other drugs<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Never use alone, carry naloxone and tell people where it is, and never mix with other downers<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Cannot be woken, slow or noisy breathing, pinpoint pupils, or blue or gray lips. Give naloxone and call<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-benzodiazepines\" data-k=\"benzodiazepines\"><p class=\"nm\">Benzodiazepines<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>benzos<\/i><i>bars<\/i><i>xans<\/i><i>vallies<\/i><i>blues<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:10.00%;width:calc(0.00% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:10.00%;width:10.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:20.00%;width:60.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> about 30 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> around 1 to 4 hours, depending on the type<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>With opioids or alcohol, breathing can stop. Street versions are unpredictable, and stopping suddenly after regular use can cause seizures<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Never with alcohol or opioids. FRANK advises trying half a pill of a street benzo and waiting at least an hour<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Very heavy sleepiness, slow shallow breathing, or cannot be woken<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-ghb\" data-k=\"ghb\"><p class=\"nm\">GHB and GBL<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>geebs<\/i><i>gbl<\/i><i>liquid ecstasy<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:4.17%;width:calc(2.08% + 4px)\"><\/span><span class=\"pk\" style=\"left:12.50%;width:12.50%\"><\/span><span class=\"ef\" style=\"left:6.25%;width:31.25%\"><\/span><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:37.50%;width:62.50%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">3 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">4 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 10 to 15 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Strongest<\/b> 30 to 60 minutes<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 1.5 to 4 hours<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row dr-nl\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"on\" style=\"left:4.17%;width:calc(20.83% + 4px)\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">3 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">4 h<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> 10 minutes to an hour<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> not given<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:25.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:50.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:75.00%\">3 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">4 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>A very small gap between the amount people want and a severe overdose, and much worse with alcohol<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Never with alcohol or other downers. Wait at least two hours before any more, and do not use alone<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>Cannot be woken, slow or abnormal breathing, vomiting or a seizure<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><section class=\"pn\" id=\"dr-d-nitrous-oxide\" data-k=\"nitrous-oxide\"><p class=\"nm\">Nitrous oxide<\/p><p class=\"al\">Also called <span class=\"ch\"><i>laughing gas<\/i><i>balloons<\/i><i>noz<\/i><i>chargers<\/i><\/span><\/p><div class=\"rows\"><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">FRANK, UK<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:0;width:20.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">2 min<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">4 min<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">6 min<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">8 min<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">10 min<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> straight away<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> 1 to 2 minutes on average<\/p><\/div><div class=\"row\"><p class=\"src\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"fd\" style=\"left:0;width:50.00%\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"ax dr-rax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">2 min<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">4 min<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">6 min<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">8 min<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">10 min<\/span><\/div><p class=\"tx\"><b>Starts<\/b> straight away<span class=\"sp\"><\/span><b>Lasts<\/b> a few minutes<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">2 min<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">4 min<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">6 min<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">8 min<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">10 min<\/span><\/div><\/div><dl class=\"kv\"><div><dt>Main danger<\/dt><dd>Fainting and lack of oxygen, and nerve damage with heavy, regular use<\/dd><\/div><div class=\"dr-tgt\"><dt>Safer step<\/dt><dd>Sit down, never alone, fresh air and breaks, nothing over your head, and no alcohol with it<\/dd><\/div><div><dt>Get help if<\/dt><dd>A seizure, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or tingling and numbness after regular use<\/dd><\/div><\/dl><\/section><\/div><figcaption>Timings as two national services give them, FRANK in the UK and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in Australia, with other sources named where they are used. They are ranges, not promises: how a drug is taken, how strong it is, your body and anything else you have taken all change them. The slowest to start, eaten cannabis, is the one most often taken twice by mistake.<\/figcaption><\/figure><script>(function(){var f=document.getElementById(\"dr-tl\");if(!f){return;}var bs=f.querySelectorAll(\".dr-chips button\"),ps=f.querySelectorAll(\".pn\"),sel=document.getElementById(\"dr-tl-sel\");function show(k){for(var i=0;i<ps.length;i++){ps[i].hidden=ps[i].getAttribute(\"data-k\")!==k;}for(var j=0;j<bs.length;j++){bs[j].setAttribute(\"aria-pressed\",bs[j].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===k?\"true\":\"false\");}if(sel){sel.value=k;}}for(var i=0;i<bs.length;i++){bs[i].addEventListener(\"click\",function(){show(this.getAttribute(\"data-k\"));});}if(sel){sel.addEventListener(\"change\",function(){show(sel.value);});}var h=location.hash.replace(\"#dr-d-\",\"\"),start=\"mdma\";for(var i=0;i<ps.length;i++){if(ps[i].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===h){start=h;}}show(start);})();\/*>*\/<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"the-slow-ones-trip-people-up\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">The slow ones trip people up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A common mistake has nothing to do with strength. It&#8217;s about waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Edibles are the classic example. You eat one, feel nothing after an hour, and start to think it&#8217;s a dud, so you take another. Then both kick in at once. If that&#8217;s happened to you, it isn&#8217;t because you were careless. Eaten cannabis can take up to two hours to start and up to four to peak, which is why the Australian service says to <strong class=\"eqb\">wait at least 4 hours before deciding whether to take more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Edibles also look like candy. In Canada, more young children ended up in the hospital after eating cannabis by accident once edibles went on sale. If there are any at home, keep them where a child can&#8217;t reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Pills can be slow too. MDMA can take up to an hour to start, and the same trap applies: the second half of a pill, taken because the first seemed to do nothing, lands on top of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bd3116f4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#ecf0f8;border-radius:18px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:30px;padding:24px 28px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12.5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WHAT HELPS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.568), 19px);line-height:1.7\">\n<li>Decide how much you&#8217;ll take before you start, while your head is clear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set a timer on your phone, and don&#8217;t take more until it goes off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you&#8217;re not sure it has kicked in, assume it hasn&#8217;t finished kicking in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"cannabis-is-stronger-than-it-used-to-be\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Cannabis is stronger than it used to be<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If cannabis hits you harder than you remember, you&#8217;re not imagining it. It&#8217;s much stronger, on average, than it was a few decades ago: THC, the part that gets you high, has gone up, while CBD, which may soften some of its effects, has stayed about the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">With heavy use, stronger cannabis is linked to a higher risk of <span class=\"gl\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-describedby=\"gd-1\"><em class=\"eqi\">psychosis<\/em><span class=\"gd\" role=\"tooltip\" id=\"gd-1\"><b>psychosis<\/b>Losing touch with what is real: hearing or seeing things that are not there, or holding frightening beliefs that other people do not share. Part eight explains who is most at risk.<\/span><\/span>, which part eight explains. Canada&#8217;s lower-risk guidelines suggest choosing milder products, using only occasionally, and not driving for at least 6 hours afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The same guidelines say <strong class=\"eqb\">people with a close family history of psychosis should not use it at all<\/strong>. Starting later in life is also safer than starting young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"mdma-heat-water-and-the-day-after\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">MDMA: heat, water and the day after<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">MDMA, also called ecstasy or molly, usually lasts a few hours. The two physical dangers are heat and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">MDMA makes you hotter, and dancing for hours in a hot room makes you hotter still. The Australian service notes that the risk goes up on warm days, above about 25\u2103, or 77\u2109.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Water is where people can go wrong the other way, often while trying to be careful. <strong class=\"eqb\">Drinking too much water on MDMA can be as dangerous as drinking too little.<\/strong> The drug makes the body hold on to water, and the salt in the blood can drop so low that the brain swells. It&#8217;s rare, but it has killed people, and women seem to be at higher risk. <strong class=\"eqb\">So sip, don&#8217;t gulp!<\/strong> FRANK in the UK says to &#8220;sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The day after has its own low. Lots of people feel flat and low for a day or several, which is called a comedown (cue New Order&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c1GxjzHm5us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Blue Monday<\/a>). It&#8217;s the drug wearing off, not a sign that something is wrong with you. The Australian service suggests leaving one to three months before you use MDMA again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bd3116f4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#ecf0f8;border-radius:18px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:30px;padding:24px 28px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12.5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WHAT HELPS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.568), 19px);line-height:1.7\">\n<li>Take breaks from dancing, somewhere cooler, even when you don&#8217;t feel hot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sip water or a soft drink rather than drinking lots at once.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan an easy next day, with food, sleep and people you like.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"cocaine-and-the-heart\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Cocaine and the heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Snorted cocaine works within minutes, and the high is short, often around half an hour. That&#8217;s part of what makes it hard: the urge to take more comes back fast, and one line can turn into a whole night of them before you&#8217;ve really decided anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">It&#8217;s hard on the heart. <strong class=\"eqb\">Even healthy young people can have a seizure, a heart attack or a stroke<\/strong> on it, so &#8220;I&#8217;m young and fit&#8221; doesn&#8217;t protect you. Chest pain on cocaine sends many people to the emergency room, and it&#8217;s always worth getting checked rather than hoping it passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Sharing a straw can pass on infections such as hepatitis C and HIV. Use your own, and not a rolled-up banknote, which can cut the inside of your nose (I know, it&#8217;s less cool).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"ketamine-numb-and-then-some\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Ketamine: numb, and then some<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Ketamine makes you feel detached from your body and your surroundings. Take more and you may not be able to move or speak for a while. People call this a <em class=\"eqi\">k-hole<\/em>, and it can be frightening, even if you&#8217;ve been before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most of the danger comes from the numbness. People hurt themselves without feeling it, fall, or choke if they vomit while they can&#8217;t move. The risk is much higher with alcohol or other drugs that slow you down. <strong class=\"eqb\">If a friend on ketamine is asleep or can&#8217;t move, put them on their side.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you use it regularly and it&#8217;s started to hurt when you pee, you need to go all the time, or you&#8217;ve seen blood, please don&#8217;t be embarrassed to see a doctor. It feels like a urine infection that won&#8217;t clear, but it&#8217;s the bladder being damaged, and it can become serious enough to need surgery. It&#8217;s a known problem, and telling them you use ketamine helps them help you. Feeling low for a few days afterwards is also common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"psychedelics-and-why-the-setting-matters\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Psychedelics and why the setting matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">LSD and magic mushrooms change how you see, hear and think. LSD can last up to 12 hours, and mushrooms up to around 6. Once it starts, you can&#8217;t make it stop early, so where you are and who you&#8217;re with matter a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Drug advice services say that <strong class=\"eqb\">having a <em class=\"eqi\">trip sitter<\/em> is one of the most effective ways to stay safe on psychedelics<\/strong>. A trip sitter is a friend who stays sober and stays with you. They also advise against taking psychedelics when you&#8217;re already feeling low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">A frightening trip isn&#8217;t the same as an overdose<\/strong>, and it usually passes as the drug wears off. If a friend is panicking, you don&#8217;t need to fix it. Take them somewhere quiet, away from crowds, lights and noise, help them breathe slowly, and stay. A calm voice helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most of the physical danger comes from what people do while tripping, and the deaths linked to LSD are mostly accidents, such as falls or car crashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bd3116f4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#ecf0f8;border-radius:18px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:30px;padding:24px 28px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12.5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WHAT HELPS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.568), 19px);line-height:1.7\">\n<li>Choose a safe place you know, away from roads and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a sober friend there for the whole trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you&#8217;re already feeling low, give it a miss that day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-fl\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">If nothing seems to be happening, wait. It may simply not have kicked in yet. For edibles, the Australian service advises at least 4 hours before deciding whether to take more.<\/p><\/aside><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-plc\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">If nothing seems to be happening, it may simply not have kicked in yet.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">04<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M10.5 19.5l9-9a4.24 4.24 0 0 0-6-6l-9 9a4.24 4.24 0 0 0 6 6zM8 10l6 6\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part four of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-4\">Why one pill is never just one pill<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">Strength, fake medicines, hidden opioids and what testing can tell you<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-pl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-plk wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">In plain words<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most of us think a pill is one dose. It usually isn\u2019t. In Europe, the average ecstasy pill roughly doubled in strength between 2011 and 2019, and much stronger ones are still around. <strong class=\"eqb\">Two pills with the same logo can be completely different<\/strong>, and online reports about a logo can\u2019t tell you about the pill in your hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most ecstasy tested in Europe turns out to be pure MDMA, so the bigger danger now is strength. A pure pill can still be far too strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">That\u2019s why drug advice services all warn people to be careful with strength. <strong class=\"eqb\">The safest amount is always less than people think.<\/strong> UK and Australian services warn against taking more before the first has had time to kick in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This article gives no doses on purpose. Nobody knows what\u2019s in street drugs or how strong they are, so a number would only give false confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Fake medicines look exactly like real painkillers, anxiety pills or ADHD pills, but they can contain something much stronger. <strong class=\"eqb\">Any medicine that didn\u2019t come from a pharmacy with your name on the label is an unknown drug, however real it looks.<\/strong> That includes pills bought online, and pills from a friend you trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Fentanyl is a lab-made opioid, much stronger than heroin. In North America it turns up in heroin, in fake pills and sometimes in other drugs, and in parts of the US and Canada it is often mixed with animal sedatives such as xylazine or medetomidine. Naloxone doesn\u2019t reverse those sedatives, but give it anyway, because the opioid is almost always there too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">In Europe a newer group called nitazenes is spreading, and some are hundreds of times stronger than heroin. People who don\u2019t usually take opioids are most at risk, because their bodies aren\u2019t used to them at all. <strong class=\"eqb\">A line of cocaine or a pill with a hidden opioid in it can stop someone breathing<\/strong>, even if they\u2019ve taken the same thing before without a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If opioids could be in what you have, <strong class=\"eqb\">don\u2019t use alone<\/strong>. Keep naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, nearby, and make sure your friends know where it is. Part six explains how it works and where to get it. A drug-checking service can also help, where there\u2019s one nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Drug checking means handing a small sample to a service that tests what\u2019s in it. Some countries have these services and many don\u2019t. If a test finds something dangerous, listen to it, even though you\u2019ve paid and your friends are waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Fentanyl test strips, found mostly in North America, can give false alarms and miss some types of fentanyl. Nitazenes need separate strips, and those miss some too. No study has yet shown that the strips prevent overdoses. <strong class=\"eqb\">A test can tell you to be more careful. It can never tell you that something is safe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"stronger-than-people-expect\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Stronger than people expect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most of us assume a pill is one dose. It usually isn&#8217;t. In Europe, the average ecstasy pill roughly doubled in strength between 2011 and 2019, and much stronger ones are still around. A UK drug-checking charity puts it simply: &#8220;<strong class=\"eqb\">A single pill is likely to be more than a single dose.<\/strong>&#8220;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">What a pill looks like tells you almost nothing. Two pills with the same logo can be completely different in strength and content. Online reports about a logo don&#8217;t help either, because your pill may not be the one someone else tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">In Europe, most ecstasy that gets tested turns out to be pure MDMA. The bigger danger now is strength, not what it was cut with. A pure pill can still be far too strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">That&#8217;s why the drug advice services all say the same thing: <strong class=\"eqb\">start low and wait<\/strong>. FRANK suggests taking &#8220;half or even a quarter of the pill&#8221; and waiting for it to kick in before taking any more. UK and Australian services suggest waiting at least 90 minutes to two hours before taking more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">You won&#8217;t find doses in this article, and that&#8217;s on purpose. With street drugs, nobody really knows what&#8217;s in them or how strong they are, so a number would only give you false confidence. <strong class=\"eqb\">The safest amount is always less than you think, and waiting is the rule.