Glossary
A bad
trip is a negative drug experience. It can involve anxiety, paranoia, confusion, or other unpleasant symptoms. The condition usually improves as the effects wear off. Under no circumstances should you try to "fight" a bad trip by taking another substance, as this is highly likely to worsen the experience.
Bömbeli
The term Bömbeli refers to the oral ingestion of a substance that has been packaged in cigarette paper or similar.
Neurotransmitters
The human body possesses a multitude of neurotransmitters. These are chemical molecules that trigger key stimuli in the brain, for example, via the synapses. The most important neurotransmitters are the stress hormones dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as the happiness hormone serotonin.
Chill
Out means to unwind and relax. Since the consumption of psychoactive substances puts a strain on the body, you should plan enough time to recover during or at least after consumption. The term "chill out" also refers to specific areas in clubs or at festivals where you can relax even during the night.
Craving
refers to the intense desire for another experience with a substance. This craving usually arises during the comedown. Substances with a pronounced craving effect typically have a high potential for addiction.
Drug, Set, and Setting are interrelated.
Before using a substance, inform yourself about the substance you intend to consume, the method of consumption (drug), reflect on your personal feelings (set), and consider where and with whom you will consume the substance (setting).
Drug checking
is a service that offers chemical substance analysis combined with personal consultation. This helps to
determine the actual ingredient of a purchased substance, as well as the correct dosage, and provides the opportunity to ask questions about the substance to experts. Drug checking services are free and anonymous in Switzerland.
Galenic form
refers to the form in which a psychoactive substance appears. Common forms include tablets, pills, powders, capsules, liquids, and plant material. Most psychoactive substances exist in various galenic forms, which influence the method of consumption.
A catalyst
is defined as the enhancement of a specific property, such as the effect or flammability of a substance (e.g., tobacco and cannabis). Catalysts usually do not have their own psychoactive effects.
A hangover
is the gradual decrease in the effects of a substance. It's a state characterized by a lack of motivation, depression, insecurity, and irritability. The severity of a hangover depends on the dose and adherence to safer-use information (e.g., drinking water instead of knocking out), so you ultimately control how bad your hangover will be.
Metabolism
is the process by which a substance is metabolized in the liver and broken down in the kidneys. The body's own CYP hormones are responsible for the metabolism and breakdown of substances. This creates a potential for interactions with other substances and medications. For example, HIV medications slow down or block the CYP metabolic process (protease inhibitors, combination drugs).
After-effects:
Effects following the actual intoxication, which are sometimes no longer consciously perceived; however, motor skills as well as thinking and reaction abilities are still impaired.
Psychoactive substance:
Psychoactive means having an effect on the psyche. Drug substances are transported to the brain via the bloodstream through the blood-brain barrier, where they lead to the release and/or inhibition of the body's own neurotransmitters. Since the term "drugs" is usually equated with illegal substances, we use the less stigmatizing term "psychoactive" here.
Harm reduction
refers to activities or messages that aim to prevent or minimize potential harm associated with the use of a psychoactive substance. Important examples include safer use messages and drug checking services.
Cutting agents
Cutting agents are chemical substances added to the main substance. These can be neutral fillers or other psychoactive substances. Various sugars (e.g., lactose), starch, or finely ground cellulose are used as fillers. Psychoactive cutting agents have their own effects. They are selected either to produce a substance-typical effect (e.g., the local anesthetic effect of cocaine) or because they behave so similarly to the main substance that they remain undetected by common rapid tests (e.g., levamisole in cocaine). Since the actual ingredients of illegally purchased substances are not declared, you should use a drug checking service to find out.
Spectrum of Effects:
The spectrum of effects comprises the effects and side effects associated with the consumption of a specific psychoactive substance. Before each use, inform yourself about the spectrum of effects of the substance you intend to consume (see also Drug).