Drug consumption is part of the Street Parade. Image: KEYSTONE
On Saturday it’s that time again, the 31st Street Parade will take place – and with it drug consumption will once again be in the spotlight. What the expert advises and which drugs he warns against.
06.08.2024, 04:5006.08.2024, 13:19
When the world’s biggest techno party takes place, drugs are never far away. Many ravers will once again turn to MDMA, cocaine or amphetamines in addition to alcohol on Saturday.
Since consumption cannot be prevented, the social services department of the city of Zurich is focusing on prevention and harm reduction on site. As in previous years, the Zurich Drug Information Center (DIZ) is offering a drug checking service at two locations on Saturday, where people can have their drugs tested in advance for possible health risks. watson spoke to Joël Bellmont, co-director of the DIZ, about drug consumption at the Street Parade.
Which drugs are most commonly consumed?
According to Bellmont, the number one drug at the Street Parade is still alcohol, followed by cocaine. But cannabis, MDMA, amphetamine and LSD are also among the preferred intoxicants of ravers. These substances have also been tested most frequently in the DIZ in recent years.
The DIZ drug checking services
The Drug Information Center DIZ Zurich is present at two locations at the Street Parade with a drug checking service:
From 1pm to midnight at Bürkiplatz (near the National Bank)
From 3pm to 9pm at Drug Checking at Langstrasse 14
Which drugs should you be careful with?
Basically, any consumption – whether drugs or alcohol – must be handled with caution. “No consumption of illegal substances is risk-free,” says Bellmont. However, the expert warns especially when consuming MDMA and cocaine.
«We have been observing very high doses of MDMA and, in recent weeks, increasingly adulterated cocaine,” so Bellmont.
According to Bellmont, around a third of all tested substances (not just MDMA and cocaine) pose an increased risk. The DIZ therefore regularly publishes Warnings on the website saferparty.chThere you can find out about specific drugs that are in circulation.
The website saferparty.ch provides information and warnings about various drugs that are in circulation.Image: Screenshot saferparty.ch
Caution is advised with these pills
«Audi»
The highest concentration of MDMA is found in the “Audi” pill with 365.8 mg content.Image: screenshot saferparty
Saferparty.ch gives the highest warning level for the MDMA-Pill «Audi» which has a dosage of 365.8 mg. Taking such a high dose can lead to a strong concentration of serotonin in the brain. This increases the risk of life-threatening complications such as serotonin syndrome.
«SnapChat»
The MDMA pill “SnapChat” also has a high dosage.Image: screenshot saferparty
Saferparty.ch also gives the highest warning level for the MDMA Pill «SnapChat» This has a dose of 247.1 mg, and an additional 1.2 mg of amphetamine was detected in the pill.
“Super Mario”
You should also be careful with the «Super Mario» pill.Image: screenshot saferparty
There is also a warning for the MDMA-Pills «Super Mario»Like “Audi” and “SnapChat,” the “Super Mario” pill has an extremely high dosage of 205.6 mg.
Further warnings about various drugs plus information on the content can be found on the Website of saferparty.ch.
What does the expert recommend regarding drug use?
Even if you have tested your drugs, there are a few things you should keep in mind when consuming MDMA, cocaine, etc. Expert Bellmont gives seven tips to get through the Street Parade safely if you consume them:
- No drug experiments and no mixing, because substances do not always contain what was declared at the time of purchase.
- Heat, drugs and alcohol increase the body temperature and dehydrate the body, so it is best to Drink at least three deciliters of water.
- If other substances are consumed, one should avoid alcohol.
- Never consume alone.
- After consumption refrain from driving a car.
- At If you feel unwell, seek out a quiet and shady place. If you feel sick, talk to friends or security. In an emergency, call emergency services (phone 144).
- Always keep an eye on drinks, to prevent unwanted admixtures.
That was the 28th Street Parade
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That was the 28th Street Parade
Loud, colorful and exuberant: On Saturday, techno fans in Zurich celebrated the 28th Street Parade.
quelle: keystone / patrick huerlimann
Streetparade 2023
Video: watson
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