Alcohol and other substances
Alcohol and other substances (drugs) can enhance the fun factor at parties and when having sex. But they can also be dangerous and lead to overdoses, addiction and even death.
With low-risk behaviour and good preparation, the risk of negative consequences can be reduced. Even so, anyone who decides to consume alcohol and other substances should be aware that there is no such thing as risk-free substance use. Alcohol and other substances impair your judgement, which can make it harder to consistently use a condom during anal and vaginal sex. It is therefore important to think about your protection strategy beforehand and have some condoms at the ready. For people who frequently have sex under the influence of substances, the HIV protection medication (HIV-PrEP) can also be a sensible option. It is more difficult to remember to take medication when intoxicated. For people who regularly take medication such as PrEP or HIV treatment drugs, it’s a good idea to set an alarm to remind yourself to take it. There are apps available for this purpose.
Find out about substances and interactions
Read up on the substance you intend to take. Detailed information – and current warnings about specific products – can be found on know-drugs.ch. Mixing substances, including prescribed medications, can be really hard on your body and mind. Some combinations, like alcohol and GHB, can even be life-threatening. The effects are difficult to assess and don’t simply correspond to the sum of the individual effects.
For people who take substances and medication, it is advisable to consult a medical professional (e.g. at a sexual health clinic) to find out about possible interactions.
Psychoactive substances are often sold as something they’re not, making it difficult to estimate the correct dosage, since the purity can vary greatly. Depending on which substances are involved, overdoses can quickly occur. It’s therefore a good idea to drug check any substances before taking them.
Information for people with HIV on interactions between HIV drugs and other substances, both drugs and substances, can be found at hiv-gruginteractions.org.
HIV and hepatitis: reduce the risk of infection
By following a few rules for safer use, you can minimise the risk of transmitting HIV or hepatitis C when taking substances.
Snorting (nasal)
When taking substances through the nose (e.g. snorting/sniffing cocaine), there is a risk of transmitting hepatitis C. You should therefore observe the following safety rules when snorting:
- Never share straws: Do not use the same straw or utensil that someone else has used, and do not use them more than once. Make sure the surface is clean.
- When chopping up substances: Make sure the powder is as fine as possible – the bigger the crystals are, the more damage they can cause to the lining of the nose.
- Clean your nose: After snorting a substance, rinse the inside of your nose with a saline solution and apply a cream to prevent dryness.
Injecting (intravenously)
When injecting substances (shooting up, slamming, fixing), there is a high risk of transmitting HIV, hepatitis C and other pathogens. You should therefore observe the following safety rules when injecting drugs:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each time you use.
- Only use your own, new, sterile syringes, needles and filters, even when sharing (frontloading).
- Materials that are reused (water container and spoon) should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- Any form of filter should only be used once. In addition to viruses, used filters often contain large bacterial cultures in the blood residue, which can multiply rapidly.
- Disposing of needles: Dispose of needles in special boxes available from pharmacies. They can also be put in a plastic bottle and subsequently disposed of in the household waste. Do not attempt to put the protective cap back on a used needle (recapping), as this often leads to needlestick injuries.
You’re not alone!
Has your drug use got out of hand? Are you concerned about a loved one’s substance use? Do you have any questions or need help?
Then speak to a support organisation. You can get advice without being obliged to take action. Trained professionals can also help you find a more specialised support service if needed.