Thread by @SubstanceUVic

Trick or Treat? A Halloween Thread.

Unlike the chocolates and candies we get from the supermarket during Halloween, drugs don't come with an ingredients list. When we get illicit drugs, we don't always know what's in them and that can sometimes lead to spooky situations. /1

Imagine wanting a Caramilk, but when you bite into it, it's an Aero. No juicy liquid center, just air pockets, kind of sucks right? Now imagine ingesting what you think is cocaine, only to find out it's actually ketamine, and all of a sudden you're in for an unexpected ride /2

The point is, there is often no reliable way of knowing what's in the drugs we consume. Sometimes we get the treat we're expecting, other times, we get tricked. Drug checking is one way of providing some quality control in the illicit drug market. /3

Not only can drug checking screen for potentially harmful compounds, it's useful for confirming that the drug you expect is actually the drug you have. Knowing what's in our drugs helps us make informed decisions about how, or whether, to use them! /4

During this creepy crawly time of year, we want to remind you that you can get your substances checked in Victoria 5 days a week! so if you're planning a spooky trip, consider getting your stuff checked!

substance.uvic.ca to learn more! #yyj #drugchecking #HarmReduction