Lifestyle & Sports
18 Aug 25

Festival Season with Man2Man: Play Safe, Stay Sexy

Safer Sex Matters

• Consent: The only way to be sure that someone consents is asking. Being sexually active with someone when they don’t fully understand what’s going on isn’t consensual. If there’s any confusion or uncertainty then you should stop immediately and talk about it.

• Preparation: Bring condoms and lube. You can find out where to order free supplies at man2man.ie/freecondoms. Using condoms correctly significantly reduces the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

• STI status: It’s a good idea to get tested for STIs and HIV, especially after unprotected sex or multiple partners. Visit your local STI clinic, ask about rapid testing, or order a home testing kit from sexualwellbeing.ie. Early detection is crucial.

• If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, act fast. You can access PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), a treatment which can prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours of exposure. Get it from your local STI clinic or nearest Emergency Department. Find more information at man2man.ie/HIVPEP.

Drug Harm Reduction: If You Choose to Use

It’s safer not to use at all. Each person will react differently based on personal factors, the contents of the drug and the setting you are in.

For those considering using drugs, understand the risks and take precautions.

Start Low, Go Slow

Drugs vary in strength – even between pills or lines. Your reaction depends on tiredness, hydration, and hunger. Pills, powders, and liquids can be much stronger or more unpredictable than expected, especially when mixed. Always start with small amounts and wait at least two hours before considering more. Be extra cautious if you’re unfamiliar with the substance.

Know What You’re Taking

Drugs don’t always come as advertised. You can never be fully sure of the contents or potency of substances.

With MDMA, stick to a test dose and wait at least two hours before re-upping. Sip (don’t chug) water, and avoid mixing substances.

Cocaine might give you a brief high, but it can also spike your heart rate and anxiety. Mixing it with alcohol creates cocaethylene, a toxic combo that puts extra strain on your body.

Ketamine can leave you physically unresponsive in high doses. Don’t use it alone, and don’t mix with downers like GHB or alcohol.

GHB and GBL have an incredibly small gap between a “good time” and unconsciousness. Measure carefully, avoid mixing, and know how to help if someone goes under.

Nitrous oxide can cause dizziness and suffocation if used in small spaces or directly from a canister. Always use the fresh air while sitting down.

Alcohol is a depressant that can amplify the effects of other drugs and dull your decision making ability.

For detailed harm reduction info and updates, visit drugs.ie.

Leave the Mixing to the DJs

Combining drugs can make them unpredictable and dangerous. Be honest with friends about what you’ve taken and watch out for each other.

Hydration is Key — But Don’t Overdo It

Drink a pint of water an hour, especially if dancing or taking stimulants. Avoid excessive water intake to prevent hyponatremia (water poisoning).

Never Use Alone

Stick with trusted friends who know what you’ve taken. Agree on check-in times and meeting spots. If someone looks unwell get help immediately.

Visit the Drugs.ie Harm Reduction Tent

The HSE will be at Electric Picnic and District X, offering free and confidential harm reduction. You can also surrender drug samples for “back-of-house” testing. This means the HSE analyses what’s in circulation to identify dangerous substances, before sharing alerts with the public. This service helps the HSE contribute to festival safety. These tents are not monitored by An Garda Síochána.

Mind Yourself and Look Out for Others

A festival is one of the best weekends of the year. Look after yourself and your mates. If in doubt, reach out. Medics, stewards, and harm reduction staff are there to help.

For more info and support visit: man2man.ie | drugs.ie