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">It can feel awkward to take less than your friends, or to wait while they don&#8217;t. That&#8217;s fine. Taking too little is a much easier mistake to live with than taking too much!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"fake-medicines-look-real\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Fake medicines look real<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Fake medicines are a growing danger, and they&#8217;re very convincing. They look exactly like real painkillers, anxiety pills such as Xanax, or ADHD pills such as Adderall, but they can contain something much stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Because they look real, they feel safe, and that&#8217;s the trap. The US Drug Enforcement Administration warns: &#8220;Never trust your own eyes to determine if a pill is legitimate.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">So treat it this way: <strong class=\"eqb\">a medicine that didn&#8217;t come from a pharmacy, with your name on the label, is an unknown drug, however familiar it looks<\/strong>. That includes pills bought online and pills from a friend who swears they&#8217;re real, even a friend you trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"fentanyl-and-the-new-synthetic-opioids\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Fentanyl and the new synthetic opioids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Fentanyl is a lab-made opioid, much stronger than heroin. In North America it now turns up in heroin, in fake pills and sometimes in other drugs, and in parts of the US and Canada it is often mixed with animal sedatives such as xylazine or medetomidine. Naloxone doesn&#8217;t reverse those sedatives, but give it anyway, because the opioid is almost always there too. In Europe a newer group, the <em class=\"eqi\">nitazenes<\/em>, is spreading, and some are hundreds of times stronger than heroin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The risk is greatest for people who don&#8217;t normally take <span class=\"gl\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-describedby=\"gd-2\"><em class=\"eqi\">opioids<\/em><span class=\"gd\" role=\"tooltip\" id=\"gd-2\"><b>opioids<\/b>A family of drugs that relieve pain and slow breathing, including heroin, fentanyl and painkillers such as codeine, tramadol and oxycodone. Too much can stop someone breathing.<\/span><\/span>, because their bodies have no tolerance at all. <strong class=\"eqb\">A line of cocaine or a pill with a hidden opioid in it can stop someone breathing<\/strong>, even if they&#8217;ve taken the same thing before without a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bd3116f4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#ecf0f8;border-radius:18px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:30px;padding:24px 28px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12.5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WHAT HELPS, IF OPIOIDS COULD BE IN WHAT YOU HAVE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.568), 19px);line-height:1.7\">\n<li>Start with a very small amount.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t use alone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep <span class=\"gl\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-describedby=\"gd-3\"><em class=\"eqi\">naloxone<\/em><span class=\"gd\" role=\"tooltip\" id=\"gd-3\"><b>naloxone<\/b>A medicine that reverses an opioid overdose for long enough to get help, given as a nasal spray or an injection. Part six explains how to use it and where to get it.<\/span><\/span> nearby, and make sure your friends know where it is. Part six explains it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a drug-checking service if there&#8217;s one near you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"testing-your-drugs-what-it-can-and-cannot-tell-you\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Testing your drugs: what it can and cannot tell you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Drug checking means handing a small sample to a service that tests what&#8217;s in it, and often how strong it is. Some countries have these services and many don&#8217;t, so it&#8217;s worth finding out what exists where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A test only helps if you act on it. In studies, an unexpected or dangerous result changes what many people do, but not everyone throws the drug away. It&#8217;s understandable, because you&#8217;ve paid for it and your friends are waiting, but a bad result is exactly the moment to listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Fentanyl test strips are small paper strips, mostly available in North America, that show whether a sample contains fentanyl. They&#8217;re cheap, quick and accurate in the lab. But they can give false alarms, they miss some types of fentanyl, and nitazenes need separate strips of their own, which also miss some. No study has yet shown that the strips prevent overdoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">A test can tell you to be more careful. It can never tell you that something is safe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-fl\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">You can&#8217;t tell how strong a pill is, or what&#8217;s in it, by looking at it. Take a small part first and wait. The rest will still be there later, and taking too little is a much easier mistake to live with than taking too much.<\/p><\/aside><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-plc\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">You can\u2019t tell how strong a pill is, or what\u2019s in it, by looking at it.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">05<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M9 16a6 6 0 1 0 0-12 6 6 0 0 0 0 12zM15 20a6 6 0 1 0 0-12 6 6 0 0 0 0 12z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part five of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-5\">What should never be mixed<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">The combinations behind most emergencies<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-pl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-plk wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">In plain words<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Most drug emergencies involve more than one thing. A few drinks at dinner, something at the party, then a pill to help you sleep. <strong class=\"eqb\">Each one alone might have been fine. Together, they can stop someone breathing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">The biggest danger in this whole article is taking two or more drugs that slow the body down.<\/strong> These are opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, GHB, and the nerve-pain medicines pregabalin and gabapentin. Each one slows your breathing, and together the effect adds up, sometimes by more than you\u2019d expect. With opioids and benzodiazepines, the risk is highest in the first days of taking them together. Alcohol counts, even though it\u2019s legal, and so do medicines from a pharmacy. If you\u2019ve been drinking, the pill that \u201chelps you sleep\u201d is the one to skip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Two uppers together, like cocaine with MDMA or speed, strain the heart and make anxiety and paranoia more likely. <strong class=\"eqb\">Cocaine makes you feel less drunk than you are, so people drink more.<\/strong> The two also combine in your body into a new substance that lasts longer than cocaine. Research hasn\u2019t settled how harmful it is, but the advice is still to avoid the mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Cocaine with an opioid is dangerous too. The cocaine hides how drowsy the opioid has made someone. When the cocaine wears off first, the opioid is still working, and breathing can slow or stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you take a prescribed medicine, how it mixes with a night out depends on which one. The most common antidepressants, called SSRIs, mostly weaken MDMA, and the danger is taking more to chase a high that isn\u2019t coming. An older type of antidepressant, <strong class=\"eqb\">the MAOIs, is genuinely dangerous with MDMA<\/strong>, and people have died. MAOIs stay in the body for up to two weeks after you stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Tramadol, a prescription painkiller, can cause seizures, and the risk goes up with MDMA, cocaine or antidepressants. Lithium, used for bipolar disorder, has been linked to seizures with LSD or magic mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A pharmacist can tell you how your medicine mixes with other drugs, and it\u2019s an ordinary question to ask. <strong class=\"eqb\">Please don\u2019t stop your own medicine to make room for a night out.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The checker below lets you look up two drugs together. If a pair isn\u2019t on it, that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s safe.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"most-emergencies-involve-more-than-one-thing\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Most emergencies involve more than one thing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Picture a long night: a few drinks at dinner, something at the party, and at three in the morning a pill that someone says will help you sleep. None of it feels like a big decision. <strong class=\"eqb\">Each one alone might have been fine. Together, they can stop someone breathing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This pattern is behind a large share of drug deaths. It&#8217;s also one of the easiest things to change, because it doesn&#8217;t depend on what&#8217;s in the drug. It depends on what you take together. The figure below lets you check two drugs against each other. If a pair isn&#8217;t on it, that doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s safe.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:48px\"><figure class=\"ra-fig dr-f dr-mx\" id=\"dr-mx\"><div class=\"hd\"><p class=\"ti\">Don\u2019t mix<\/p><p class=\"q\">Check two drugs against each other<\/p><\/div><div class=\"sel\"><label for=\"dr-mx-a\">First<\/label><select id=\"dr-mx-a\"><option value=\"alcohol\">alcohol<\/option><option value=\"opioids\" selected>opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers)<\/option><option value=\"tramadol\">tramadol<\/option><option value=\"benzos\">benzodiazepines<\/option><option value=\"ghb\">GHB or GBL<\/option><option value=\"gaba\">pregabalin or gabapentin<\/option><option value=\"ketamine\">ketamine<\/option><option value=\"cocaine\">cocaine<\/option><option value=\"mdma\">MDMA<\/option><option value=\"amph\">amphetamines or ADHD medicine<\/option><option value=\"psy\">LSD or magic mushrooms<\/option><option value=\"cannabis\">cannabis<\/option><option value=\"ssri\">SSRI antidepressants<\/option><option value=\"maoi\">MAOI antidepressants<\/option><option value=\"lithium\">lithium<\/option><\/select><label for=\"dr-mx-b\">Second<\/label><select id=\"dr-mx-b\"><option value=\"alcohol\">alcohol<\/option><option value=\"opioids\">opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers)<\/option><option value=\"tramadol\">tramadol<\/option><option value=\"benzos\" selected>benzodiazepines<\/option><option value=\"ghb\">GHB or GBL<\/option><option value=\"gaba\">pregabalin or gabapentin<\/option><option value=\"ketamine\">ketamine<\/option><option value=\"cocaine\">cocaine<\/option><option value=\"mdma\">MDMA<\/option><option value=\"amph\">amphetamines or ADHD medicine<\/option><option value=\"psy\">LSD or magic mushrooms<\/option><option value=\"cannabis\">cannabis<\/option><option value=\"ssri\">SSRI antidepressants<\/option><option value=\"maoi\">MAOI antidepressants<\/option><option value=\"lithium\">lithium<\/option><\/select><\/div><div class=\"res lv-d\" id=\"dr-mx-r\" aria-live=\"polite\"><p class=\"lv\" id=\"dr-mx-l\">Dangerous<\/p><p class=\"wt\" id=\"dr-mx-w\">Both slow breathing, and together the effect adds up. The risk is highest in the first days of taking them together.<\/p><p class=\"so\" id=\"dr-mx-s\">Source: US FDA; Hernandez 2018<\/p><\/div><details class=\"all\"><summary>Every pair on this chart<\/summary><ul><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers) with benzodiazepines<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers) with alcohol<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers) with GHB or GBL<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers) with pregabalin or gabapentin<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers) with ketamine<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">opioids (heroin, fentanyl, painkillers) with cocaine<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">benzodiazepines with alcohol<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">benzodiazepines with GHB or GBL<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">benzodiazepines with ketamine<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">GHB or GBL with alcohol<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">ketamine with alcohol<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">MDMA with MAOI antidepressants<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">tramadol with MDMA<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">tramadol with cocaine<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">tramadol with amphetamines or ADHD medicine<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">tramadol with SSRI antidepressants<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-d\"><span class=\"lv\">Dangerous<\/span><span class=\"pr\">LSD or magic mushrooms with lithium<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-c\"><span class=\"lv\">Take extra care<\/span><span class=\"pr\">cocaine with alcohol<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-c\"><span class=\"lv\">Take extra care<\/span><span class=\"pr\">cocaine with MDMA<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-c\"><span class=\"lv\">Take extra care<\/span><span class=\"pr\">cocaine with amphetamines or ADHD medicine<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-c\"><span class=\"lv\">Take extra care<\/span><span class=\"pr\">MDMA with amphetamines or ADHD medicine<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-c\"><span class=\"lv\">Take extra care<\/span><span class=\"pr\">MDMA with SSRI antidepressants<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-c\"><span class=\"lv\">Take extra care<\/span><span class=\"pr\">amphetamines or ADHD medicine with alcohol<\/span><\/li><li class=\"lv-c\"><span class=\"lv\">Take extra care<\/span><span class=\"pr\">cannabis with alcohol<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/details><figcaption>The pairs the sources rate as dangerous or as needing extra care. The most dangerous are drugs that slow the body down taken together: opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, GHB, and pregabalin or gabapentin. A pair that is not on this chart has not been shown to be safe. It simply is not one the sources rate.<\/figcaption><\/figure><script>(function(){var M=[[\"opioids\",\"benzos\",\"d\",\"Both slow breathing, and together the effect adds up. The risk is highest in the first days of taking them together.\",\"US FDA; Hernandez 2018\"],[\"opioids\",\"alcohol\",\"d\",\"Alcohol deepens the way opioids slow breathing.\",\"WHO; FRANK, UK\"],[\"opioids\",\"ghb\",\"d\",\"Both slow breathing, and together the effect adds up.\",\"FRANK, UK; Mir\u00f3 2017\"],[\"opioids\",\"gaba\",\"d\",\"A higher risk of breathing problems and of dying from an overdose.\",\"US FDA; UK MHRA; Gomes 2017\"],[\"opioids\",\"ketamine\",\"d\",\"Vomiting while too sedated to keep the airway clear, and unconsciousness.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"opioids\",\"cocaine\",\"d\",\"The cocaine can hide how sedated someone is. When it wears off first, breathing can slow or stop.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"benzos\",\"alcohol\",\"d\",\"Two sedatives together: blackouts, unconsciousness and slowed breathing.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"benzos\",\"ghb\",\"d\",\"Both slow breathing, and together the effect adds up.\",\"FRANK, UK; Mir\u00f3 2017\"],[\"benzos\",\"ketamine\",\"d\",\"Vomiting while too sedated to keep the airway clear, and unconsciousness.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"ghb\",\"alcohol\",\"d\",\"People can fall unconscious quickly, and emergencies with both are more severe.\",\"FRANK, UK; Mir\u00f3 2017\"],[\"ketamine\",\"alcohol\",\"d\",\"Vomiting while too sedated to keep the airway clear, and unconsciousness.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"mdma\",\"maoi\",\"d\",\"A dangerous overload of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, and deaths have been recorded. MAOIs stay active for up to two weeks after stopping.\",\"Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia; Vuori 2003\"],[\"tramadol\",\"mdma\",\"d\",\"A raised risk of seizures.\",\"Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia\"],[\"tramadol\",\"cocaine\",\"d\",\"A raised risk of seizures.\",\"Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia\"],[\"tramadol\",\"amph\",\"d\",\"A raised risk of seizures.\",\"Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia\"],[\"tramadol\",\"ssri\",\"d\",\"A dangerous overload of serotonin, and seizures.\",\"Hassamal 2018\"],[\"psy\",\"lithium\",\"d\",\"Seizures have been reported. This comes from people's own reports, not from a measured rate.\",\"Nayak 2021\"],[\"cocaine\",\"alcohol\",\"c\",\"Cocaine can make you feel less drunk, so people drink more, and heart rate rises more than with either alone.\",\"Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia; Pennings 2002\"],[\"cocaine\",\"mdma\",\"c\",\"Extra strain on the heart, and anxiety and paranoia are more likely.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"cocaine\",\"amph\",\"c\",\"Extra strain on the heart, and anxiety and paranoia are more likely.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"mdma\",\"amph\",\"c\",\"Extra strain on the heart, and anxiety and paranoia are more likely.\",\"FRANK, UK\"],[\"mdma\",\"ssri\",\"c\",\"Usually weakens the effect of the MDMA. The danger is taking more to chase a high that is not coming.\",\"Farr\u00e9 2007; Sarparast 2022\"],[\"amph\",\"alcohol\",\"c\",\"You may feel less drunk than you are and drink more, which raises the risk of alcohol poisoning.\",\"Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia\"],[\"cannabis\",\"alcohol\",\"c\",\"Much more impaired than with either alone, especially for driving.\",\"Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines\"]];var a=document.getElementById(\"dr-mx-a\"),b=document.getElementById(\"dr-mx-b\");if(!a){return;}var r=document.getElementById(\"dr-mx-r\"),l=document.getElementById(\"dr-mx-l\"),w=document.getElementById(\"dr-mx-w\"),s=document.getElementById(\"dr-mx-s\");function find(x,y){for(var i=0;i<M.length;i++){if(M[i][0]===x){if(M[i][1]===y){return M[i];}}if(M[i][0]===y){if(M[i][1]===x){return M[i];}}}return null;}function go(){var x=a.value,y=b.value,m;if(x===y){r.className=\"res lv-n\";l.textContent=\"Choose two different drugs\";w.textContent=\"Taking more of the same drug is covered in parts three and four: take a small amount and wait.\";s.textContent=\"\";return;}m=find(x,y);if(!m){if(x===\"tramadol\"){m=find(\"opioids\",y);}}if(!m){if(y===\"tramadol\"){m=find(x,\"opioids\");}}if(!m){r.className=\"res lv-n\";l.textContent=\"Not on this chart\";w.textContent=\"The sources used here do not rate this pair. That does not mean it is safe. A pharmacist can tell you about a specific medicine.\";s.textContent=\"\";return;}r.className=\"res \"+(m[2]===\"d\"?\"lv-d\":\"lv-c\");l.textContent=m[2]===\"d\"?\"Dangerous\":\"Take extra care\";w.textContent=m[3];s.textContent=\"Source: \"+m[4];}a.addEventListener(\"change\",go);b.addEventListener(\"change\",go);})();\/*>*\/<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"downers-together-the-most-dangerous-mix\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Downers together: the most dangerous mix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">The single biggest danger in this article is taking two or more drugs that slow the body down.<\/strong> These include opioids, benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium, alcohol, GHB, and the nerve-pain medicines pregabalin and gabapentin. Each one slows your breathing. Together, the effect adds up, and sometimes more than adds up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">With opioids and benzodiazepines, the risk is highest when the combination is new, in the first days of taking them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Pregabalin and gabapentin are easy to overlook because they&#8217;re ordinary prescription medicines, and <a href=\"\/alcohol-101\/#mixing-alcohol-with-other-drugs\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">alcohol is easy to overlook because it&#8217;s legal<\/a>. All three belong on this list. If you&#8217;ve been drinking, the pill that &#8220;helps you sleep&#8221; is the one to skip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"uppers-together-and-uppers-with-alcohol\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Uppers together, and uppers with alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Taking two <span class=\"gl\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-describedby=\"gd-4\"><em class=\"eqi\">stimulants<\/em><span class=\"gd\" role=\"tooltip\" id=\"gd-4\"><b>stimulants<\/b>Drugs that speed the body and mind up, raising heart rate and alertness. Cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines and ADHD medicines are all stimulants.