The Buddy System

Celebrating with a friend can make everything easier, ease anxiety, and allow you to have a fantastic time. Always let your friend know any substances you have taken, and how much. Communicate if you are not feeling well, or if you need a break.

Community Support

This community has extensive wisdom when it comes to substances, their usage, their side effects, and ways to have a good (or not-so-good) time. Individuals will often gladly discuss substances, and aid you if you are having a bad time. Lean into the community, we’re here for each other!

Chill Out & Take Breaks

Dancing can be exhausting, resulting in dehydration or heat exhaustion (even without the use of substances). Be sure to take breaks, drink water, and cool-down, regularly.

Hydrate

Dehydration and heatstroke are real issues. Most problems are a direct result of heatstroke and / or dehydration. Energy drinks, soda, and alcohol are not recommended for hydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the night, taking breaks to refill your water bottle as needed. 

Know Your Dosage

If you do choose to use a substance, know how much you are consuming and manage potential re-dosing. Remember – “Less is more!”

Be Cautious When Mixing Substances

If you choose to use multiple substances, be very careful with drug interactions. When using several substances, the effects may multiply. Furthermore, when mixing substances, especially those with different effects on the central nervous system (i.e. depressant vs. stimulant), you increase your risk of unwanted health consequences or death. Subsequently, be cautious when mixing two or more depressants, as your heart and breathing may slow, and when mixing two or more stimulants, as your heart and breathing may rapidly increase.

Pace Yourself

Remember that Gathering is a marathon, not a sprint. There will always be something to do, and people who are excited to do it with you. Allow yourself to skip events. Take breaks, go on a walk, give your body, mind & spirit some quiet & peaceful moments between events. You’ll be very glad you did.

Test & Verify

Be safe, and test your substances before you consume them! If you do choose to use a substance, you should know what you are choosing to put in your body to prevent any unintentional risk. Visit dancesafe.org for an excellent selection of testing kits that will last you for years to come.

Get Proper Sleep & Nutrition

This may be easier said than done, but remember – your body maintains homeostasis with the nutrients and vitamins it needs and a proper sleep schedule. We can still have fun without pushing our bodies too hard. Make sure to eat healthy meals and get appropriate sleep before and after consuming substances. There are always snacks available at the Main House, regardless of the hour.