Minister backs ‘half-a-pill’ student campaign

Drugs minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has backed a harm reduction campaign which advises students it is less risky to take half an ecstasy tablet than a full one and never to mix drugs.

The minister of state said the campaign was dealing with the “reality” of young people’s lives.

The What’s In the Pill? initiative is run by the students unions of Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and Dublin Institute of Technology, along with the Ana Liffey Drug Project.

A campaign poster advises students that it is “always safest not to take unknown or illicit drugs at all” — but that if they do take a pill:

It is less risky to take half a pill “although smaller doses can also be dangerous;
If you don’t come up (feel the effects) as quickly as expected don’t assume the pills are dud. Wait two hours as some drugs take longer;
Never double drop (take two pills at once);
Never mix your drugs (including alcohol) as they can interact dangerously;
If dancing, rehydrate gradually with water or isotonic drinks and take breaks.

Minister backs ‘half-a-pill’ student campaign

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