<\/span><\/span> together, such as cocaine with MDMA or speed, puts extra strain on the heart and makes anxiety and paranoia more likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Cocaine and alcohol are a very common mix, and you&#8217;ve probably seen why: <strong class=\"eqb\">cocaine makes you feel less drunk than you are, so people drink more<\/strong>. The two also combine in the body into a new substance, <em class=\"eqi\">cocaethylene<\/em>, which lasts longer than cocaine. You may read that it&#8217;s many times more toxic. The research is less certain than that, but the advice to avoid the combination still stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Cocaine with an opioid, called a <em class=\"eqi\">speedball<\/em>, is dangerous in a quieter way. The cocaine hides how sedated someone is. When it wears off first, the opioid is still working, and breathing can slow or stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"antidepressants-lithium-and-other-medicines\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Antidepressants, lithium and other medicines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you take a prescribed medicine, you might be worried about how it mixes with a night out. That&#8217;s a sensible worry, and the answer depends on which medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The most common antidepressants, the SSRIs, mostly weaken the effect of MDMA. The danger is taking more to chase a high that isn&#8217;t coming. An older type of antidepressant, <strong class=\"eqb\">the MAOIs, is genuinely dangerous with MDMA<\/strong>, and people have died. They stay in the body for up to two weeks after you stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Tramadol, a prescription painkiller, can cause seizures, and the risk goes up with MDMA, cocaine or antidepressants. Lithium, used for bipolar disorder, has been linked to seizures with LSD or magic mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you take any regular medicine, a pharmacist can tell you how it interacts with other drugs, and it&#8217;s an ordinary question to ask. <strong class=\"eqb\">Please don&#8217;t stop your own medicine to make room for a night out.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-keep\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">Two drugs that slow you down, taken together, are the mix most likely to stop someone breathing. That includes alcohol, and it includes medicines from a pharmacy.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">06<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M3 12h4l2.5-6 4 12 2.5-6H21\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part six of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-6\">If it goes wrong<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">What an overdose looks like, and what to do, in order<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"what-an-overdose-looks-like\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">What an overdose looks like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This part is for the friend on the couch, and for you, sitting next to them, trying to work out whether to worry. <strong class=\"eqb\">Snoring or gurgling from someone who can&#8217;t be woken<\/strong> is one of the most important warning signs there is. It can mean their breathing is failing. People often mistake it for deep sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The signs depend on the drug. With opioids and other downers, the person is very sleepy or can&#8217;t be woken, their breathing is slow or noisy, and their lips or fingertips may turn blue or gray. With stimulants and MDMA it looks the opposite: overheating, a racing heart, chest pain, confusion or a seizure. The figure below shows the signs for each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">If you&#8217;re not sure whether someone is just very high or in danger, treat it as an overdose.<\/strong> You won&#8217;t be overreacting! Call your local emergency number: 112 in the European Union, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US and Canada, 000 in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:48px\"><figure class=\"ra-fig dr-f dr-od\" id=\"dr-od\"><div class=\"hd\"><p class=\"ti\">Is it an overdose?<\/p><p class=\"q\">The signs depend on the drug<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-chips\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Type of drug\"><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"down\" aria-pressed=\"true\">opioids and other downers<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"up\" aria-pressed=\"false\">stimulants<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-k=\"heat\" aria-pressed=\"false\">overheating on MDMA<\/button><\/div><div class=\"pns\"><section class=\"pn\" data-k=\"down\"><p class=\"nm\">Opioids and other downers<\/p><p class=\"wh\">Heroin, fentanyl, painkillers, benzodiazepines, GHB<\/p><div class=\"cols\"><div><p class=\"sub\">Signs<\/p><ul class=\"sg\"><li>cannot be woken, or does not respond<\/li><li>slow, shallow or stopped breathing<\/li><li>snoring, gurgling or choking sounds<\/li><li>very small, pinpoint pupils<\/li><li>blue or gray lips and fingertips<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"so\">WHO; CDC, US; Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"sub\">First<\/p><ol class=\"ac\"><li>Call your local emergency number.<\/li><li>Give naloxone if opioids could be involved, even if you are not sure.<\/li><li>Breathing normally: recovery position. Not breathing normally: start CPR.<\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"pn\" data-k=\"up\"><p class=\"nm\">Stimulants<\/p><p class=\"wh\">Cocaine, amphetamines, ADHD medicine<\/p><div class=\"cols\"><div><p class=\"sub\">Signs<\/p><ul class=\"sg\"><li>chest pain or tightness, also in the arm, back, neck or jaw<\/li><li>a racing or irregular heartbeat<\/li><li>severe agitation, confusion or panic<\/li><li>hot, flushed or sweaty skin<\/li><li>a seizure, or not responding<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"so\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia; NIDA, US<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"sub\">First<\/p><ol class=\"ac\"><li>Call your local emergency number.<\/li><li>Keep them calm, somewhere quiet and cool.<\/li><li>If they stop responding but are breathing: recovery position.<\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"pn\" data-k=\"heat\"><p class=\"nm\">Overheating on MDMA<\/p><p class=\"wh\">MDMA, especially dancing in the heat<\/p><div class=\"cols\"><div><p class=\"sub\">Signs<\/p><ul class=\"sg\"><li>very hot, red skin, sometimes not sweating<\/li><li>confusion or disorientation<\/li><li>rigid muscles, or a seizure<\/li><li>a racing heart<\/li><li>vomiting<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"so\">Crew, Scotland; The Loop, UK; NHS, UK<\/p><\/div><div><p class=\"sub\">First<\/p><ol class=\"ac\"><li>Call your local emergency number.<\/li><li>Cool them: a cool, wet sheet, fanning, or sponging with cold water (NHS).<\/li><li>Stay with them until help arrives.<\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div><div class=\"strip\"><p class=\"rule\">If you aren\u2019t sure, treat it like an overdose. <span>CDC, US<\/span><\/p><p class=\"nums\"><span><b>112<\/b> European Union<\/span><span><b>999<\/b> UK<\/span><span><b>911<\/b> US and Canada<\/span><span><b>000<\/b> Australia<\/span><span>or your local emergency number<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"nx\"><p class=\"sub\">Why you stay after giving naloxone<\/p><div class=\"nr\"><p class=\"nl\">Naloxone lasts 30 to 120 minutes <span>Health Canada<\/span><\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nx-n\" style=\"left:0;width:10.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"nx-n fd\" style=\"left:10.00%;width:30.00%\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"nr\"><p class=\"nl\">Naloxone lasts about 30 to 90 minutes <span>Australian Government<\/span><\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nx-n\" style=\"left:0;width:10.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"nx-n fd\" style=\"left:10.00%;width:20.00%\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"nr\"><p class=\"nl\">Heroin\u2019s main effects last 3 to 5 hours <span>Alcohol and Drug Foundation<\/span><\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nx-o\" style=\"left:0;width:60.00%\"><\/span><span class=\"nx-o fd\" style=\"left:60.00%;width:40.00%\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"nr st\"><p class=\"nl\">Stay at least four hours <span>CDC, US<\/span><\/p><div class=\"tr\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"mk\" style=\"left:80.00%\"><\/i><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ax\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"a0\" style=\"left:0.00%\">0 min<\/span><span style=\"left:20.00%\">1 h<\/span><span style=\"left:40.00%\">2 h<\/span><span style=\"left:60.00%\">3 h<\/span><span style=\"left:80.00%\">4 h<\/span><span class=\"a1\" style=\"left:100.00%\">5 h<\/span><\/div><\/div><figcaption>Drugs that slow the body down cause overdoses that look like very deep sleep, with slow or noisy breathing. Stimulants and MDMA cause the opposite: overheating, a racing heart and chest pain. Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose for 30 to 120 minutes, and many opioids last longer, which is why someone who wakes up after naloxone still needs to be watched and still needs medical care.<\/figcaption><\/figure><script>(function(){var f=document.getElementById(\"dr-od\");if(!f){return;}var bs=f.querySelectorAll(\".dr-chips button\"),ps=f.querySelectorAll(\".pn\");function show(k){for(var i=0;i<ps.length;i++){ps[i].hidden=ps[i].getAttribute(\"data-k\")!==k;}for(var j=0;j<bs.length;j++){bs[j].setAttribute(\"aria-pressed\",bs[j].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===k?\"true\":\"false\");}}for(var i=0;i<bs.length;i++){bs[i].addEventListener(\"click\",function(){show(this.getAttribute(\"data-k\"));});}show(\"down\");})();\/*>*\/<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"what-to-do-in-order\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">What to do, in order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">You don&#8217;t need to be a medic to help. You need to do a few things, in this order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">First, call your local emergency number.<\/strong> Tell them what you think was taken, even if you&#8217;re not sure. If there are any drugs left, give them to the ambulance crew. It can help them treat the person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If opioids could be involved, give naloxone if you have it, even if you&#8217;re not sure. The next section explains it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If they&#8217;re breathing but won&#8217;t respond, put them in the recovery position: on their side, head tilted back. The drawing below shows how. It keeps their airway open and lets any vomit drain out. Keep checking their breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If they&#8217;re not breathing normally, start <span class=\"gl\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-describedby=\"gd-5\"><em class=\"eqi\">CPR<\/em><span class=\"gd\" role=\"tooltip\" id=\"gd-5\"><b>CPR<\/b>Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: pressing hard and fast on the middle of the chest, with rescue breaths if you have been trained, to keep blood moving until help arrives. An emergency call handler can talk you through it.<\/span><\/span>. The person on the emergency line can usually talk you through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Stay with them until help arrives. If they&#8217;re overheating, cool them down with a cool, wet sheet, a fan, or by sponging them with cold water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Don&#8217;t give them coffee, and don&#8217;t put them in a cold bath to wake them up. It wastes time, and they could drown. <strong class=\"eqb\">Don&#8217;t leave them alone to sleep it off!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you&#8217;ve been through this, it&#8217;s normal to feel shaken for days afterwards. Talk to someone about it. You did something hard.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:48px\"><figure class=\"ra-fig dr-f dr-rp\" id=\"dr-rp\"><svg width=\"0\" height=\"0\" style=\"position:absolute\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><defs><marker id=\"dr-ah\" viewBox=\"0 0 10 10\" refX=\"6\" refY=\"5\" markerWidth=\"6\" markerHeight=\"6\" orient=\"auto-start-reverse\"><path d=\"M0 0L10 5L0 10z\" class=\"ah\"\/><\/marker><linearGradient id=\"dr-floor\" x1=\"0\" y1=\"0\" x2=\"0\" y2=\"1\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#fbf9f5\"\/><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#ece6da\"\/><\/linearGradient><linearGradient id=\"dr-shirt\" x1=\"0\" y1=\"0\" x2=\"0\" y2=\"1\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#c3cfea\"\/><stop offset=\".45\" stop-color=\"#aebde0\"\/><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#8fa2cf\"\/><\/linearGradient><radialGradient id=\"dr-skin\" cx=\".38\" cy=\".35\" r=\".7\"><stop offset=\"0\" stop-color=\"#fbeadd\"\/><stop offset=\"1\" stop-color=\"#e6c6ae\"\/><\/radialGradient><filter id=\"dr-blur\" x=\"-50%\" y=\"-50%\" width=\"200%\" height=\"200%\"><feGaussianBlur stdDeviation=\"4\"\/><\/filter><\/defs><\/svg><div class=\"hd\"><p class=\"ti\">The recovery position<\/p><p class=\"q\">For someone who is breathing but will not respond<\/p><\/div><ol class=\"fr\"><li><svg viewBox=\"0 0 240 196\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Step 1\"><rect x=\"4\" y=\"4\" width=\"232\" height=\"188\" rx=\"14\" fill=\"url(#dr-floor)\" class=\"fl\"\/><ellipse cx=\"128\" cy=\"90\" rx=\"96\" ry=\"34\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"74,54 100,43\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"74,54 100,43\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"74,54 100,43\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"100,43 126,41\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"100,43 126,41\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"100,43 126,41\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"126\" cy=\"41\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"74,112 100,123\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"74,112 100,123\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"74,112 100,123\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"100,123 126,125\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"100,123 126,125\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"100,123 126,125\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"126\" cy=\"125\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 172,70 206,69\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 172,70 206,69\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 172,70 206,69\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"213\" cy=\"69\" rx=\"6\" ry=\"8.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"213\" cy=\"98\" rx=\"6\" ry=\"8.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><path d=\"M62 64 C62 55 70 52 79 52 L118 57 C128 58 136 63 136 72 L136 96 C136 105 128 109 118 110 L79 115 C70 115 62 112 62 103 Z\" fill=\"url(#dr-shirt)\" class=\"bdy\"\/><circle cx=\"44\" cy=\"83\" r=\"15\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M42 68 A15 15 0 0 0 42 98 A11 15 0 0 1 42 68z\" class=\"hr\"\/><g class=\"hp\"><ellipse cx=\"118\" cy=\"186\" rx=\"30\" ry=\"7\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"101,178 101.0,171.5 105,157\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"101,178 101.0,171.5 105,157\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"105\" cy=\"157\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"135,178 135.0,171.5 131,157\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"135,178 135.0,171.5 131,157\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"131\" cy=\"157\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><ellipse cx=\"118\" cy=\"181\" rx=\"23\" ry=\"9\" class=\"hb\"\/><circle cx=\"118\" cy=\"170\" r=\"10\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M108 170 A10 10 0 0 1 128 170 A10 6 0 0 0 108 170z\" class=\"hr\"\/><text x=\"148\" y=\"186\" class=\"yl\">you<\/text><\/g><\/svg><p class=\"cp\"><b>1<\/b>Kneel beside them and straighten their legs. Take off their glasses and anything bulky in their pockets.<\/p><\/li><li><svg viewBox=\"0 0 240 196\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Step 2\"><rect x=\"4\" y=\"4\" width=\"232\" height=\"188\" rx=\"14\" fill=\"url(#dr-floor)\" class=\"fl\"\/><ellipse cx=\"128\" cy=\"90\" rx=\"96\" ry=\"34\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"70,106 70,140\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,106 70,140\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,106 70,140\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"70,140 42,140\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,140 42,140\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,140 42,140\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"42\" cy=\"140\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 172,70 206,69\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 172,70 206,69\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 172,70 206,69\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"213\" cy=\"69\" rx=\"6\" ry=\"8.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"213\" cy=\"98\" rx=\"6\" ry=\"8.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><path d=\"M62 64 C62 55 70 52 79 52 L118 57 C128 58 136 63 136 72 L136 96 C136 105 128 109 118 110 L79 115 C70 115 62 112 62 103 Z\" fill=\"url(#dr-shirt)\" class=\"bdy\"\/><circle cx=\"44\" cy=\"83\" r=\"15\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M42 68 A15 15 0 0 0 42 98 A11 15 0 0 1 42 68z\" class=\"hr\"\/><polyline points=\"72,60 106,86\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"72,60 106,86\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"72,60 106,86\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"106,86 58,98\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"106,86 58,98\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"106,86 58,98\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"58\" cy=\"98\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><g class=\"hp\"><ellipse cx=\"100\" cy=\"186\" rx=\"30\" ry=\"7\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"83,178 83.0,171.5 87,157\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"83,178 83.0,171.5 87,157\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"87\" cy=\"157\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"117,178 117.0,171.5 113,157\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"117,178 117.0,171.5 113,157\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"113\" cy=\"157\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><ellipse cx=\"100\" cy=\"181\" rx=\"23\" ry=\"9\" class=\"hb\"\/><circle cx=\"100\" cy=\"170\" r=\"10\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M90 170 A10 10 0 0 1 110 170 A10 6 0 0 0 90 170z\" class=\"hr\"\/><text x=\"130\" y=\"186\" class=\"yl\">you<\/text><\/g><\/svg><p class=\"cp\"><b>2<\/b>Put the arm nearest you out at a right angle, elbow bent, palm up. Bring the other arm across their chest and hold the back of that hand against their cheek.<\/p><\/li><li><svg viewBox=\"0 0 240 196\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Step 3\"><rect x=\"4\" y=\"4\" width=\"232\" height=\"188\" rx=\"14\" fill=\"url(#dr-floor)\" class=\"fl\"\/><ellipse cx=\"128\" cy=\"90\" rx=\"96\" ry=\"34\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"70,106 70,140\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,106 70,140\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,106 70,140\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"70,140 42,140\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,140 42,140\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,140 42,140\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"42\" cy=\"140\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,95 172,97 206,98\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"213\" cy=\"98\" rx=\"6\" ry=\"8.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 166,46 172,84\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 166,46 172,84\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,72 166,46 172,84\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"176\" cy=\"88\" rx=\"9\" ry=\"5.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><path d=\"M62 64 C62 55 70 52 79 52 L118 57 C128 58 136 63 136 72 L136 96 C136 105 128 109 118 110 L79 115 C70 115 62 112 62 103 Z\" fill=\"url(#dr-shirt)\" class=\"bdy\"\/><circle cx=\"44\" cy=\"83\" r=\"15\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M42 68 A15 15 0 0 0 42 98 A11 15 0 0 1 42 68z\" class=\"hr\"\/><polyline points=\"72,60 106,86\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"72,60 106,86\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"72,60 106,86\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"106,86 58,98\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"106,86 58,98\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"106,86 58,98\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"58\" cy=\"98\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><circle cx=\"166\" cy=\"46\" r=\"5\" class=\"kn\"\/><path d=\"M196 38 C 220 66, 214 108, 190 132\" class=\"ar\" marker-end=\"url(#dr-ah)\"\/><g class=\"hp\"><ellipse cx=\"160\" cy=\"180\" rx=\"30\" ry=\"7\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"143,172 143.0,165.5 147,151\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"143,172 143.0,165.5 147,151\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"147\" cy=\"151\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"177,172 177.0,165.5 173,151\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"177,172 177.0,165.5 173,151\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"173\" cy=\"151\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><ellipse cx=\"160\" cy=\"175\" rx=\"23\" ry=\"9\" class=\"hb\"\/><circle cx=\"160\" cy=\"164\" r=\"10\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M150 164 A10 10 0 0 1 170 164 A10 6 0 0 0 150 164z\" class=\"hr\"\/><text x=\"190\" y=\"180\" class=\"yl\">you<\/text><\/g><\/svg><p class=\"cp\"><b>3<\/b>With your other hand, pull their far knee up so the foot is flat on the floor. Pull on that knee to roll them toward you, onto their side.