Published7 August 2024, 11:58
Street Parade 2024: Ravers should definitely stay away from these drugs
The Drug Information Center warns Street Parade visitors about overdoses and mislabeled drugs. The problem: There is not enough capacity for drug testing at the parade.
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At the Street Parade, visitors can have their psychoactive substances tested for free.
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The Drug Information Center has a drug checking stand on Bürkliplatz and a mobile laboratory at Langstrasse 14.
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The DIZ warns against some high-dose or incorrectly labelled drugs.
They call themselves “Goomba,” “Snapchat,” or “Super Mario” and look like little candies. But they are psychedelics, MDMA, methamphetamine, or other psychoactive substances. What many ravers at this year’s Street Parade are not aware of is that many of these substances cause unpleasant side effects, and some are even life-threatening when consumed.
Drugs are tested at the Street Parade.
20min/Ela Steel
The Drug Information Center Zurich (DIZ) warns on its website Saferparty.ch for example, the strong hallucinogenic effect of the psychedelic 2C-B in “Goomba”, which in pill form could be confused with MDMA and can lead to a “bad trip”. In “Snapchat”, on the other hand, the concentration of MDMA is so high at 247 milligrams that the risk of life-threatening complications such as serotonin syndrome is increased. Taking just half of the pill could lead to an overdose, warns the DIZ.
Serotonin syndrome is a serious health reaction that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the nervous system. This can happen when taking several medications or substances that increase serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates many functions such as mood, sleep, and appetite.
Common symptoms include:
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Gastrointestinal problems: Diarrhea.
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Temperature regulation: Fever and increased sweating.
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Circulatory system: Heart palpitations and increased blood pressure.
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Neurological signs: Tremors, eye and muscle twitches, jaw grinding and confusion.
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Severe cases: Seizures and even acute kidney damage.
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On subsequent days: Depression, difficulty concentrating, sleep disorders, loss of appetite and a feeling of severe listlessness.
In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be fatal. Symptoms usually subside within about 24 hours, but may last longer.
Saferparty.ch
There are also warnings about cannabis that has been added with synthetic cannabinoids: these can quickly lead to risky overdoses and/or severe, often health-threatening side effects. In the worst case, consumption can lead to a heart attack and thus death.
Get drug tested early
In order to minimize the health risk for all participants in the Street Parade, the Drug Information Center has expanded its capacity: In addition to a drug checking and advice stand at Bürkliplatz, the center has opened a new mobile laboratory at Langstrasse 14. Visitors can have any substances tested free of charge from 1 p.m. to midnight at Bürkliplatz and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Langstrasse.
The DIZ warns against conducting any “drug experiments”: “Especially at the Street Parade, many counterfeits – false declarations, medicines and the like – are sold. Both pose enormous health risks.” Because the capacity on the day of the Street Parade is limited, it is best to arrange a drug purchase during the week. Appointment for testing agree.
How to stay safe on Saturday
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Do not buy any substances at the Street Parade itself and, if possible, bring them to the DIZ for testing beforehand or on the day itself.
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Anyone who cannot or does not want to bring the illegal substance for drug checking should first “test” it and observe the effect.
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Heat, drugs and alcohol increase the body temperature and dehydrate the body: it is best to drink at least 3 dl of water every hour.
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As a general rule, do not drink alcohol if you are consuming other substances. Never consume it alone. Do not drive after consumption.
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If you feel unwell, seek a quiet, shady place. In an emergency, call the emergency services (telephone 144).
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Always keep an eye on drinks to prevent unwanted additives.
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Contact friends or security if you feel uncomfortable.
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