What’s in the pill? Ecstasy harm reduction campaign

Ecstasy campaign: What's in the pill?

A number of pills sold as ecstasy have been tested and found to contain substances other than MDMA.

MDMA, and many of these substances have been linked to hospitalisations, deaths and possible mental health issues.

There is no way of telling what is in a pill just by looking at it.

The 'What’s in the Pill?’ campaign is a collaboration between three Dublin Universities, DIT, TCD, and UCD and drugs.ie and the Ana Liffey Drug Project.

Resources created include posters and a fact sheets that have been distributed on campus and promoted on social media and on the drugs.ie.

Ecstasy harm reduction information

The campaign focuses on the following harm reduction information.

It's always safest not to take unknown or illicit drugs at all

If you do decide to take a pill ...

It is less risky to take half (although smaller doses can also be dangerous)
If you don't come up as quickly as expected don't assume you've got dud pills. Wait 2 hours. Some drugs take longer to effect than others
Never double drop
Never mix your drugs. Alcohol, other club drugs and prescribed drugs call all interact dangerously with pills, and with each other
If dancing, rehydrate with water or isotonic drinks regularly, but don't go over a pint per hour
Take breaks from dancing

If you are concerned about a substance that you or a friend have taken:

Don't take any more
Don't take other drugs
Seek medical advice

Partners section: download fact sheets and posters

We are now extending this campaign to other 3rd level institutes nationwide by supplying customised PDF versions of the poster and fact sheet free of charge.

If you supply us with a transparent PNG version of your college logo, we can supply you with the finished designs for print and make them available for download on this page. To get involved contact info@drugs.ie.

Students' Unions in no way condones the use of illegal drugs.

Campaign press

The campaign was launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Criona Ni Dhalaigh, with support from Minister of State with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Aodhán O ‘Ríordáin TD.