<\/p><\/li><li><svg viewBox=\"0 0 240 196\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Step 4\"><rect x=\"4\" y=\"4\" width=\"232\" height=\"188\" rx=\"14\" fill=\"url(#dr-floor)\" class=\"fl\"\/><ellipse cx=\"124\" cy=\"100\" rx=\"92\" ry=\"26\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"70,104 70,138\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,104 70,138\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,104 70,138\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"70,138 42,138\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,138 42,138\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"70,138 42,138\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"42\" cy=\"138\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"134,86 174,85 208,84\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,86 174,85 208,84\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,86 174,85 208,84\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"214\" cy=\"84\" rx=\"8.5\" ry=\"5.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><polyline points=\"134,99 140,134 178,136\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:17.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,99 140,134 178,136\" class=\"tr\" style=\"stroke-width:14px\"\/><polyline points=\"134,99 140,134 178,136\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:4.2px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><ellipse cx=\"184\" cy=\"136\" rx=\"8.5\" ry=\"5.5\" class=\"sh\"\/><path d=\"M62 82 C62 75 68 72 76 72 L120 76 C130 77 136 81 136 87 L136 97 C136 103 130 106 120 107 L76 110 C68 110 62 107 62 101 Z\" fill=\"url(#dr-shirt)\" class=\"bdy\"\/><circle cx=\"44\" cy=\"96\" r=\"15\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M42 81 A15 15 0 0 0 42 111 A11 15 0 0 1 42 81z\" class=\"hr\"\/><polyline points=\"74,78 104,100\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:14.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"74,78 104,100\" class=\"sl\" style=\"stroke-width:11px\"\/><polyline points=\"74,78 104,100\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:3.3px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><polyline points=\"104,100 58,108\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:12px\"\/><polyline points=\"104,100 58,108\" class=\"sk\" style=\"stroke-width:8.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"104,100 58,108\" class=\"hl\" style=\"stroke-width:2.5px\" transform=\"translate(-0.8 -1.6)\"\/><circle cx=\"58\" cy=\"108\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><path d=\"M22 74 C 10 88, 12 102, 22 114\" class=\"ar\" marker-end=\"url(#dr-ah)\"\/><g class=\"hp\"><ellipse cx=\"84\" cy=\"186\" rx=\"30\" ry=\"7\" class=\"fs\" filter=\"url(#dr-blur)\"\/><polyline points=\"67,178 67.0,171.5 71,157\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"67,178 67.0,171.5 71,157\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"71\" cy=\"157\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><polyline points=\"101,178 101.0,171.5 97,157\" class=\"ol\" style=\"stroke-width:10.5px\"\/><polyline points=\"101,178 101.0,171.5 97,157\" class=\"hs\" style=\"stroke-width:7px\"\/><circle cx=\"97\" cy=\"157\" r=\"5.6\" class=\"hn\"\/><ellipse cx=\"84\" cy=\"181\" rx=\"23\" ry=\"9\" class=\"hb\"\/><circle cx=\"84\" cy=\"170\" r=\"10\" fill=\"url(#dr-skin)\" class=\"hd2\"\/><path d=\"M74 170 A10 10 0 0 1 94 170 A10 6 0 0 0 74 170z\" class=\"hr\"\/><text x=\"114\" y=\"186\" class=\"yl\">you<\/text><\/g><\/svg><p class=\"cp\"><b>4<\/b>Bend the top leg at a right angle. Tilt the head back and lift the chin so the airway stays open. Call for help, and keep checking their breathing.<\/p><\/li><\/ol><div class=\"vid\"><\/div><figcaption>The steps St John Ambulance teaches, which the NHS page on the recovery position now points to. On their side, with the head tilted back, the airway stays open and any vomit can drain out instead of blocking their breathing. If someone is not breathing normally, this is the wrong position: call for help and start CPR instead.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"naloxone-and-where-to-get-it\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Naloxone, and where to get it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Naloxone is a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose for long enough to get help. It comes as a nasal spray or an injection, and it takes very little training to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">It&#8217;s safe to give when you&#8217;re not sure.<\/strong> If the person hasn&#8217;t taken opioids, it does nothing. It won&#8217;t reverse other drugs, but give it anyway if opioids could be part of the mix. With the newest, strongest opioids, more than one dose may be needed. If they&#8217;re still not breathing normally 2 to 3 minutes after a dose, give another one if you have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">It wears off, often within half an hour to two hours, and many opioids last longer. So <strong class=\"eqb\">someone can stop breathing again after they seem fine<\/strong>. That&#8217;s why you stay with them, and why they still need medical care after they wake up, even if they tell you they&#8217;re okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">How you get naloxone depends on where you live. In the US it&#8217;s sold over the counter. In Canada most pharmacies give it without a prescription, and some provinces give it free. In Australia it&#8217;s free without a prescription. In the UK, drug services can hand it out. In Europe, availability differs by country, and many run take-home programs. You can&#8217;t give it to yourself, so if you carry it, tell your friends where it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"will-i-get-in-trouble-for-calling\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Will I get in trouble for calling?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If this is what&#8217;s making you hesitate, plenty of people feel the same, and it&#8217;s a fair question. In many places the law protects people who call for help in an overdose. And <strong class=\"eqb\">even where it doesn&#8217;t, calling is still the right thing to do<\/strong>. A life matters more than the trouble!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">In the US, every state has some kind of Good Samaritan law, although what it covers varies a lot. In Canada, the law protects the person who calls from charges of having drugs, whether they stay or leave. In the UK there&#8217;s no specific law, but ambulance crews usually don&#8217;t involve the police. Elsewhere, the rules vary, so find out what they are where you live before you need them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"never-using-alone\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Never using alone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Almost all overdose advice depends on one thing: someone else being there<\/strong>, who can notice, call for help, give naloxone and put you on your side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Sometimes that isn&#8217;t possible, and there&#8217;s no shame in that. Some countries have phone lines for exactly this moment. In the US, Never Use Alone stays on the line while you use and sends help if you stop answering. Canada&#8217;s National Overdose Response Service does the same.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-keep\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">If you&#8217;re not sure whether it&#8217;s an overdose, treat it like one. Call your local emergency number, give naloxone if opioids could be involved, and stay with them. You won&#8217;t be overreacting.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">07<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M7 8.5h10v11.5a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H8a1 1 0 0 1-1-1zM6 3.5h12v5H6zM10 14.5h4M12 12.5v4\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part seven of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-7\">When the pills came from a prescription<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">Someone else&#8217;s medicine, benzodiazepines, painkillers, and a break in use<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-pl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-plk wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">In plain words<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This part is about taking medicine meant for someone else, or taking your own differently from how you were told. <strong class=\"eqb\">If your own treatment for ADHD, anxiety or pain works for you, nothing here is a reason to stop<\/strong>, and any questions about it belong with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A real medicine contains what the label says. But how safe it is depends on who takes it, how much and with what, and that doesn\u2019t travel with the pill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A friend\u2019s ADHD pills can look like the answer in exam week. <strong class=\"eqb\">In healthy people, though, the boost is small at best.<\/strong> In one US study, students who used them didn\u2019t get better grades. The pills raise your heart rate and blood pressure, and they make it hard to sleep. The person they were prescribed for was checked for heart problems first, and you weren\u2019t. In the US, fakes sold online have been found to contain meth or fentanyl. Mixing them with alcohol makes them riskier, and anyone who takes them anyway is safer if someone else knows what they\u2019ve taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Benzodiazepines calm anxiety and help with sleep, and they\u2019re useful medicines in the short term. Dependence can start within days to weeks, even when you take them exactly as prescribed. That\u2019s how these medicines work, and it\u2019s no personal failing. <strong class=\"eqb\">Stopping suddenly after regular use can cause seizures, which can be life-threatening.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve been taking them regularly, you should come off slowly, with a doctor\u2019s help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Benzos bought outside a pharmacy vary in strength, and some fake ones now contain nitazenes. With opioids or alcohol, benzos are part of the most dangerous mix in part five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Leftover painkillers like codeine, tramadol and oxycodone can seem harmless because a doctor prescribed them. They carry the same overdose risk as other opioids, especially for someone who has never taken them before. Some painkillers mix codeine with paracetamol, which Americans call acetaminophen, or with ibuprofen or aspirin. <strong class=\"eqb\">Taking extra to feel more of the codeine means taking extra of the other painkiller too, and that can poison you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you\u2019ve been on an opioid painkiller for weeks, talk to your prescriber before stopping. Leftover medicine is safest out of the house, and in the US, take-back programs collect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Tolerance drops fast when someone stops, often within days. That makes the weeks after a break the most dangerous time, and it often comes just when someone has been working hard to change. The risk of dying is much higher in the first weeks after leaving prison, after detox, or after stopping treatment with methadone or buprenorphine. With opioids especially, <strong class=\"eqb\">the amount you used to take can now be enough to kill you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you go back after a break, don\u2019t use alone, and keep naloxone nearby if opioids are involved. Going back is no reason for shame, but it does need care.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"this-is-not-about-your-own-prescription\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">This is not about your own prescription<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">This part is about taking medicine that was meant for someone else, or taking your own in a different way from how you were told. It&#8217;s not about taking your own medicine the way your doctor intended. <strong class=\"eqb\">If your treatment for ADHD, anxiety or pain works for you, nothing here is a reason to stop<\/strong>, and any questions about it belong with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Prescription pills feel safer than street drugs. In one way they are, because a real medicine contains what the label says. But that safety depends on who takes it, how much, and with what. It doesn&#8217;t travel with the pill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"someone-elses-adhd-medicine\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Someone else&#8217;s ADHD medicine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Exam week, too much to do, and a friend offers you one of their ADHD pills. It&#8217;s easy to see why you&#8217;d say yes. The evidence is disappointing, though. <strong class=\"eqb\">In healthy people the boost is small at best<\/strong>, and in one US study, students who used them didn&#8217;t get better grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The costs are more reliable. These pills raise your heart rate and blood pressure, and they make it hard to sleep. The person they were prescribed for was checked for heart problems first, and you weren&#8217;t. In the US, fakes sold online have been found to contain meth or fentanyl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you take them anyway, start with a small amount, don&#8217;t mix them with alcohol, and tell someone what you&#8217;ve taken. And if you&#8217;re this stretched, the pressure deserves attention as much as the pill does. Our <a href=\"\/surprisingly-busy-business-of-sleeping\/\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">article on sleep<\/a> explains why an all-nighter is such a questionable strategy in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"benzodiazepines\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Benzodiazepines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, calm anxiety and help with sleep. If you&#8217;ve ever been prescribed one during a hard time, you&#8217;ll know how much relief they can bring. They&#8217;re useful medicines in the short term, but they carry two risks many people don&#8217;t know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The first is dependence, which can start within days to weeks, even when you take them exactly as prescribed. That isn&#8217;t a personal failing. It&#8217;s how these medicines work. The second follows from it: <strong class=\"eqb\">stopping suddenly after regular use can cause seizures, which can be life-threatening<\/strong>. If you&#8217;ve been taking them regularly, you should come off slowly, with a doctor&#8217;s help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Benzos bought outside a pharmacy are a different problem. Their strength is unpredictable, and some fake ones now contain nitazenes. FRANK&#8217;s advice, if you take a street benzo anyway, is to &#8220;try a small amount (half a pill) of it first and wait at least an hour&#8221;. With opioids or alcohol, they&#8217;re part of the most dangerous mix in part five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"opioid-painkillers\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Opioid painkillers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Leftover painkillers from an operation, or a few from a relative&#8217;s cabinet, can seem harmless because they came from a doctor. Codeine, tramadol and oxycodone relieve pain and make people relaxed and sleepy. They carry the same overdose risk as other opioids, especially if you&#8217;ve never taken them before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Some painkillers mix codeine with paracetamol, which Americans call acetaminophen, or with ibuprofen or aspirin. Taking extra to feel more of the codeine means taking extra of the other painkiller too, which can poison you. <strong class=\"eqb\">The ordinary painkiller becomes the dangerous part.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you&#8217;ve been on an opioid painkiller for weeks, talk to your prescriber before stopping. And leftover medicine is safest out of the house: in the US, take-back programs collect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"after-a-break-your-usual-amount-can-be-too-much\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">After a break, your usual amount can be too much<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><em class=\"eqi\">Tolerance<\/em> is how your body gets used to a drug, so the same amount does less. It builds up with regular use, and it drops surprisingly fast when you stop, often within days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">That makes the weeks after a break the most dangerous time of all, and it&#8217;s cruel timing, because it&#8217;s often when someone has been working hard to change. The risk of dying is much higher in the first weeks after leaving prison, after detox, or after stopping treatment with methadone or buprenorphine. With opioids especially, <strong class=\"eqb\">the amount you used to take can now be enough to kill you<\/strong>. Going back after a break is no reason for shame, but it does need care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bd3116f4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#ecf0f8;border-radius:18px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:30px;padding:24px 28px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12.5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">IF YOU GO BACK AFTER A BREAK<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.568), 19px);line-height:1.7\">\n<li>Start with much less than before.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t use alone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep naloxone nearby if opioids are involved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-keep\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">If you&#8217;ve been taking a benzodiazepine regularly, even exactly as prescribed, don&#8217;t stop suddenly. That isn&#8217;t a failing, it&#8217;s how these medicines work. Talk to a doctor about coming off slowly.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">08<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M12 21v-9M12 12c0-4.2 3.1-7.4 7.5-7.4 0 4.2-3.2 7.4-7.5 7.4zM12 14.6c0-3.3-2.6-5.9-6.3-5.9 0 3.3 2.6 5.9 6.3 5.9zM8 21h8\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part eight of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><i class=\"\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-8\">Your mind, and when it becomes a problem<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">Comedowns, psychosis, using to cope, and what helps<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-pl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-plk wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:38px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">In plain words<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">After MDMA, cocaine or ketamine, it\u2019s common to feel low, anxious or on edge for a day or a few days. Knowing that <strong class=\"eqb\">the low is the drug wearing off, and not the truth about your life<\/strong>, can make it easier to wait out. Be gentle with yourself while it passes. Pay attention if it lasts longer than a comedown should, keeps coming back, or you find yourself using again to get out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Low mood after using can make everything feel worse than it is. If you\u2019re having thoughts of harming yourself, please tell someone rather than carrying them alone. Our <a href=\"\/suicidal-thoughts\/#if-it-is-you\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">article on suicidal thoughts<\/a> says where to find someone to talk to, wherever you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Psychosis means losing touch with what\u2019s real, like hearing or seeing things that aren\u2019t there, or believing frightening things other people don\u2019t. Several drugs can trigger it. For most people it passes as the drug wears off, and for a smaller number it doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Cannabis has the clearest link. People who use strong cannabis every day are several times more likely to develop psychosis than people who never use it. The risk is highest with heavy use of strong cannabis started young, and in young men. Research can\u2019t fully prove that cannabis causes it, but the studies keep pointing the same way. LSD and mushrooms can trigger psychosis in people who are already vulnerable to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">So be most careful if you\u2019re young, or if psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder runs in your family. <strong class=\"eqb\">If you hear or see things that don\u2019t go away, or feel paranoid for days after using, see a doctor promptly.<\/strong> A first episode is worth following up even if it fades, and getting help early is nothing to be ashamed of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Sometimes using starts as fun and turns into the thing that gets you through, a way to take the edge off stress or to feel nothing for a night. About one in five people with depression or anxiety use alcohol or drugs to cope. It works in the moment. Over time, though, drugs can make anxiety and low mood worse, and that often eases once the drug use stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">You don\u2019t need to stop using before you get help for how you feel.<\/strong> International treatment guidelines say help for anxiety or depression should never wait for that. You can bring the using and the reasons into the same conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Using often isn\u2019t the same as having a problem.<\/strong> The World Health Organization says even daily use doesn\u2019t automatically mean dependence. A problem shows up as a change in how you relate to the drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">You use more than you meant to, or can\u2019t cut down when you try. You give up things you care about, or keep going even though it\u2019s hurting your health, your work or the people you love. You need more for the same effect, and you feel unwell when you stop. The private check below asks eleven plain questions. Nothing you tick is saved or sent anywhere, and it isn\u2019t a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Treatment works, and help doesn\u2019t have to wait for a crisis.