Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. We also realise that there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner.  Thus, in order to keep New Zealand’s communities safe, we provide information about proven methods of drug harm minimisation.

Although little is yet known about the physical and mental health effects of using party pills, there has been an increasing number of reports of emergency admissions where party pill use has been indicated.

Combining party pills with other drugs, including alcohol, can dangerous. Many instances of hospital admissions where party pills have been indicated have also involved alcohol. Alcohol use with party pills tends to lead to very unpleasant feelings, especially the day after.

Health information and dosage limits are included on the packaging of party pills. Recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Party pills can contain high doses of psychoactive substances and can cause considerable unpleasantness, including anxiety, nausea and vomiting when excessive amounts are taken.

It is recommended that users tell the people they are with if they take party pills. If something goes wrong it is very important that users friends know how to help. and can tell others (such as medics) what has been taken.

Psychoactive drugs should not be used while pregnant. BZP is known to cross the placenta and can affect both an unborn child and an infant still breastfeeding.