What is important to know about psychoactive substances, their effects and the risks they pose? How can you recognise dangerous intoxication and help someone who needs assistance? These and many other questions were discussed on 28 October at gallery 1986 nightclub, where the community of signatories to the Vilnius Nightlife Safety Memorandum invited people to an open conversation, “Let’s Talk About Drugs”.
During the event, medical toxicologist Gabija Mikulevičienė introduced participants to different types of psychoactive substances, their effects on the body and the risks associated with their use. The discussion also focused on practical questions: how to recognise dangerous situations, what to do when someone appears severely intoxicated, and when it is necessary to seek emergency medical assistance.
Questions We Don’t Always Feel Comfortable Asking
Ahead of the event, members of the nightlife community were invited to submit questions for the toxicologist anonymously. The questions covered a wide range of topics, from the development of addiction and behavioural mechanisms to the properties of different substances and recovery after a night out.
However, the conversation was not limited to questions submitted in advance. Participants actively joined the discussion, asked the toxicologist questions in person and raised topics that mattered to them. This created a lively conversation shaped above all by the community’s own curiosity and desire to better understand the subject.
Why Is It Important to Talk About Psychoactive Substances in Nightlife Spaces?
The use of psychoactive substances is one of the realities of nightlife. It is therefore important not only to discuss the potential consequences, but also to provide people with reliable information that can help them make informed decisions and recognise risky situations.
“Over the past year, we have placed a strong emphasis on training nightlife workers – from harm reduction and sexual violence prevention to first aid. But it is equally important to talk directly with people who take part in nightlife. We want to create a space where people can ask the questions they have without fear of being judged or lectured. The option to submit questions anonymously was an important part of the event, allowing us to include people who might not have felt comfortable asking them publicly,” says Emilija Gaidytė, Project Manager at the Vilnius Night Office.
A Joint Initiative by Nightlife Venues
“Let’s Talk About Drugs” was the first event of its kind organised by the community of venues that have signed the Vilnius Nightlife Safety Memorandum. Its aim was to bring together nightlife visitors, workers and others interested in the topic for an open conversation about health and safety.
The event took place at gallery 1986 nightclub, with other nightlife venues that have signed the Memorandum contributing to its promotion.
The initiative complements the Vilnius Night Office’s ongoing work to make nightlife safer and serves as a reminder that a safer nightlife environment is created not only through rules and staff training, but also by giving nightlife visitors access to reliable information.