<\/strong> For opioids, medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine have the strongest evidence, and they roughly halve the risk of dying. For cocaine and other uppers there\u2019s no approved medicine yet. What works best is a program that rewards people with vouchers or small prizes for negative drug tests. Talking therapies help too, and groups such as Narcotics Anonymous offer support from people who have been there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Recovery is common!<\/strong> In a large US survey, about one adult in eleven said they used to have a problem with alcohol or drugs and no longer did. Nearly half of them got there without treatment or a support group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A doctor is usually a good place to start. In many countries what you tell a doctor stays confidential, with a few exceptions such as serious risk to you or someone else. The rules vary, and it\u2019s fine to ask about confidentiality before you say anything. If you\u2019re worried about your use, or you\u2019ve started using to cope, that\u2019s reason enough to talk to someone.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-fl has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"comedowns-anxiety-and-low-mood\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Comedowns, anxiety and low mood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The day after can be hard. After MDMA, cocaine or ketamine, it&#8217;s common to feel low, anxious or on edge for a day or a few days. Knowing that <strong class=\"eqb\">a low is the drug wearing off, and not the truth about your life<\/strong>, can make it easier to wait out. Be gentle with yourself while it passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Pay attention if the low lasts longer than a comedown should, keeps coming back, or if you find yourself using again to get out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Low mood after using can make everything feel worse than it is. If you&#8217;re having thoughts of harming yourself, please tell someone rather than carrying them alone. Our <a href=\"\/suicidal-thoughts\/#if-it-is-you\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">article on suicidal thoughts<\/a> says where to find someone to talk to, wherever you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"psychosis-and-who-should-be-most-careful\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Psychosis, and who should be most careful<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><em class=\"eqi\">Psychosis<\/em> means losing touch with what is real: hearing or seeing things that aren&#8217;t there, or believing frightening things other people don&#8217;t. It&#8217;s terrifying to go through, and just as frightening to watch in a friend. Several drugs can trigger it. For most people it passes as the drug wears off. For a smaller number it doesn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Cannabis has the clearest evidence. People who use strong cannabis every day are several times more likely to develop psychosis than people who never use it. The risk is highest with heavy use of strong cannabis, started young, and in young men. The research can&#8217;t fully prove cause and effect, but it keeps pointing the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">LSD and mushrooms can trigger psychosis in people who are already vulnerable to it. That&#8217;s why research trials leave out anyone with a personal or family history of psychosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">So be most careful if psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder runs in your family, and if you&#8217;re young. <strong class=\"eqb\">If you hear or see things that don&#8217;t go away, or feel paranoid for days after using, see a doctor promptly.<\/strong> A first episode is worth following up, even if it fades, and getting help early is nothing to be ashamed of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"using-to-cope\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">Using to cope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Maybe it started as fun, and somewhere along the way it became the thing that gets you through. You might use it to take the edge off stress, to stop thinking for a while, or just to feel nothing for a night. If that&#8217;s you, there&#8217;s nothing strange about it. About one in five people with depression or anxiety use alcohol or drugs to cope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">It works in the moment, and that&#8217;s the trouble. Over time, drugs can make anxiety and low mood worse, and that often eases once the drug use stops. The relief becomes the reason to use, and the reason keeps growing. Our <a href=\"\/dopamine-addiction-everyday-habits\/\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">article on dopamine<\/a> explains that shift, from using for pleasure to using for relief, and why knowing it&#8217;s bad for you doesn&#8217;t stop the wanting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If this sounds familiar, <strong class=\"eqb\">you do not need to stop before getting help for how you feel<\/strong>. International treatment guidelines say help for anxiety or depression should never wait until someone has stopped using. You can bring all of it, the using and the reasons, into the same conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"when-use-becomes-a-problem\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">When use becomes a problem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Using a drug often is not the same as having a problem with it.<\/strong> The World Health Organization says so plainly: frequent or even daily use does not automatically mean dependence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">What marks a problem is a change in your relationship with the drug. You use more, or for longer, than you meant to. You try to cut down and don&#8217;t manage it. You give up things you used to care about, or carry on even though it&#8217;s hurting your health, your work or the people you love. You need more to get the same effect, and you feel unwell when you stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you&#8217;re asking yourself the question at all, that&#8217;s worth listening to. The check below turns those signs into eleven plain questions, based on the ones doctors use. Nothing you tick is saved or sent anywhere. It&#8217;s not a diagnosis. It&#8217;s there to help you see the pattern and find the right kind of help.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:40px;margin-bottom:48px\"><figure class=\"ra-fig dr-f dr-sc\" id=\"dr-sc\"><div class=\"hd\"><p class=\"ti\">A private check<\/p><p class=\"q\">In the past year, have you\u2026<\/p><\/div><ul class=\"ck\"><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"1\"\/><span>Used more, or for longer, than you meant to<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"2\"\/><span>Wanted to cut down or stop more than once, and could not<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"3\"\/><span>Spent a lot of time using, or getting over the effects<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"4\"\/><span>Wanted it so much that it was hard to think of anything else<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"5\"\/><span>Found that using, or being unwell from it, got in the way of home, work or study<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"6\"\/><span>Kept using even though it was causing trouble with family or friends<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"7\"\/><span>Given up or cut back on things you enjoyed or cared about, in order to use<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"8\"\/><span>More than once ended up in a risky situation while or after using, such as driving or unsafe sex<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"9\"\/><span>Kept using even though it made you feel low or anxious, or made another health problem worse<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"10\"\/><span>Needed much more to get the same effect, or found your usual amount did much less<\/span><\/label><\/li><li><label><input type=\"checkbox\" value=\"11\"\/><span>Felt unwell as it wore off, for example shaky, sweaty, sick or unable to sleep, or used again to stop that feeling<\/span><\/label><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"out\" aria-live=\"polite\"><p class=\"n\"><b id=\"dr-sc-n\">0<\/b> of 11<\/p><p class=\"bd\" id=\"dr-sc-b\">Tick any that apply. Nothing you tick is stored or sent anywhere.<\/p><p class=\"rt\" id=\"dr-sc-r\"><\/p><p class=\"wd\" id=\"dr-sc-w\" hidden>Feeling unwell when you stop can be a sign of physical dependence. If the drug is a benzodiazepine, GHB or an opioid, talk to a doctor before you stop or cut down, because coming off some of these suddenly can be dangerous.<\/p><\/div><figcaption>The eleven signs doctors use to recognize a drug problem, reworded so they fit any drug. Two or more in a year is where the criteria begin. Two or three count as mild, four or five as moderate, six or more as severe. This is not a diagnosis. Frequent use on its own is not dependence, and only a conversation with a professional can tell you what your answers mean.<\/figcaption><\/figure><script>(function(){var f=document.getElementById(\"dr-sc\");if(!f){return;}var c=f.querySelectorAll(\"input\"),n=document.getElementById(\"dr-sc-n\"),b=document.getElementById(\"dr-sc-b\"),r=document.getElementById(\"dr-sc-r\"),w=document.getElementById(\"dr-sc-w\");function go(){var k=0;for(var i=0;i<c.length;i++){if(c[i].checked){k++;}}n.textContent=k;if(k===0){b.textContent=\"Tick any that apply. Nothing you tick is stored or sent anywhere.\";r.textContent=\"\";}else if(k===1){b.textContent=\"One sign on its own is below where the criteria begin.\";r.textContent=\"If it still worries you, that is reason enough to talk to someone. Help does not have to wait for a problem to be severe.\";}else if(k<4){b.textContent=\"Two or three signs: the criteria would call this mild.\";r.textContent=\"This is a good time to talk it through, with a therapist or a doctor, while it is still easier to change.\";}else if(k<6){b.textContent=\"Four or five signs: the criteria would call this moderate.\";r.textContent=\"Talking to a doctor, a therapist or a drug service can help you decide what you want to change and how.\";}else{b.textContent=\"Six or more signs: the criteria would call this severe.\";r.textContent=\"Please talk to a doctor or a specialist drug service. Therapy can help alongside, and recovery from this is common.\";}w.hidden=!c[10].checked;}for(var i=0;i<c.length;i++){c[i].addEventListener(\"change\",go);}go();})();\/*>*\/<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"what-helps\" style=\"color:#233a68;margin-top:72px;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">What helps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-fl wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Reaching out about drugs can feel exposing, especially if you&#8217;ve been keeping it to yourself for a while. The first conversation is often the hardest part. <strong class=\"eqb\">Treatment works, and help doesn&#8217;t have to wait for a crisis.<\/strong> Most drug problems can be treated well when people can get the right kind of help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-fl wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">For opioids, medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine have the strongest evidence of any treatment, and they roughly halve the risk of dying. For stimulants such as cocaine, there&#8217;s no approved medicine yet, and what works best is <em class=\"eqi\">contingency management<\/em>, which rewards people with vouchers or small prizes for negative drug tests. Talking therapies help too. Cognitive behavioral therapy works better than no treatment, and motivational interviewing, a way of talking through what you want to change, can help a little, as a place to start. Groups such as Narcotics Anonymous offer support from people who have been there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-fl wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\"><strong class=\"eqb\">Recovery is common!<\/strong> In a large US survey, about one adult in eleven said they used to have a problem with alcohol or drugs and no longer did. Nearly half of them got there without treatment or a support group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family dr-fl wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">A doctor is usually a good place to start. In many countries what you tell a doctor stays confidential, with a few exceptions such as serious risk to you or someone else. The rules vary, and it&#8217;s fine to ask about confidentiality before you say anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Where drug use is a crime, or a record could reach your family, your job or your visa, telling a doctor can feel like a risk, and sometimes it is. Harm reduction services, where there&#8217;s one near you, usually don&#8217;t need your name or a promise to stop, and in many places a pharmacist will answer questions about medicines and mixes in confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">If you&#8217;d rather talk to someone else first, you can find the crisis lines for your country on <a href=\"\/crisis-helplines\/\" style=\"color:#34508c;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">our helplines page<\/a>. In the UK, FRANK is on 0300 123 6600. In the US, the SAMHSA National Helpline is free, confidential and open day and night on 1-800-662-4357. In Australia, the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is on 1800 250 015. Canada has no single national line, and Health Canada lists the services available.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp .eq-kp{display:grid;grid-template-columns:auto minmax(0,1fr);gap:4px 16px;align-items:start;background:#ecf0f8;border:0;border-left:4px solid #34508c;border-radius:4px 18px 18px 4px;padding:20px 26px;margin:6px 0 34px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:1\/3;width:40px;height:40px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;color:#34508c;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center}.eqp .eq-kp .mk svg{width:21px;height:21px}.eqp .eq-kp .k{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#34508c;margin:2px 0 4px}.eqp .eq-kp .t{font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:clamp(15px,calc(10.6px + .72vw),19px);font-weight:500;line-height:1.55;color:#2a2622;margin:0}@media(max-width:560px){.eqp .eq-kp{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr);padding:18px 20px}.eqp .eq-kp .mk{grid-row:auto;width:34px;height:34px}}<\/style><aside class=\"eq-kp dr-keep\"><span class=\"mk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.7\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M6.5 3.5h11a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v15.6a.5.5 0 0 1-.78.42L12 16.4l-5.72 4.12a.5.5 0 0 1-.78-.42V4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p class=\"k\">Worth remembering<\/p><p class=\"t\">You don&#8217;t have to hit rock bottom to deserve help. Worrying about your use, using to cope with how you feel, or wanting to cut down are all good reasons to talk to a doctor or therapist.<\/p><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:92px;margin-bottom:34px\"><div class=\"ra-part\"><div class=\"wm\" aria-hidden=\"true\">09<\/div><div class=\"ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M20 12.4c0 3.8-3.6 6.9-8 6.9-1 0-2-.2-2.9-.5L4 20.6l1.6-3.6A6.5 6.5 0 0 1 4 12.4c0-3.8 3.6-6.9 8-6.9s8 3.1 8 6.9zM10.2 10.3a1.9 1.9 0 1 1 2.5 1.8c-.5.2-.8.6-.8 1.1v.3M12 15.7v.1\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"tx\"><div class=\"meta\"><p class=\"lb\">Part nine of nine<\/p><span class=\"tk\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"past\"><\/i><i class=\"now\"><\/i><\/span><\/div><h2 id=\"part-9\">Everything else you were too afraid to ask<\/h2><p class=\"sb\">Short, plain answers to the questions people rarely say out loud<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">These are the questions people type into a search bar late at night, or ask a friend instead of a doctor. None of them is a silly question, and each has a short answer.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:20px\"><div class=\"ra-faq\" id=\"ra-faq\"><div class=\"all\"><button type=\"button\" id=\"ra-fa\">Open all<\/button><\/div><details id=\"q-1\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>What about laughing gas?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>Nitrous oxide, sold in small metal canisters and breathed in from balloons, works in seconds and wears off in a minute or two. That makes it seem harmless, but it isn&#8217;t. <strong class=\"eqb\">Breathing it can starve your body of oxygen, and people have died this way.<\/strong> The canisters are also cold enough to burn your skin.<\/p><p>Heavy, regular use causes a different problem. It stops your body using vitamin B12 properly, which can damage the nerves, even when a blood test shows normal B12. If you&#8217;ve noticed tingling, numbness or trouble walking after using it regularly, see a doctor and tell them about the nitrous. There is treatment, but recovery is often only partial, so don&#8217;t wait.<\/p><p>If you use it, sit down rather than standing or dancing, don&#8217;t use alone, take breaks in fresh air, never put anything over your head, and don&#8217;t mix it with alcohol or other drugs.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>Laughing gas works in seconds and wears off in a minute or two, so it can seem harmless. It isn\u2019t. <strong class=\"eqb\">Breathing it can starve your body of oxygen, and people have died this way.<\/strong> The canisters get cold enough to burn your skin.<\/p><p>Heavy, regular use stops your body using vitamin B12 properly, which can damage your nerves, even when a blood test shows normal B12. If you\u2019ve noticed tingling, numbness or trouble walking after using it regularly, see a doctor and tell them about the nitrous. There is treatment, but recovery is often only partial, so don\u2019t wait.<\/p><p>Never use it alone, and never put anything over your head. Standing or dancing on it, going without breaks in fresh air, and mixing it with alcohol or other drugs all make it more dangerous.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-2\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>What about GHB?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>GHB and GBL are drugs that slow the body down. They&#8217;re sometimes called geebs or liquid ecstasy, although they have nothing to do with ecstasy. The gap between the amount that gives people the effect they want and the amount that causes a serious overdose is very small.<\/p><p><strong class=\"eqb\">With alcohol or other downers, the risk rises sharply<\/strong>, and people can pass out quickly. FRANK advises waiting &#8220;at least two hours before taking another dose&#8221;. GHB has also been linked to sexual assaults, so it&#8217;s worth keeping an eye on your drink. If something happened to you that you didn&#8217;t agree to, it isn&#8217;t your fault, and you deserve support.<\/p><p>Stopping GHB after regular use can cause severe withdrawal. That needs a doctor, not willpower.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>GHB and GBL slow the body down. People call them geebs or liquid ecstasy, but they have nothing to do with ecstasy. The amount that gives people the effect they want is very close to the amount that causes a serious overdose. <strong class=\"eqb\">With alcohol or other downers, the risk rises sharply<\/strong>, and people can pass out quickly. FRANK warns that taking more within two hours is too soon. GHB has also been linked to sexual assaults, so keep an eye on your drink. If something happened to you that you didn\u2019t agree to, it isn\u2019t your fault, and you deserve support. Stopping GHB after regular use can cause severe withdrawal. That needs a doctor, not willpower.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-3\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Can you overdose on cannabis?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>Nobody has been shown to die from cannabis alone. But <strong class=\"eqb\">cannabis emergencies are real<\/strong>: panic, a racing heart, vomiting, edibles taken in far bigger amounts than intended, and children who eat edibles by accident. If you&#8217;ve had a panic on cannabis, it usually passes as it wears off. Sit somewhere calm, breathe slowly, and have someone stay with you.<\/p><p>There&#8217;s also a hidden risk. Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made chemicals sometimes sold as cannabis or sprayed onto it. They&#8217;re much stronger and less predictable, and they can kill.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>Nobody has been shown to die from cannabis alone. But <strong class=\"eqb\">cannabis emergencies are real<\/strong>, such as panic, a racing heart, vomiting, eating far more edibles than intended, and children eating edibles by accident. A panic on cannabis usually passes as it wears off. Sit somewhere calm, breathe slowly, and have someone stay with you. Synthetic cannabinoids are a hidden risk. They\u2019re lab-made chemicals sometimes sold as cannabis or sprayed onto it, much stronger and less predictable, and they can kill.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-4\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Is cannabis a gateway drug?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>People who use other drugs have usually tried cannabis first. But <strong class=\"eqb\">that doesn&#8217;t mean cannabis caused it<\/strong>. Large international surveys suggest the same things that lead someone to try cannabis can also lead them to try other drugs. Most people who use cannabis never go on to use other drugs.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>People who use other drugs have usually tried cannabis first. <strong class=\"eqb\">That doesn\u2019t mean cannabis caused it.