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Reposted by Peter Furlong

The Loop

@theloopuk.bsky.social

Planning on dissolving MDMA in your drink?

Be aware of the risks as this has been linked with serious medical incidents across the UK.

If you are planning on taking MDMA, consider alternative modes of intake and be aware of the signs of drug-related emergency.

#GoSlowStayLow #TakeQuarterSipWater

MDMA dissolved in liquid is likely to take effect more quickly than undissolved MDMA - take this into consideration when pacing yourself.
Crystal or pills crushed and poured into liquid may not have fully dissolved, if consumed quickly after mixing.
Putting MDMA in liquid does not weaken your dose - go slow, stay low.
Do not share with others - this will help you assess how much you are taking.

Without testing your MDMA to find out the strength beforehand, you cannot know the actual dose you are dissolving in your drink. Strength of both crystal and pills varies a lot.This means that you cannot accurately dose by volume.
If you do not let it fully dissolve, the sips at the bottom of your drink could be of higher concentration, which could lead you to take MDMA more rapidly than intended, particularly if you finish a drink or use a straw.

Image of cola and MDMA powder.

It can be hard to know if something has fully dissolved. Make sure that it is finely crushed before you dissolve it.
Shake or stir to give it the best chance to dissolve.
Make sure you keep it separate from other drinks consumed around you to avoid accidental spiking, marking the bottle/glass.
Stay hydrated with a non-intoxicating drink to help avoid overconsumption.
Wait at least 90 minutes before considering redosing - add a low dose and give it time.
Avoid mixing MDMA with other drugs.

December 13, 2024 at 8:35 PM

Reposted by Peter Furlong

Alex Stevens

@profalexstevens.bsky.social

'Preparing for a third wave'. My new paper on synthetic opioids in Europe. Published by @brookingsinst.bsky.social www.brookings.edu/articles/opi...

Opioids in Europe: Preparing for a third wave

Europe’s drug landscape is shaped by different cultural, political, and geographical factors that have—so far—limited harms.

www.brookings.edu

December 4, 2024 at 9:46 PM

Reposted by Peter Furlong

chrisrintoul.bsky.social

@chrisrintoul.bsky.social

viewer.joomag.com/ddn-dec-2024...

6 lovely people I know and I make the case for separating treatment/recovery and #harmreduction in all of the UK.

@furlongp.bsky.social @hussey-deb.bsky.social @maddieohare.bsky.social Buff, Jon Findlay & Lucy O’Hare

DDN_Dec_2024 DDN December 2024/January 2025 | Page 18

We’re so quick to compartmentalise – as if that makes treatment easier. Early trauma, chaotic drug use... rehab. Social scene, few too many drinks, hiding a hangover... be careful not to overdo the le...

viewer.joomag.com

December 2, 2024 at 6:29 PM

Peter Furlong

@furlongp.bsky.social

It's a cyclic event with the media which actually takes away any legitimacy of drink spiking which is a concern but again at times overplayed with myths of what's used

Max Daly @maxdaly.bsky.social · Nov 25

Just your annual reminder that ‘needle spiking’ is an urban myth. There’s been no proven cases (outside of the spy world) I can find anywhere in the world. Public and authorities need to focus on the real spiking threats eg drink spiking.

November 25, 2024 at 5:12 PM

Peter Furlong

@furlongp.bsky.social

Great recommendations here opioidprinciples.jhsph.edu/impactful-wa...

Impactful ways to spend small opioid settlement allocations

opioidprinciples.jhsph.edu

November 23, 2024 at 6:54 AM

Reposted by Peter Furlong

Guy Felicella

@guyfelicella.bsky.social

1/3) I hate to say I told you so …

My critics love to tell me: “You can’t compare alcohol to ‘hard drugs.’”

YES, ACTUALLY I CAN. (Also, “hard drugs” are not a thing.) The biggest difference between legal drugs (like alcohol) and illegal drugs (like Down, cocaine & meth) is REGULATION.🧵

November 22, 2024 at 7:35 PM

Reposted by Peter Furlong

Max Daly

@maxdaly.bsky.social

The West is learning about the huge annual global death toll from bootleg booze

www.theguardian.com/world/2024/n...

British lawyer is fifth person to die in suspected methanol poisoning in Laos

As well as Simone White, two Danes, an American and an Australian have died after incident in town popular with backpackers

www.theguardian.com

November 21, 2024 at 7:40 PM

Peter Furlong

@furlongp.bsky.social

RIP John Prescot. Maybe not everyone's cup.of tea but an outspoken and as honest as you will get in a politian from a working class back ground. From a different era.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce...