Raver Survival Guide 🌈✨

Tolerances, Allergy Checks, Testing

• Tolerance breaks: Space MDMA (many use months between). Avoid daily benzos. Stims = crash cycles—plan off-days.
• Allergy test: new batch → microdose test bump/capsule sliver; wait to assess.
• Test everything: reagents + fent strips (even "trusted" powders). See Polydrug Guide.
• Stash plan: label/color-code; separate look-alikes; no mystery pocket roulette.

Fuel, Sleep, Immunity

• Pre-meal 1–3h before: carbs + protein + a little salt (rice/pasta + tofu/chicken; pretzels).
• Sleep bank: one decent night before reduces crash intensity.
• Immunity: hydrate day-of; consider zinc/probiotics before long fests.

Pack & Plan

• Kit: earplugs, electrolytes, charger, condoms + lube, saline spray, gum, blister pads, bandaids, small trash bag.
• Safety: share location; set a dead-phone meet spot; confirm ride; screenshot tickets/maps.
• Review Consent and Route/Snorting.

Smart Hydration & Temperature

• Rotate: steady sips + electrolytes (packets). Plain water only can dilute sodium (hyponatremia).
• Pre-hydrate: go in hydrated; you can't "catch up" mid-heatstroke.
• Dehydration signs: dark pee, cramps, dizziness. Action: electrolytes, shade, rest.
• Overhydration signs: pounding headache, nausea, confusion after chugging. Action: pause water, sip electrolytes, seek med help if worsening.
• Overheating signs: confusion, chills, hot/dry skin. Action: stop dancing, cool core (neck/wrists/groin), airflow, small electrolyte sips.
• Dehydration combos: MDMA + alcohol; stims + hot rooms. Avoid or limit.
• More: Emergency

Pacing & Temp

• Wait at least an hour before considering more; most mishaps = stacking too soon.
• Heat checks: cool-downs each set; fans/airflow; step out if you feel off.
• Quick fuel: small salty snack can fix shakiness (low sugar/sodium).

Red-Flag Combos (Why They're Bad)

• MDMA + alcohol → dehydration/overheating.
• GHB + alcohol/benzos/opioids → respiratory arrest.
• Cocaine + alcohol → cocaethylene (toxic; heart/liver strain).
• Multiple depressants (benzos, alcohol, opioids) → blackout + breathing suppression.
• Unsure? See Polydrug.

Route Safety

• Snorting: grind fine; your own straw; alternate nostrils; saline rinse after; don't mix uppers.
• Oral is generally gentler than insufflation. Plugging requires sterile tools + lube; avoid injecting.
• Details: Route/Snorting Guide.

Psychedelics in Crowds

• Microdose if you want to stay social; avoid "re-upping" in a chaotic crowd.
• Shrooms/ket/DMT can disorient: stick with your buddy, find a safe chill zone.

Grounding, Hearing, Sex

• Grounding: gum, textured object, splash cold water, breathe 4-in/6-out, sit with back to a wall.
• Hearing: foam plugs; tinnitus is permanent.
• Safe sex: condoms + lube; get STI testing post-festival. Respect Consent.

Overdose Signs

• Opioids: slow/absent breathing, blue lips/nails, pinpoint pupils.
• Stimulants: chest pain, overheating, seizures, extreme agitation.
• Alcohol/benzos/GHB: can't wake, vomit + unresponsive, shallow breathing.

What To Do

• Call 911 now. Say what you see (don't guess substances). MN Good-Samaritan protections apply.
• Recovery position: on side, head tilted, clear airway.
• Naloxone: give immediately for suspected opioid OD; repeat in 2–3 min if no response.
• Heatstroke: aggressive cooling—shade/AC, fans, cold packs to neck/armpits/groin; small electrolyte sips.
• Stimulant crisis: stop activity, cool down, hydrate; seek medical help if symptoms escalate.

Body Reset

• Electrolytes before bed & on waking; salty/protein snack (eggs, broth, toast, bananas).
• Sleep sanctuary: dark/cool room, eye mask, earplugs. Don't stack downers to "force sleep."
• Clean up: saline nasal rinse; shower; gentle skincare; moisturize.

Serotonin & Supplements

• Tryptophan foods: turkey, eggs, bananas, nuts.
• 5-HTP only after rolling (never before MDMA). Avoid if it conflicts with your meds.
• Magnesium for jaw/clench; vitamin C for stress recovery.

Mood & Integration

• Post-rave crash (low mood, anxiety, derealization) is common and usually passes.
• Journal or voice note; sunlight walk; text a friend to debrief.
• If it lingers, see Mental Health.

Make It Sustainable

• Cycle breaks: sober weekends; months between MDMA; avoid daily benzos.
• Track patterns: sleep/mood/usage/spend—if the graph trends down, change course.
• Hearing: wear plugs; give your ears rest days; tinnitus is forever.
• Boundaries: cap nights out; say no to midweek binges; keep non-nightlife hobbies alive.
• Normalize therapy + check-ins. See Mental Health.

"Stupid Little Hacks" That Save Your Night

• Baby Vicks: sniff near (not inside) nostrils for airflow; rinse later with saline.
• Gum/lollipops: reduces jaw clench & dry mouth; also a grounding tool.
• Bandana: sweat rag, dust mask, wrap ice for cooling, or eye cover if overstimmed.
• Portable charger: dead phone = stranded; pack cable + brick.
• Rideshare safety: match plate/driver; rear passenger seat; share live location.
• Digital harm reduction: don't post people railing/blacked out; blur faces; ask consent.
• Women & queer-specific: watch drinks; stick with a buddy; beware predatory "caretakers"; ask staff if uneasy.
• Eco care: pack in/out; dispose of sharps/test kits correctly; don't trash venues.
• Festival body: blister pads, dry socks, sunscreen, light layer for MN chills.
• Cultural literacy: PLUR = respect + care; look out for the vulnerable. See Consent.