<\/strong> Large international surveys suggest the same things that lead someone to try cannabis can also lead them to try other drugs. Most people who use cannabis never go on to use other drugs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-5\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Magic mushrooms are natural. Doesn&#8217;t that make them safe?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p><strong class=\"eqb\">Natural says nothing about safety!<\/strong> The biggest danger with magic mushrooms is picking a poisonous one by mistake, because some deadly species look very like the ones people pick. If there&#8217;s any doubt about what a mushroom is, don&#8217;t take it. Strength also varies a lot, even between mushrooms that look the same.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p><strong class=\"eqb\">Natural says nothing about safety!<\/strong> The biggest danger is picking a poisonous mushroom by mistake, because some deadly kinds look a lot like the ones people pick. If there\u2019s any doubt about what a mushroom is, don\u2019t take it. Strength also varies a lot, even between mushrooms that look the same.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-6\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Are psychedelics addictive?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>LSD and magic mushrooms carry a low risk of addiction. <strong class=\"eqb\">That doesn&#8217;t make them risk-free.<\/strong> Bad trips, accidents, psychosis in people who are vulnerable, and the lithium interaction in part five are all real.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>LSD and magic mushrooms carry a low risk of addiction. <strong class=\"eqb\">That doesn\u2019t make them risk-free.<\/strong> Bad trips, accidents, psychosis in people who are vulnerable, and seizures linked to taking them with lithium are all real.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-7\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>What about psychedelic and ketamine therapy?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>You may have read about trials of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, for depression, and about ketamine clinics. If you&#8217;re struggling with depression, it&#8217;s understandable to find that hopeful. A nasal spray made from ketamine is approved for severe depression that has not responded to other treatment in the US, the European Union, Australia and several other countries.<\/p><p>What happens in those trials is very different from taking the same drug at home or at a party. Volunteers are screened, the dose is known, and trained staff stay with them the whole time. <strong class=\"eqb\">A trial result is not evidence that using on your own is safe.<\/strong> If that treatment interests you, ask a doctor about it rather than trying to recreate it.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>You may have read about trials of psilocybin, the active part of magic mushrooms, for depression, and about ketamine clinics. If you\u2019re struggling with depression, it makes sense to find that hopeful. In the US, the European Union, Australia and several other countries, a nasal spray made from ketamine is approved for severe depression that other treatments haven\u2019t helped. Trials are very different from using at home or at a party. Volunteers are screened, the dose is known, and trained staff stay with them the whole time. <strong class=\"eqb\">A trial result doesn\u2019t show that using on your own is safe.<\/strong> If that treatment interests you, ask a doctor about it rather than trying to recreate it.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-8\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Does coffee or a cold shower sober you up?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>No, they don&#8217;t. Coffee, cold showers and walking it off don&#8217;t undo alcohol or drugs, and they can make things worse. A cold bath also brings a risk of drowning. <strong class=\"eqb\">Someone who can&#8217;t be woken needs an ambulance, not coffee.<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>No. Coffee, cold showers and walking it off don\u2019t undo alcohol or drugs, and they can make things worse. A cold bath also brings a risk of drowning. <strong class=\"eqb\">Someone who can\u2019t be woken needs an ambulance, not coffee.<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-9\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Does cocaine sober you up when you have been drinking?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>It can make you feel less drunk, which isn&#8217;t the same thing. <strong class=\"eqb\">You are just as drunk<\/strong>, and now you&#8217;re also on cocaine. It also tends to make people drink more. Part five explains why the two are best kept apart.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>No. It can make you feel less drunk, but <strong class=\"eqb\">you\u2019re just as drunk<\/strong>, and now you\u2019re on cocaine too. It also tends to make people drink more. Part five explains why the two are best kept apart.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-10\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Doesn&#8217;t naloxone just let people use more?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>This has been studied, and <strong class=\"eqb\">the evidence does not support it<\/strong>. Handing out naloxone hasn&#8217;t been found to increase drug use or overdoses. It does one thing: it gives someone who has stopped breathing a chance to be alive when the ambulance arrives.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>This has been studied, and <strong class=\"eqb\">the evidence doesn\u2019t support it<\/strong>. Handing out naloxone hasn\u2019t been found to increase drug use or overdoses. It gives someone who has stopped breathing a chance to be alive when the ambulance arrives.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><details id=\"q-11\"><summary><span class=\"qb\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 46 42\"><path d=\"M23 3C11.4 3 4 9.8 4 18.2c0 4.8 2.5 9 6.5 11.7L8.6 38l8.8-4.4c1.8.4 3.6.6 5.6.6 11.6 0 19-6.8 19-15.2S34.6 3 23 3z\"\/><\/svg><i class=\"q\">?<\/i><i class=\"x\">!<\/i><\/span><p hidden><\/p><span>Should I tell a doctor or paramedic what I have taken?<\/span><span class=\"pl\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\"><path d=\"M6 1.5v9M1.5 6h9\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p hidden><\/p><\/summary><div class=\"an\"><div class=\"dr-nrm\"><p>Yes, you should. It can feel scary to say it out loud, but what you took changes what they need to do, and <strong class=\"eqb\">in an emergency it can save your life<\/strong>. They ask because they need to know, not to judge you, and in many countries they keep it confidential. If you&#8217;re unsure what happens to the information where you live, you can ask before you answer.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"dr-pln\"><p>Yes. It can feel scary to say it out loud, but what you took changes what they need to do, and <strong class=\"eqb\">in an emergency it can save your life<\/strong>. They ask because they need to know, not to judge you, and in many countries they keep it confidential. If you\u2019re not sure what happens to that information where you live, you can ask before you answer.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/details><script>(function(){var b=document.getElementById(\"ra-fa\");if(!b){return;}var d=document.querySelectorAll(\"#ra-faq details\");b.addEventListener(\"click\",function(){var open=b.textContent===\"Open all\";for(var i=0;i<d.length;i++){d[i].open=open;}b.textContent=open?\"Close all\":\"Open all\";});})();\/*>*\/<\/script><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f86ed65e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#f3f5fb;border-color:#d5ddef;border-width:1.5px;border-style:solid;border-radius:20px;margin-top:46px;margin-bottom:46px;padding:34px 38px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a2c52;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WHAT THE RESEARCH SUPPORTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">The strongest evidence in this article is on four points. Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses and has not been found to increase drug use. Medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine roughly halve the risk of dying for people dependent on opioids. Drugs that slow the body down are most dangerous together, and with opioids and benzodiazepines the risk is highest when the combination is new. And tolerance drops quickly after a break, which makes the weeks after prison, detox or treatment especially dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7c590e6f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#fbf4e6;border-color:#eedcb9;border-width:1.5px;border-style:solid;border-radius:20px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:46px;padding:34px 38px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a2c52;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:12px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WORTH BEING CLEAR ABOUT<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Much of the practical advice here comes from national drug advice services rather than from trials, because nobody runs a trial on how long to wait between doses. Where those services disagree, the figures show both. Tools such as drug checking and test strips are widely recommended but have not yet been shown to prevent deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">Drugs change quickly, and what turns up in pills and powders one year can be different the next. Laws and services differ from country to country and change too. Treat the details here as a starting point, and check with a local service where you can.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d12c95ff wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2a2622;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:26px;font-size:clamp(14.082px, 0.88rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.786), 21px);line-height:1.68\">None of this makes drugs safe, and nothing could. What it can do is move the odds, for you and for the people you&#8217;re with. Most of the harm described here comes from a handful of things: not knowing how strong something is, mixing, using alone, and not knowing what to do when a friend won&#8217;t wake up. Each of those can be changed tonight, and now you know how.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-50ae14a5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#faf8f3;border-color:#e8e1d5;border-width:1.5px;border-style:solid;border-radius:18px;margin-top:34px;margin-bottom:44px;padding:30px 34px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#6b6259;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">REFERENCES<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#524a42;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.17), 15.5px);line-height:1.7\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuron.2017.10.032\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Abrahao, K. P., Salinas, A. G., &amp; Lovinger, D. M. (2017). Alcohol and the brain: Neuronal molecular targets, synapses, and circuits. <em>Neuron, 96<\/em>(6), 1223-1238.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/adf.org.au\/drug-facts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Alcohol and Drug Foundation (Australia). (n.d.). <em>Drug facts<\/em>: cannabis, cocaine, dexamphetamine, GHB, heroin, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, nitrous oxide and psilocybin; <em>Polydrug use<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.addbeh.2016.07.016\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Arria, A. M., Caldeira, K. M., Vincent, K. B., O&#8217;Grady, K. E., Cimini, M. D., Geisner, I. M., Fossos-Wong, N., Kilmer, J. R., &amp; Larimer, M. E. (2017). Do college students improve their grades by using prescription stimulants nonmedically? <em>Addictive Behaviors, 65<\/em>, 245-249.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/contacts\/national-alcohol-and-other-drug-hotline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (2025). <em>National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/our-work\/take-home-naloxone-program\/about-the-take-home-naloxone-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (2026). <em>About the Take Home Naloxone program<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7554\/eLife.52694\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Bachmutsky, I., Wei, X. P., Kish, E., &amp; Yackle, K. (2020). Opioids depress breathing through two small brainstem sites. <em>eLife, 9<\/em>, Article e52694.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2021.8049\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Bentzley, B. S., Han, S. S., Neuner, S., Humphreys, K., Kampman, K. M., &amp; Halpern, C. H. (2021). Comparison of treatments for cocaine use disorder among adults. <em>JAMA Network Open, 4<\/em>(5), Article e218049.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1146\/annurev.med.60.042307.110802\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Berger, M., Gray, J. A., &amp; Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. <em>Annual Review of Medicine, 60<\/em>(1), 355-366.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.18773\/austprescr.2015.055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Brett, J., &amp; Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. <em>Australian Prescriber, 38<\/em>(5), 152-155.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00213-022-06125-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Britch, S. C., &amp; Walsh, S. L. (2022). Treatment of opioid overdose: Current approaches and recent advances. <em>Psychopharmacology, 239<\/em>(7), 2063-2081.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2174\/1570159X13666141210215423\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Busard\u00f2, F. P., &amp; Jones, A. W. (2015). GHB pharmacology and toxicology: Acute intoxication, concentrations in blood and urine in forensic cases and treatment of the withdrawal syndrome. <em>Current Neuropharmacology, 13<\/em>(1), 47-70.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/stop-overdose\/caring\/fentanyl-facts.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). (2024). <em>Fentanyl facts<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/stop-overdose\/response\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). (2024). <em>What to do if you think someone is overdosing<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/stop-overdose\/caring\/naloxone.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). (2025). <em>Lifesaving naloxone<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/han\/php\/notices\/han00527.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). (2026). <em>Medetomidine in the U.S. illegal fentanyl supply increasing risk for overdose and severe withdrawal syndrome<\/em> [Health advisory].<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crew.scot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Crew 2000 (Scotland). (n.d.). <em>Drug information<\/em>: cocaine, ketamine, LSD, magic mushrooms and MDMA.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1360-0443.1997.tb02951.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Curran, H. V., &amp; Travill, R. A. (1997). Mood and cognitive effects of \u00b13,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, \u201cecstasy\u201d): Week-end \u201chigh\u201d followed by mid-week low. <em>Addiction, 92<\/em>(7), 821-831.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pmed.1002715\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">De Crescenzo, F., Ciabattini, M., D&#8217;Al\u00f2, G. L., De Giorgi, R., Del Giovane, C., Cassar, C., Janiri, L., Clark, N., Ostacher, M. J., &amp; Cipriani, A. (2018). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of psychosocial interventions for individuals with cocaine and amphetamine addiction: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. <em>PLOS Medicine, 15<\/em>(12), Article e1002715.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.drugalcdep.2009.12.001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Degenhardt, L., Dierker, L., Chiu, W. T., Medina-Mora, M. E., Neumark, Y., Sampson, N., Alonso, J., Angermeyer, M., Anthony, J. C., Bruffaerts, R., de Girolamo, G., de Graaf, R., Gureje, O., Karam, A. N., Kostyuchenko, S., Lee, S., L\u00e9pine, J.-P., Levinson, D., Nakamura, Y., . . . Kessler, R. C. (2010). Evaluating the drug use \u201cgateway\u201d theory using cross-national data: Consistency and associations of the order of initiation of drug use among participants in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. <em>Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 108<\/em>(1-2), 84-97.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12954-024-01078-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">De Vrieze, L. M., Stove, C. P., &amp; Vandeputte, M. M. (2024). Nitazene test strips: A laboratory evaluation. <em>Harm Reduction Journal, 21<\/em>(1), Article 159.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S2215-0366(19)30048-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Di Forti, M., Quattrone, D., Freeman, T. P., Tripoli, G., Gayer-Anderson, C., Quigley, H., Rodriguez, V., Jongsma, H. E., Ferraro, L., La Cascia, C., La Barbera, D., Tarricone, I., Berardi, D., Sz\u00f6ke, A., Arango, C., Tortelli, A., Velthorst, E., Bernardo, M., Del-Ben, C. M., . . . van der Ven, E. (2019). The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): A multicentre case-control study. <em>The Lancet Psychiatry, 6<\/em>(5), 427-436.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/onepill\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Drug Enforcement Administration (US). (n.d.). <em>One pill can kill<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ema.europa.eu\/en\/medicines\/human\/EPAR\/spravato\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">European Medicines Agency. (2025). <em>Spravato<\/em> [European public assessment report].<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.euda.europa.eu\/publications\/european-drug-report\/2026_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">European Union Drugs Agency. (2026). <em>European drug report 2026: Trends and developments<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Faraone, S. V. (2018). The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities. <em>Neuroscience &amp; Biobehavioral Reviews, 87<\/em>, 255-270.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1124\/jpet.107.129056\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Farr\u00e9, M., Abanades, S., Roset, P. N., Peir\u00f3, A. M., Torrens, M., O&#8217;Math\u00fana, B., Segura, M., &amp; de la Torre, R. (2007). Pharmacological interaction between 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) and paroxetine: Pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics. <em>The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 323<\/em>(3), 954-962.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2105\/AJPH.2017.303818\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Fischer, B., Russell, C., Sabioni, P., van den Brink, W., Le Foll, B., Hall, W., Rehm, J., &amp; Room, R. (2017). Lower-risk cannabis use guidelines: A comprehensive update of evidence and recommendations. <em>American Journal of Public Health, 107<\/em>(8), e1-e12.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.talktofrank.com\/drugs-a-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">FRANK (UK). (n.d.). <em>Drugs A to Z<\/em>: benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, heroin, ketamine, LSD, magic mushrooms, nitrous oxide, opioid painkillers and synthetic opioids.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.talktofrank.com\/get-help\/what-to-do-in-an-emergency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">FRANK (UK). (n.d.). <em>What to do in an emergency<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/add.15253\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Freeman, T. P., Craft, S., Wilson, J., Stylianou, S., ElSohly, M., Di Forti, M., &amp; Lynskey, M. T. (2021). Changes in delta\u20109\u2010tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: Systematic review and meta\u2010analysis. <em>Addiction, 116<\/em>(5), 1000-1010.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/add.70255\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Garcia, M. R., Gomes, N. G. M., &amp; Dias\u2010da\u2010Silva, D. (2026). Rare but relevant: MDMA and hyponatraemia. <em>Addiction, 121<\/em>(3), 713-718.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1371\/journal.pmed.1002396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Gomes, T., Juurlink, D. N., Antoniou, T., Mamdani, M. M., Paterson, J. M., &amp; van den Brink, W. (2017). Gabapentin, opioids, and the risk of opioid-related death: A population-based nested case-control study. <em>PLOS Medicine, 14<\/em>(10), Article e1002396.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1124\/pr.55.3.3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Green, A. R., Mechan, A. O., Elliott, J. M., O\u2019Shea, E., &amp; Colado, M. I. (2003). The pharmacology and clinical pharmacology of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, \u201cecstasy\u201d). <em>Pharmacological Reviews, 55<\/em>(3), 463-508.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12954-023-00921-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Halifax, J. C., Lim, L., Ciccarone, D., &amp; Lynch, K. L. (2024). Testing the test strips: Laboratory performance of fentanyl test strips. <em>Harm Reduction Journal, 21<\/em>(1), Article 14.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.amjmed.2018.04.025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Hassamal, S., Miotto, K., Dale, W., &amp; Danovitch, I. (2018). Tramadol: Understanding the risk of serotonin syndrome and seizures. <em>The American Journal of Medicine, 131<\/em>(11), 1382.e1-1382.e6.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/opioids\/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Health Canada. (2026). <em>About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/substance-use\/get-help-with-substance-use.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Health Canada. (2026). <em>Get help with substance use<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/health-canada\/services\/opioids\/naloxone.