Recreational substances are currently a sore topic to bring up into a discussion as everybody has their own individual views and opinions. However the negative stigma around drug use does not stop it from happening, regardless of the social view or laws surrounding the activity, this is why it can be important to not ignore that subject, keeping people educated on how to use drugs safely when adamant to take them is still a necessity, whether the practice is legal or not. Regardless of the positive effects many swear they have, drugs do unfortunately have downfalls, so below are some tips on how to best avoid those negative effects.

Be as educated as possible

When putting any substance in your body, whether a recreational drug or even prescribed medication it is essential to know what it is. In the case of recreational drugs it is wise to investigate the substance before hand, checking health risks such as its potential side effects (the good and the bad) and what it is you are putting into your body and how long it should be expected to last, remembering this can differ depending on the person. Be aware of what it should and shouldn't be mixed with to avoid disastrous consequences. Compare all of this to your own state of health and lifestyle to ensure nothing in your natural routine could have a bad reaction.

Be sure you are not alone

Even if you feel you are experienced with a drug it is a good idea to always have company in case something goes wrong. This is the same for your company too, so remember to keep an eye on the people you are with, as if it is not only you taking the drug it is also not only you that could be in danger from it. In the event that something does go wrong be sure to get medical attention if something is wrong, regardless of the consequences.

Be sure what you are taking

Always be sure you know where your substance is coming from, don't buy from strangers unless someone you are close with knows them well to ensure you get the correct thing and that it is pure, as taking an unexpected or cut substance can increase the likelihood of negative reactions and dosages that are too high. If you have used a substance before be aware that addiction is a reality, keep in mind why you are using the drug and if you feel you are reusing because you crave the feeling of being on it then you may be reusing because you're relying on it to make you feel that way again. This is where it becomes important to self-reflect and acknowledge a problem if there is one about to occur. This can be avoided by taking it when you plan to rather than on a whim, knowing why and how you are taking it and also being aware of the last time you had it to be sure it hasn't been too short of a gap in time. You are more likely to run into danger when using drugs on a whim rather than using them consciously and reflectively

Change use if it interferes with lifestyle or responsibilities

Know what you will not be able to do on the drug and be sure that you do not have any upcoming responsibilities such as having to drive, go to work or even look after children. This can be done by assessing your own situation and choosing an appropriate time and place where use will not interfere with the rest of your or other's lifestyle. Also change your use pattern if it is having an effect on your mental health, track bad days so mistakes are not repeated, such as too high of a dose of a certain drug or taking a drug after doing certain other things. If bad days and patterns occur frequently always get help if it is needed.

Decide a dosage and measure accurately

Start low dose and increase once you know how you are reacting to the drug, be sure to wait long enough to know it has fully kicked in to reduce the risk of taking too much. Know your limits, do not take so much that it stops you from functioning naturally and be sure to learn from mistakes, multiple bad experiences with a drug may mean it's time to stop the substance completely. On top of this it is essential to know what you are planning to do and if someone offers you more or something different say no, be aware of what will react badly for you, such as in instances where you have already consumed large amounts of alcohol or a substance.

Keep an eye on use patterns

Remember that if you like it, take a break. Everything great can't last forever and wanting to do a drug again the moment you're off it is a warning sign, at this point it is essential to take a break and regulate use, use something a few times a year rather than as much as possible. Also be sure to test your resolve well, if you're using something recreationally so often it's become a causal part of your lifestyle stop for a while. This break will help you to regulate the chances of addiction and assess your own behaviour, if you can take a couple months or even a six month break you are likely to have more control over your use, but just thinking that you can stop whenever you want but taking no pause will do nothing but prove to yourself you have a want to not stop the substance, and a small amount of need for it in your life.

Be aware of change or patterns, if you are able to handle way more of a drug way more than you used to a problem may be occurring. Building a tolerance to substances may be an indicator that it is being used too much as the body is becoming used to it and adjusting to accommodate meaning higher doses and more danger.