Check in with yourself: Partying can take its toll on your physical and mental health. Before going to a chillout, take a moment to check if you’re in the right headspace. 

Personal safety: If you don’t know who you’re going to be playing with, try to go with someone you trust. If you do go alone, let someone know where you’re going, so they can help you if needed.

Get a free BBV test: Knowing your BBV status helps prevent transmission. You can access free testing from any drug and alcohol service, your GP, or a sexual health centre. The NHS also provides a free online service for hep C testing: hepctest.nhs.uk. Remember, if you think you’re at risk of BBV after a party, get retested.

Set boundaries: Think about your boundaries and how you’ll communicate them to other people. You can agree on things like using condoms in advance, and how long you want a session to last.

Plan ahead: Have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable – measuring equipment, condoms, chewing gum etc. If you get extra drug supplies from your dealer, leave what you don’t need at home out of temptation’s way.

Build in recovery time: Clear your diary and stock up your fridge, as you may not want to go shopping after you’ve been to a chillout.

We know inhibitions are lowered and sex is intensified when using these substances - but always remember, no means no. 

Start low, go slow: Drugs can affect your body in different ways at different times. Start by taking a small amount and wait at least two hours before your next dose.  

Go at your own pace: Try not to feel pressured to keep up with others and take more than usual, or push your limits just because it’s a ‘big’ weekend. 

Use a G tracker: Use a G tracker so you can keep on top of your dosing - we’ve included one in this leaflet. 

Know how much G you’re taking: Measure the correct amount of G, this can be done with a 2 ml measuring syringe (which you can get for free from any needle and syringe service, or depending on where you live, via our webchat service). If you don’t get the dose right, it’s easier to overdose. If you use G to level out after a hit of crystal, only take your usual dose.

Time your doses carefully: If you forget your G tracker, take a screenshot of the time on your phone each time you have a dose, or set a timer on your phone.

Try not to mix drugs: Mixing more than one drug (including alcohol) carries more risk and makes it harder for you to stay in control, significantly raising your risk of harm.

Use your own equipment: Sharing or reusing equipment increases your risk of blood-borne viruses (BBVS) like hep B, hep C, HIV, and infections. To protect yourself, take your own equipment, including pipes, notes/straws, and measurers. You can get all the clean equipment you need, including lube and condoms, from any needle and syringe service, or depending on where you live, via our webchat service.

Know the risks - slamming: Slamming (injecting) can reduce the amount of control you have. If you’re thinking of slamming, it’s best not to share equipment or pool your drugs in a shared pot, use coloured barrels or mark them so you know which is yours. For more information about safer injecting, please see our website or access our webchat.  

Know the risks - booty bumping: Booty bumping, also known as ‘boofing’, is where drugs are taken up the bum. This method can cause soft tissue damage, so if you’re thinking of booty bumping, make sure you’re well lubricated. Ensure everything is measured and dissolved in sterile water, and use a syringe without a needle attachment. More information can be found here. 

Administer your own drugs: Try not to let anyone else give you drugs. If they do, make sure you know what you’re taking and how much. 

Manage the comedown: Looking after and being kind to yourself after a chillout is important - get plenty of sleep and rest, and it’s best not to take any other drugs.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat something nutritious which is soft on your stomach and not too rich. 

Access PEP: If you are HIV-negative or don't know your status and you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours during sex, access PEP via your local A&E or sexual health service.

Talk to someone: If you’re feeling low and feel you can’t call a friend or family member, we’re here to offer you free, confidential and non-judgemental advice. Access our webchat or find your local service.