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Health Canada. (2026). <em>Naloxone<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamanetworkopen.2018.0919\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Hernandez, I., He, M., Brooks, M. M., &amp; Zhang, Y. (2018). Exposure-response association between concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use and risk of opioid-related overdose in Medicare Part D beneficiaries. <em>JAMA Network Open, 1<\/em>(2), Article e180919.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/mp.2011.82\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Hirvonen, J., Goodwin, R. S., Li, C.-T., Terry, G. E., Zoghbi, S. S., Morse, C., Pike, V. W., Volkow, N. D., Huestis, M. A., &amp; Innis, R. B. (2012). Reversible and regionally selective downregulation of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors in chronic daily cannabis smokers. <em>Molecular Psychiatry, 17<\/em>(6), 642-649.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1017\/S0033291723000880\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Hjorth\u00f8j, C., Compton, W., Starzer, M., Nordholm, D., Einstein, E., Erlangsen, A., Nordentoft, M., Volkow, N. D., &amp; Han, B. (2023). Association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia stronger in young males than in females. <em>Psychological Medicine, 53<\/em>(15), 7322-7328.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1476-5381.2012.01936.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Hysek, C. M., Schmid, Y., Rickli, A., Simmler, L. D., Donzelli, M., Grouzmann, E., &amp; Liechti, M. E. (2012). Carvedilol inhibits the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans. <em>British Journal of Pharmacology, 166<\/em>(8), 2277-2288.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1162\/jocn_a_00776\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Ilieva, I. P., Hook, C. J., &amp; Farah, M. J. (2015). Prescription stimulants\u2019 effects on healthy inhibitory control, working memory, and episodic memory: A meta-analysis. <em>Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 27<\/em>(6), 1069-1089.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/02698811231161813\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Jauhar, S., Cowen, P. J., &amp; Browning, M. (2023). Fifty years on: Serotonin and depression. <em>Journal of Psychopharmacology, 37<\/em>(3), 237-241.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/ane.12671\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Jesse, S., Br\u00e5then, G., Ferrara, M., Keindl, M., Ben-Menachem, E., Tanasescu, R., Brodtkorb, E., Hillbom, M., Leone, M. A., &amp; Ludolph, A. C. (2017). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Mechanisms, manifestations, and management. <em>Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 135<\/em>(1), 4-16.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0269881108093587\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Johnson, M. W., Richards, W. A., &amp; Griffiths, R. R. (2008). Human hallucinogen research: Guidelines for safety. <em>Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22<\/em>(6), 603-620.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.drugalcdep.2017.09.028\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Kelly, J. F., Bergman, B. G., Hoeppner, B. B., Vilsaint, C., &amp; White, W. L. (2017). Prevalence and pathways of recovery from drug and alcohol problems in the United States population: Implications for practice, research, and policy. <em>Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 181<\/em>, 162-169.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/ADM.0000000000001321\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Kutscher, E., Barber Grossi, M., LaPolla, F., &amp; Lee, J. D. (2024). Fentanyl test strips for harm reduction: A scoping review. <em>Journal of Addiction Medicine, 18<\/em>(4), 373-380.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/legislativeanalysis.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Good-Samaritan-Fatal-Overdose-Prevention-and-Drug-Induced-Homidice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association (US). (2025). <em>Good Samaritan fatal overdose prevention and drug-induced homicide: Summary of state laws<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12954-021-00478-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Lockwood, T.-L. E., Vervoordt, A., &amp; Lieberman, M. (2021). High concentrations of illicit stimulants and cutting agents cause false positives on fentanyl test strips. <em>Harm Reduction Journal, 18<\/em>(1), Article 30.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wearetheloop.org\/drug-alerts-full\/2026-mdma-pill-update\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">The Loop (UK). (2026). <em>2026 MDMA pill update<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.biopsych.2015.07.028\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Lu, H.-C., &amp; Mackie, K. (2016). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. <em>Biological Psychiatry, 79<\/em>(7), 516-525.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/add.15734\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Maghsoudi, N., Tanguay, J., Scarfone, K., Rammohan, I., Ziegler, C., Werb, D., &amp; Scheim, A. I. (2022). Drug checking services for people who use drugs: A systematic review. <em>Addiction, 117<\/em>(3), 532-544.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/ccp0000447\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Magill, M., Ray, L., Kiluk, B., Hoadley, A., Bernstein, M., Tonigan, J. S., &amp; Carroll, K. (2019). A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for alcohol or other drug use disorders: Treatment efficacy by contrast condition. <em>Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 87<\/em>(12), 1093-1105.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/schbul\/sbw003\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Marconi, A., Di Forti, M., Lewis, C. M., Murray, R. M., &amp; Vassos, E. (2016). Meta-analysis of the association between the level of cannabis use and risk of psychosis. <em>Schizophrenia Bulletin, 42<\/em>(5), 1262-1269.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/1742-6723.13997\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Marsden, P., Sharma, A. A., &amp; Rotella, J. (2022). Review article: Clinical manifestations and outcomes of chronic nitrous oxide misuse: A systematic review. <em>Emergency Medicine Australasia, 34<\/em>(4), 492-503.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/drug-safety-update\/pregabalin-lyrica-reports-of-severe-respiratory-depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK). (2021). <em>Pregabalin (Lyrica): Reports of severe respiratory depression<\/em> [Drug safety update].<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1360-0443.2010.02990.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Merrall, E. L. C., Kariminia, A., Binswanger, I. A., Hobbs, M. S., Farrell, M., Marsden, J., Hutchinson, S. J., &amp; Bird, S. M. (2010). Meta\u2010analysis of drug\u2010related deaths soon after release from prison. <em>Addiction, 105<\/em>(9), 1545-1554.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.toxlet.2017.05.030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Mir\u00f3, \u00d2., Galicia, M., Dargan, P., Dines, A. M., Giraudon, I., Heyerdahl, F., Hovda, K. E., Yates, C., Wood, D. M., Liakoni, E., Liechti, M., J\u00fcrgens, G., Pedersen, C. B., O&#8217;Connor, N., Markey, G., Moughty, A., Lee, C., O&#8217;Donohoe, P., Sein Anand, J., . . . Kabata, P. M. (2017). Intoxication by gamma hydroxybutyrate and related analogues: Clinical characteristics and comparison between pure intoxication and that combined with other substances of abuse. <em>Toxicology Letters, 277<\/em>, 84-91.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41380-022-01661-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., &amp; Horowitz, M. A. (2023). The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence. <em>Molecular Psychiatry, 28<\/em>(8), 3243-3256.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamahealthforum.2022.5041\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Myran, D. T., Tanuseputro, P., Auger, N., Konikoff, L., Talarico, R., &amp; Finkelstein, Y. (2023). Pediatric hospitalizations for unintentional cannabis poisonings and all-cause poisonings associated with edible cannabis product legalization and sales in Canada. <em>JAMA Health Forum, 4<\/em>(1), Article e225041.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/publications\/brochures-and-fact-sheets\/alcohol-use-disorder-comparison-between-dsm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (US). (n.d.). <em>Alcohol use disorder: A comparison between DSM-IV and DSM-5<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/publications\/brochures-and-fact-sheets\/understanding-dangers-of-alcohol-overdose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (US). (n.d.). <em>Understanding the dangers of alcohol overdose<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction\/drugs-brain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">National Institute on Drug Abuse (US). (n.d.). <em>Drugs and the brain<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/research-topics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">National Institute on Drug Abuse (US). (n.d.). <em>Research topics<\/em>: cannabis, cocaine, psilocybin, and psychedelic and dissociative drugs.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1055\/a-1524-2794\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Nayak, S. M., Gukasyan, N., Barrett, F. S., Erowid, E., Erowid, F., &amp; Griffiths, R. R. (2021). Classic psychedelic coadministration with lithium, but not lamotrigine, is associated with seizures: An analysis of online psychedelic experience reports. <em>Pharmacopsychiatry, 54<\/em>(05), 240-245.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/neverusealone.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Never Use Alone (US). (n.d.). <em>Never Use Alone<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">NHS (UK). (n.d.). <em>Heat exhaustion and heatstroke<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/methylphenidate-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">NHS (UK). (n.d.). <em>Methylphenidate for adults<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1124\/pr.115.011478\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Nichols, D. E. (2016). Psychedelics. <em>Pharmacological Reviews, 68<\/em>(2), 264-355.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1523\/JNEUROSCI.1375-09.2009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Pattinson, K. T. S., Governo, R. J., MacIntosh, B. J., Russell, E. C., Corfield, D. R., Tracey, I., &amp; Wise, R. G. (2009). Opioids depress cortical centers responsible for the volitional control of respiration. <em>The Journal of Neuroscience, 29<\/em>(25), 8177-8186.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1046\/j.1360-0443.2002.00158.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Pennings, E. J. M., Leccese, A. P., &amp; Wolff, F. A. d. (2002). Effects of concurrent use of alcohol and cocaine. <em>Addiction, 97<\/em>(7), 773-783.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/sj.bjp.0707442\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Pertwee, R. G. (2008). The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: \u03949-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and \u03949-tetrahydrocannabivarin. <em>British Journal of Pharmacology, 153<\/em>(2), 199-215.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmj.327.7415.579-a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Pincock, S. (2003). Science forced to retract article on \u201cecstasy\u201d. <em>BMJ, 327<\/em>(7415), 579.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/qbi.uq.edu.au\/brain-basics\/brain\/brain-physiology\/action-potentials-and-synapses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Queensland Brain Institute (Australia). (n.d.). <em>Action potentials and synapses<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3310\/hta13060\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Rogers, G., Elston, J., Garside, R., Roome, C., Taylor, R., Younger, P., Zawada, A., &amp; Somerville, M. (2009). The harmful health effects of recreational ecstasy: A systematic review of observational evidence. <em>Health Technology Assessment, 13<\/em>(6), 1-354.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/add.15493\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Roxburgh, A., Sam, B., Kriikku, P., Mounteney, J., Castanera, A., Dias, M., &amp; Giraudon, I. (2021). Trends in MDMA\u2010related mortality across four countries. <em>Addiction, 116<\/em>(11), 3094-3103.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1001\/jamapsychiatry.2021.0976\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Santo, T., Clark, B., Hickman, M., Grebely, J., Campbell, G., Sordo, L., Chen, A., Tran, L. T., Bharat, C., Padmanathan, P., Cousins, G., Dupouy, J., Kelty, E., Muga, R., Nosyk, B., Min, J., Pavarin, R., Farrell, M., &amp; Degenhardt, L. (2021). Association of opioid agonist treatment with all-cause mortality and specific causes of death among people with opioid dependence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. <em>JAMA Psychiatry, 78<\/em>(9), 979-993.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00213-022-06083-y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Sarparast, A., Thomas, K., Malcolm, B., &amp; Stauffer, C. S. (2022). Drug-drug interactions between psychiatric medications and MDMA or psilocybin: A systematic review. <em>Psychopharmacology, 239<\/em>(6), 1945-1976.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/14651858.CD008063.pub3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Schwenker, R., Dietrich, C. E., Hirpa, S., Nothacker, M., Smedslund, G., Frese, T., &amp; Unverzagt, S. (2023). Motivational interviewing for substance use reduction. <em>Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023<\/em>(12), Article CD008063.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1178646919873925\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Scotton, W. J., Hill, L. J., Williams, A. C., &amp; Barnes, N. M. (2019). Serotonin syndrome: Pathophysiology, clinical features, management, and potential future directions. <em>International Journal of Tryptophan Research, 12<\/em>, Article 1178646919873925.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.psyneuen.2021.105173\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Siebers, M., Biedermann, S. V., Bindila, L., Lutz, B., &amp; Fuss, J. (2021). Exercise-induced euphoria and anxiolysis do not depend on endogenous opioids in humans. <em>Psychoneuroendocrinology, 126<\/em>, Article 105173.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.tips.2018.03.006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Sigel, E., &amp; Ernst, M. (2018). The benzodiazepine binding sites of GABAA receptors. <em>Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 39<\/em>(7), 659-671.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1210\/jc.2011-1143\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Simmler, L. D., Hysek, C. M., &amp; Liechti, M. E. (2011). Sex differences in the effects of MDMA (ecstasy) on plasma copeptin in healthy subjects. <em>The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism, 96<\/em>(9), 2844-2850.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sja.org.uk\/first-aid-advice\/recovery-position\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">St John Ambulance (UK). (n.d.). <em>How to put someone in the recovery position<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/find-help\/helplines\/national-helpline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (n.d.). <em>SAMHSA&#8217;s National Helpline<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.neuron.2011.02.010\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Sulzer, D. (2011). How addictive drugs disrupt presynaptic dopamine neurotransmission. <em>Neuron, 69<\/em>(4), 628-649.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.eplepsyres.2006.09.008\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Taylor, C. P., Angelotti, T., &amp; Fauman, E. (2007). Pharmacology and mechanism of action of pregabalin: The calcium channel \u03b12-\u03b4 (alpha2-delta) subunit as a target for antiepileptic drug discovery. <em>Epilepsy Research, 73<\/em>(2), 137-150.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.drugpo.2021.103513\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Tse, W. C., Djordjevic, F., Borja, V., Picco, L., Lam, T., Olsen, A., Larney, S., Dietze, P., &amp; Nielsen, S. (2022). Does naloxone provision lead to increased substance use? A systematic review to assess if there is evidence of a &#8216;moral hazard&#8217; associated with naloxone supply. <em>International Journal of Drug Policy, 100<\/em>, Article 103513.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/da.22771\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Turner, S., Mota, N., Bolton, J., &amp; Sareen, J. (2018). Self-medication with alcohol or drugs for mood and anxiety disorders: A narrative review of the epidemiological literature. <em>Depression and Anxiety, 35<\/em>(9), 851-860.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/supplying-take-home-naloxone-without-a-prescription\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">UK Government, Department of Health and Social Care. (2025). <em>Supplying take home naloxone without a prescription<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/local-preparedness-for-synthetic-opioids-in-england\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">UK Government, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. (2025). <em>Local preparedness for synthetic opioids in England<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unodc.org\/unodc\/en\/data-and-analysis\/world-drug-report-2026.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2026). <em>World drug report 2026<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/international-standards-for-the-treatment-of-drug-use-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime &amp; World Health Organization. (2020). <em>International standards for the treatment of drug use disorders<\/em> (revised ed.).<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/unsceb.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2021-01\/2018%20Nov%20-%20UN%20system%20common%20position%20on%20drug%20policy.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination. (2018). <em>United Nations system common position supporting the implementation of the international drug control policy through effective inter-agency collaboration<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">US Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). <em>Where and how to dispose of unused medicines<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/information-drug-class\/new-safety-measures-announced-opioid-analgesics-prescription-opioid-cough-products-and\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">US Food and Drug Administration. (2016). <em>New safety measures announced for opioid analgesics, prescription opioid cough products, and benzodiazepines<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/safety\/medical-product-safety-information\/neurontin-gralise-horizant-gabapentin-and-lyrica-lyrica-cr-pregabalin-drug-safety-communication\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">US Food and Drug Administration. (2019). <em>FDA warns about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin and pregabalin<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">US Food and Drug Administration. (2020). <em>FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-approves-first-over-counter-naloxone-nasal-spray\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">US Food and Drug Administration. (2023). <em>FDA approves first over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s00213-001-0995-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Verheyden, S. L., Hadfield, J., Calin, T., &amp; Curran, H. V. (2002). Sub-acute effects of MDMA (\u00b13,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, \u201cecstasy\u201d) on mood: Evidence of gender differences. <em>Psychopharmacology, 161<\/em>(1), 23-31.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S0024-3205(00)00731-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Volkow, N. D., Wang, G.-J., Fischman, M. W., Foltin, R., Fowler, J. S., Franceschi, D., Franceschi, M., Logan, J., Gatley, S. J., Wong, C., Ding, Y.-S., Hitzemann, R., &amp; Pappas, N. (2000). Effects of route of administration on cocaine induced dopamine transporter blockade in the human brain. <em>Life Sciences, 67<\/em>(12), 1507-1515.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/add.13559\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Vrolijk, R. Q., Brunt, T. M., Vreeker, A., &amp; Niesink, R. J. M. (2017). Is online information on ecstasy tablet content safe? <em>Addiction, 112<\/em>(1), 94-100.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1046\/j.1360-0443.2003.00292.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Vuori, E., Henry, J. A., Ojanper\u00e4, I., Nieminen, R., Savolainen, T., Wahlsten, P., &amp; J\u00e4ntti, M. (2003). Death following ingestion of MDMA (ecstasy) and moclobemide. <em>Addiction, 98<\/em>(3), 365-368.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1046\/j.1360-0443.1999.9479612.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">White, J. M., &amp; Irvine, R. J. (1999). Mechanisms of fatal opioid overdose. <em>Addiction, 94<\/em>(7), 961-972.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1124\/pr.112.005942\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Williams, J. T., Ingram, S. L., Henderson, G., Chavkin, C., von Zastrow, M., Schulz, S., Koch, T., Evans, C. J., &amp; Christie, M. J. (2013). Regulation of \u03bc-opioid receptors: Desensitization, phosphorylation, internalization, and tolerance. <em>Pharmacological Reviews, 65<\/em>(1), 223-254.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/iris.who.int\/handle\/10665\/43107\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">World Health Organization. (2004). <em>Effectiveness of sterile needle and syringe programming in reducing HIV\/AIDS among injecting drug users<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789241548816\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">World Health Organization. (2014). <em>Community management of opioid overdose<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/publications\/i\/item\/9789240052390\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">World Health Organization. (2022). <em>Consolidated guidelines on HIV, viral hepatitis and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/opioid-overdose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">World Health Organization. (2025). <em>Opioid overdose<\/em> [Fact sheet].<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2026-01\/mms\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">World Health Organization. (2026). <em>ICD-11 for mortality and morbidity statistics<\/em>.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1124\/pr.117.015198\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Zanos, P., Moaddel, R., Morris, P. J., Riggs, L. M., Highland, J. N., Georgiou, P., Pereira, E. F. R., Albuquerque, E. X., Thomas, C. J., Zarate, C. A., &amp; Gould, T. D. (2018). Ketamine and ketamine metabolite pharmacology: Insights into therapeutic mechanisms. <em>Pharmacological Reviews, 70<\/em>(3), 621-660.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#6b6259;margin-top:30px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">BOOKS FROM OUR SHELF<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" style=\"color:#524a42;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.17), 15.5px);line-height:1.7\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hachettebookgroup.com\/titles\/maia-szalavitz\/undoing-drugs\/9780738285757\/?lens=hachette-go\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-decoration-color:#c9d3ea\">Szalavitz, M. (2021). <em>Undoing drugs: The untold story of harm reduction and the future of addiction<\/em>. Hachette Go.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eq-lastrev\" style=\"margin:34px 0 0;font-family:&quot;Work Sans&quot;,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.5;color:#6b6259\">Last reviewed October 2026<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.eqp{--rc-accent:#46629f;--rc-band:#eceff6;--rc-hover:#dde3f0;--rc-bg:#faf8f3}.eqp .eq-rc-btn{display:none}.eqp .eq-rc{position:relative}.eqp .eq-rc li[hidden]{display:block;margin:0;padding:0;height:0;line-height:0;font-size:0}.eqp .eq-rc li.rc-off{display:none}.eqp .eq-rc.is-collapsed::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:0;right:0;bottom:0;height:76px;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,transparent,var(--rc-bg) 94%);pointer-events:none}.eqp .eq-rc ~ .eq-rc-btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:8px;box-sizing:border-box;min-width:260px;min-height:48px;margin:22px 0 0;padding:12px 26px;background:var(--rc-band);color:var(--rc-accent);border:1.5px solid var(--rc-accent);border-radius:9px;font-family:\"Work Sans\",system-ui,sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:normal;text-transform:none;text-decoration:none;text-align:center;box-shadow:none;cursor:pointer;-webkit-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.eqp .eq-rc ~ .eq-rc-btn:hover{background:var(--rc-hover);color:var(--rc-accent)}.eqp .eq-rc ~ .eq-rc-btn:focus-visible{outline:3px solid var(--rc-accent);outline-offset:3px}.eqp .eq-rc-chev{flex:0 0 auto;width:8px;height:8px;margin-top:-4px;border-right:2px solid currentColor;border-bottom:2px solid currentColor;transform:rotate(45deg);transition:transform .2s ease}.eqp .eq-rc-btn[aria-expanded=\"true\"] .eq-rc-chev{margin-top:4px;transform:rotate(-135deg)}@media (max-width:640px){.eqp .eq-rc ~ .eq-rc-btn{display:flex;width:100%;min-width:0;margin:18px 0 0;padding:12px 10px}}@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){.eqp .eq-rc-chev{transition:none}}@media print{.eqp .eq-rc-btn{display:none!important}.eqp .eq-rc::after{display:none!important}.eqp .eq-rc li[hidden]{display:list-item!important;content-visibility:visible!important;height:auto!important;font-size:inherit!important;line-height:inherit!important}.eqp .eq-rc li.rc-off{display:list-item!important}}<\/style>\n<style id=\"eq-sweep-3151\">\/* Drugs 101 design D1 to D9, 18 Oct 2026 *\/\/* eq-sweep-3151 (proposal, 17 Oct 2026). One new style element, placed after the post's last style element. Every selector starts with body .eqp so it wins over the post's own style elements. Font sizes in rem, never px. No text changes. *\/\n\/* D1: the two long bullet lists in part 2 are 14.6px on a phone against 17px paragraphs (the site-wide phone rule only reaches lists whose size ends in 19px, these end in 21px). Same 17px as the paragraphs at 640px and below. *\/\n@media(max-width:640px){\nbody .eqp .dr-fl > ul.wp-block-list > li{font-size:1.0625rem!important;line-height:1.62!important}\n}\n\/* D2: the emergency box text is the smallest paragraph in the lede (14.2px at 390, 15.5 at 768, against 17 and 17.6 prose). Same size as the paragraphs up to 899px; desktop unchanged. *\/\n@media(max-width:899px){\nbody .eqp .dr-emerg p{font-size:1.0625rem!important;line-height:1.62!important}\n}\n\/* D3: the \"not medical advice\" note is 14.2px at 390. 16px at 640px and below; unchanged above. *\/\n@media(max-width:640px){\nbody .eqp .wp-block-group[style*=\"border-left-color:#4a67a8\"] p{font-size:1rem!important;line-height:1.65!important}\n}\n\/* D4: the closing panel heading is 17px at 390, the same as its text. 20px floor, the same curve from 768 up (20.7, 21.1, 22.8, 25). *\/\nbody .eqp .eq-ondark h3.wp-block-heading{font-size:clamp(1.25rem,calc(.89rem + .84vw),1.5625rem)!important}\n\/* D5: \"Add a second downer\" (4 chips, 148px, 3 rows at 390) becomes a 52px select at 640px and below. The select is added by the small script next to this style; the label is the figure's own visible \"Add a second downer\" line. *\/\n@media(max-width:640px){\nbody .eqp .dr-bio .dd-chips{display:none}\n}\n\/* D6: \"Is it an overdose?\" type chips (3 chips, 96px, 2 rows at 390) become a labelled 52px select at 640px and below. *\/\nbody .eqp .dr-od .dr-mob{display:none}\nbody .eqp .dr-od .dr-lab{display:block;font-size:.8125rem;font-weight:700;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6259;margin:0 0 .5rem}\nbody .eqp .dr-od .dr-sel{display:block;width:100%;max-width:none;height:auto;box-sizing:border-box;min-height:3.25rem;font-family:\"Work Sans\",sans-serif;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3;color:#2a2622;background-color:#fff;border:1.5px solid #34508c;border-radius:12px;padding:.75rem 2.75rem .75rem 1rem;margin:0 0 1.25rem;cursor:pointer;box-shadow:none;-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;appearance:none;background-image:linear-gradient(45deg,transparent 50%,#34508c 50%),linear-gradient(135deg,#34508c 50%,transparent 50%);background-position:calc(100% - 22px) 50%,calc(100% - 16px) 50%;background-size:6px 6px,6px 6px;background-repeat:no-repeat}\nbody .eqp .dr-od .dr-sel:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #233a68;outline-offset:2px}\n@media(max-width:640px){\nbody .eqp .dr-od > .dr-chips{display:none}\nbody .eqp .dr-od .dr-mob{display:block}\n}\n\/* D7: the \"Check two drugs\" selects are 46px; the house phone rule is 52px at 640px and below. *\/\n@media(max-width:640px){\nbody .eqp .dr-mx select{min-height:3.25rem}\n}\n\/* D8: on a tablet the two \"Check two drugs\" selects sit side by side and the chosen text is cut off (\"opioids (heroin, fentanyl, p\" at 768 and 820). Stack them up to 899px, as the post already does on a phone. On a phone the longest choice is still 14px too long for the box at 390 (16.5px text), so the text is 16px and a cut-off ends in an ellipsis instead of a half letter. *\/\n@media(max-width:899px){\nbody .eqp .dr-mx .sel{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr)}\nbody .eqp .dr-mx .sel label{margin:.25rem 0 -.25rem}\nbody .eqp .dr-mx select{text-overflow:ellipsis}\n}\n@media(max-width:640px){\nbody .eqp .dr-mx select{font-size:1rem}\n}\n\/* D9 (hint): between 700 and 799px the approved hint line breaks as 3 lines with the last word alone on the third (\"both.\"); Chrome's pretty does not move it. A 36rem line (about 80 characters, a better measure for 14px text) gives three even lines. Below 700 and from 800 up it already wraps well. *\/\n@media(min-width:700px) and (max-width:799px){\nbody .eqp .dr-hint{max-width:36rem}\n}\n\/* D9: lone last words. balance only on section headings and the Read next title; pretty on everything else that wraps (sublines, hint, contents titles, questions, captions, cards, FAQ questions, list items, paragraphs). *\/\nbody .eqp h3.wp-block-heading,body .eqp .ra-next .ti{text-wrap:balance}\nbody .eqp p,body .eqp li,body .eqp dd,body .eqp figcaption,body .eqp .ra-faq summary > span:not(.qb):not(.pl),body .eqp .eq-toc a.ttl,body .eqp .ra-next .wy{text-wrap:pretty}\nbody .eqp h3.wp-block-heading,body .eqp .ra-next .ti{text-wrap:pretty}<\/style>\n<script>(function(){var f=document.getElementById(\"dr-bio\");if(!f){return;}if(f.querySelector(\".dd-mob\")){return;}var dd=f.querySelector(\".dd\");var chips=dd?dd.querySelector(\".dd-chips\"):null;if(!chips){return;}var sub=dd.querySelector(\".sub\");var bs=chips.querySelectorAll(\"button\");var wrap=document.createElement(\"div\");wrap.className=\"dr-mob dd-mob\";var sel=document.createElement(\"select\");sel.className=\"dr-sel\";sel.id=\"dr-dd-sel\";if(sub){if(!sub.id){sub.id=\"dr-dd-sub\";}sel.setAttribute(\"aria-labelledby\",sub.id);}else{sel.setAttribute(\"aria-label\",\"Add a second downer\");}wrap.appendChild(sel);chips.parentNode.insertBefore(wrap,chips);function fill(){var i,b,op,on=\"\";while(sel.firstChild){sel.removeChild(sel.firstChild);}op=document.createElement(\"option\");op.value=\"\";op.textContent=\"No second downer\";sel.appendChild(op);for(i=0;bs.length>i;i++){b=bs[i];if(b.hidden){continue;}op=document.createElement(\"option\");op.value=b.getAttribute(\"data-k\");op.textContent=b.textContent;sel.appendChild(op);if(b.getAttribute(\"aria-pressed\")===\"true\"){on=op.value;}}sel.value=on;}fill();var pending=0;function soon(){if(pending){return;}pending=1;window.setTimeout(function(){pending=0;fill();},0);}if(window.MutationObserver){var mo=new MutationObserver(soon);mo.observe(chips,{attributes:true,subtree:true,attributeFilter:[\"hidden\",\"aria-pressed\"]});}sel.addEventListener(\"change\",function(){var v=sel.value,i,b;if(v===\"\"){for(i=0;bs.length>i;i++){if(bs[i].getAttribute(\"aria-pressed\")===\"true\"){bs[i].click();}}return;}for(i=0;bs.length>i;i++){b=bs[i];if(b.getAttribute(\"data-k\")===v){if(b.getAttribute(\"aria-pressed\")!==\"true\"){b.click();}}}});})();\n(function(){var f=document.getElementById(\"dr-od\");if(!f){return;}if(f.querySelector(\".dr-sel\")){return;}var chips=f.querySelector(\".dr-chips\");if(!chips){return;}var bs=chips.querySelectorAll(\"button\");var w=document.createElement(\"div\");w.className=\"dr-mob\";var lab=document.createElement(\"label\");lab.className=\"dr-lab\";lab.setAttribute(\"for\",\"dr-od-sel\");lab.textContent=chips.getAttribute(\"aria-label\")||\"Type of drug\";var s=document.createElement(\"select\");s.className=\"dr-sel\";s.id=\"dr-od-sel\";var i,o;for(i=0;bs.length>i;i++){o=document.createElement(\"option\");o.value=bs[i].getAttribute(\"data-k\");o.textContent=bs[i].textContent;if(bs[i].getAttribute(\"aria-pressed\")===\"true\"){o.selected=true;}s.appendChild(o);}s.addEventListener(\"change\",function(){var k;for(k=0;bs.length>k;k++){if(bs[k].getAttribute(\"data-k\")===s.value){bs[k].click();}}});for(i=0;bs.length>i;i++){bs[i].addEventListener(\"click\",function(){s.value=this.getAttribute(\"data-k\");});}w.appendChild(lab);w.appendChild(s);chips.parentNode.insertBefore(w,chips);})();\/*>*\/<\/script>\n<script>(function(){\nif(window.eqRcLoaded){return;}\nwindow.eqRcLoaded=1;\nvar MQ=null,RM=null;\nif(window.matchMedia){\nMQ=window.matchMedia(\"(max-width: 640px)\");\nRM=window.matchMedia(\"(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)\");\n}\nvar UF=(\"onbeforematch\" in document.documentElement);\nvar INST=[];\nvar KEEP_PHONE=3,KEEP_WIDE=5,MAXOPEN=12;\nfunction keepNow(){\nvar phone=false;\nif(MQ){phone=MQ.matches;}\nif(phone){return KEEP_PHONE;}\nreturn KEEP_WIDE;\n}\nfunction findLists(){\nvar out=[],i,j,l,k,ok=false;\ntry{\nl=document.querySelectorAll(\".eqp .wp-block-group:has(> p.eq-lastrev) > ol\");\nfor(i=0;i<l.length;i++){out.push(l[i]);}\nok=true;\n}catch(e){ok=false;}\nif(!ok){\nl=document.querySelectorAll(\".eqp p.eq-lastrev\");\nfor(i=0;i<l.length;i++){\nk=l[i].parentNode.children;\nfor(j=0;j<k.length;j++){\nif(k[j].tagName===\"OL\"){out.push(k[j]);}\n}\n}\n}\nreturn out;\n}\nfunction setup(list,idx){\nif(list.getAttribute(\"data-rc\")===\"1\"){return;}\nvar items=[],i,kids=list.children;\nfor(i=0;i<kids.length;i++){\nif(kids[i].tagName===\"LI\"){items.push(kids[i]);}\n}\nif(items.length<=MAXOPEN){return;}\nvar head=list.previousElementSibling;\nif(!head){head=list;}\nvar noun=\"references\";\nvar ht=head.textContent||\"\";\nif(\/further\/i.test(ht)){\nif(!\/reference\/i.test(ht)){return;}\n}\nlist.setAttribute(\"data-rc\",\"1\");\nif(!list.id){list.id=\"eq-rc-list-\"+idx;}\nhead.style.scrollMarginTop=\"88px\";\nvar btn=document.createElement(\"button\");\nbtn.type=\"button\";\nbtn.className=\"eq-rc-btn\";\nbtn.setAttribute(\"aria-controls\",list.id);\nbtn.setAttribute(\"aria-expanded\",\"false\");\nvar lab=document.createElement(\"span\");\nvar chev=document.createElement(\"span\");\nchev.className=\"eq-rc-chev\";\nchev.setAttribute(\"aria-hidden\",\"true\");\nbtn.appendChild(lab);\nbtn.appendChild(chev);\nlist.parentNode.insertBefore(btn,list.nextSibling);\nlist.classList.add(\"eq-rc\");\nvar open=false;\nfunction paint(){\nvar keep=keepNow();\nvar k,li;\nfor(k=0;k<items.length;k++){\nli=items[k];\nif(k<keep){\nli.removeAttribute(\"hidden\");\nli.classList.remove(\"rc-off\");\n}else if(open){\nli.removeAttribute(\"hidden\");\nli.classList.remove(\"rc-off\");\n}else{\nif(UF){li.setAttribute(\"hidden\",\"until-found\");}\nelse{li.classList.add(\"rc-off\");}\n}\n}\nif(open){list.classList.remove(\"is-collapsed\");}\nelse{list.classList.add(\"is-collapsed\");}\nbtn.setAttribute(\"aria-expanded\",open?\"true\":\"false\");\nlab.textContent=open?\"Show fewer\":\"Show all \"+items.length+\" \"+noun;\n}\nbtn.addEventListener(\"click\",function(){\nvar t0=btn.getBoundingClientRect().top;\nopen=!open;\npaint();\nif(!open){\nvar d=btn.getBoundingClientRect().top-t0;\nif(d){window.scrollBy({top:d,left:0,behavior:\"instant\"});}\n}\n});\nlist.addEventListener(\"beforematch\",function(){\nif(!open){open=true;paint();}\n});\nvar was=false;\nwindow.addEventListener(\"beforeprint\",function(){was=open;open=true;paint();});\nwindow.addEventListener(\"afterprint\",function(){open=was;paint();});\nif(MQ){\nif(MQ.addEventListener){MQ.addEventListener(\"change\",paint);}\nelse if(MQ.addListener){MQ.addListener(paint);}\n}\nINST.push(function(target){\nif(target===list){return false;}\nif(!list.contains(target)){return false;}\nif(open){return false;}\nvar n=target;\nwhile(n.parentNode!==list){n=n.parentNode;}\nif(items.indexOf(n)<keepNow()){return false;}\nopen=true;\npaint();\nreturn true;\n});\npaint();\n}\nfunction targetOf(hash){\nif(!hash){return null;}\nif(hash.length<2){return null;}\nvar id=hash.slice(1);\ntry{id=decodeURIComponent(id);}catch(e){id=hash.slice(1);}\nreturn document.getElementById(id);\n}\nfunction reveal(target){\nvar i,did=false;\nif(!target){return false;}\nfor(i=0;i<INST.length;i++){\nif(INST[i](target)){did=true;}\n}\nreturn did;\n}\nfunction fromHash(){\nvar t=targetOf(window.location.hash);\nif(reveal(t)){\nt.scrollIntoView({block:\"start\"});\n}\n}\nfunction run(){\nvar lists=findLists(),b;\nfor(b=0;b<lists.length;b++){setup(lists[b],b);}\nfromHash();\n}\ndocument.addEventListener(\"click\",function(e){\nvar a=e.target;\nwhile(a){\nif(a.tagName===\"A\"){break;}\na=a.parentNode;\n}\nif(!a){return;}\nif(!a.getAttribute){return;}\nvar h=a.getAttribute(\"href\");\nif(!h){return;}\nif(h.charAt(0)!==\"#\"){return;}\nreveal(targetOf(h));\n},true);\nwindow.addEventListener(\"hashchange\",fromHash);\nwindow.addEventListener(\"load\",fromHash);\nrun();\nif(document.readyState===\"loading\"){\ndocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",run);\n}\n})();\/*>*\/<\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32086477 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-left-color:#4a67a8;border-left-width:4px;border-left-style:solid;border-radius:0px;margin-top:8px;margin-bottom:56px;padding:4px 0px 4px 28px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#6b6259;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.227), 16px);line-height:1.7\"><strong style=\"color:#34508c\">This article is general information, not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for emergency care.<\/strong> It cannot tell you whether a drug, an amount or a combination is safe for you, and nothing in it makes any drug safe. Do not start, stop or change a prescribed medicine because of anything written here; talk to whoever prescribed it. Psychological support is intended to work alongside appropriate medical care, never to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:44px\"><a class=\"ra-next\" href=\"\/dopamine-addiction-everyday-habits\/\"><span class=\"eyb\">Read next<\/span><span class=\"ti\">Dopamine, Addiction and Everyday Habits<\/span><span class=\"wy\">Why knowing something is bad for you does not stop the wanting, and how using for pleasure turns into using for relief.<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group dr-keep dr-end has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d2a766d4 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1708\" src=\"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mid-shot-woman-therapist-taking-notes-clipboard-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A therapist taking notes on a clipboard during a session\" class=\"wp-image-230\" style=\"width:100%;height:340px;object-fit:cover;object-position:center 40%;border-radius:22px 22px 0 0;display:block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mid-shot-woman-therapist-taking-notes-clipboard-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mid-shot-woman-therapist-taking-notes-clipboard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mid-shot-woman-therapist-taking-notes-clipboard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mid-shot-woman-therapist-taking-notes-clipboard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mid-shot-woman-therapist-taking-notes-clipboard-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/div>\n<div hidden data-eq-related=\"3351,3089,2429\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background eq-ondark has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f761ea3b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#233a68;border-radius:0px 0px 22px 22px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:80px;padding:52px\">\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#c9d3ea;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.16em;line-height:1.4\">WORKING WITH THIS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family\" id=\"when-using-has-started-to-cost-more-than-it-gives\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(16.293px, 1.018rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.989), 25px);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;line-height:1.28\">When using has started to cost more than it gives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family eq-ondark wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#e9edf7;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:18px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.398), 17.5px);line-height:1.7\">You don&#8217;t have to be in crisis to talk to someone about drugs. Maybe you&#8217;re worried about how much you use, or you&#8217;ve noticed it&#8217;s become the way you get through anxiety, low mood or stress, or you&#8217;ve tried to cut down and it hasn&#8217;t stuck. Those are exactly the conversations we have here, without judgment, alongside whatever medical care you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family eq-ondark wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#e9edf7;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:30px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.398), 17.5px);line-height:1.7\">If things have gone further than that, severe dependence, withdrawal and detox need a doctor or a specialist addiction service. If you\u2019re not sure which you need, a doctor can help you decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-element-button\" href=\"\/individual-session\/\" style=\"border-radius:9px;color:#2a2622;background-color:#faf8f3;padding:15px 30px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.284), 16.5px);font-weight:700\">Book a session<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button footer_b\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-work-sans-regular-font-family wp-element-button\" href=\"\/contact\/\" style=\"border-color:#c9d3ea;border-width:1.5px;border-style:solid;border-radius:9px;color:#ffffff;padding:15px 30px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.284), 16.5px);font-weight:600\">Get in touch<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why a therapist would write about using drugs more safely, how drugs work in your brain, what each drug does and how long it lasts, why a pill is stronger and less predictable than it looks, which combinations cause the most emergencies, what an overdose looks like and what to do, the risks of pills from someone else&#8217;s prescription, when use starts to become a problem and what helps, and plain answers to the questions people rarely ask out loud<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4717,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1416,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3151","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-body-and-mind","category-too-afraid-to-ask"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3151","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3151"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3151\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4767,"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3151\/revisions\/4767"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3151"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equilibriumpsychotherapy.net\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}