Safety
Nuotr. Alina Pasiuk
One of the goals of the Vilnius Night Office in developing nighttime economy policy is to prioritize and ensure the health and safety of nighttime economy participants in relation to psychoactive substance use. In implementation of psychoactive substance use prevention and harm reduction measures in this setting we rely on best practice and evidence-based approaches. Our aim is to raise awareness and inform nighttime economy participants while reducing the risks associated with substance use.
A focus on prevention and harm reduction does not mean that inappropriate or criminal behavior is acceptable.
Prevention and harm reduction empower businesses to adopt and implement policies aimed at well-being and safety while addressing the needs of nighttime economy participants.
Dėmesys psichoaktyviųjų medžiagų vartojimo prevencijai ir žalos mažinimui nereiškia, kad netinkamas ar nusikalstamas elgesys yra priimtinas.
Prevencija ir žalos mažinimas leidžia verslui priimti ir diegti politiką, nukreiptą į gerovę ir saugumą, skatina atliepti naktinės ekonomikos dalyvių poreikius.
Prevention and harm reduction
Psychoactive substance use prevention
It’s a set of actions aimed at preventing the use of psychoactive substances and / or their negative consequences, as well as delaying or reducing substance use.
Harm reduction
It’s an approach that encompasses methods and programs aimed at reducing the harm associated with drug use and ineffective drug policies. This approach recognizes the dignity and human rights of people who use drugs, just like any other individuals, and provides support even when they continue using drugs. Harm reduction services aim to minimize the negative consequences for both individual and public health.
PREVENTION AND HARM REDUCTION TIPS FOR VISITORS
Don’t waste a good party
The most important thing is to have a great time! Remember that using psychoactive substances always carries risks, and mixing them can increase the chances of health complications and overdoses. Being intoxicated can lead to irresponsible decisions.
Test substances when possible
Just because a substance looks reliable doesn’t mean it’s safe. If possible, use drug testing kits to check what you’re taking.
Rest and protect your hearing
Find a quiet place to rest, drink water (no more than 0.5 l per hour), and take breaks from dancing. Protect your hearing – avoid standing too close to speakers and consider using earplugs.
Look after your friends
If a friend seems unwell, take them to a cooler, quieter area. If someone loses consciousness or if you’re unsure about their health, call 112 immediately. Seeking help won’t get you in trouble.
Safe sex only
Always carry condoms and use them to protect against sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. Make sure that any sexual activity is fully consensual and that your partner is not too intoxicated to give consent.
Never drive under the influence of psychoactive substances
Using psychoactive substances and driving do not mix. If you have consumed alcohol or any other substances, do not get behind the wheel.
Support
Harm reduction services at nightlife venues are provided by:
Other support
“Jaunimo linija”
Working hours:
Mon–Sat: 18.00–22.00 (online chats)
Mon–Sun: 24/7 (by phone 0 800 28888)
Tel.: 116123 (available 24/7)
Email: 116123@viltieslinija.lt or vilties.linija@gmail.com (responds within three working days)
Online chats:
- Mondays & Fridays: 17:00–20:00
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: 19:00– 21:00
Women’s helpline
Tel.: 0 800 66366 (available 24/7)
Email: pagalba@moteriai.lt or pagalbosmoterimslinija.lt (responds within 24 hours)
Online chats: daily 18:00–21:00
Men’s helpline “Nelik vienas”
Tel.: 0 604 11119 (daily 18:00–22:00)
“Krizių įveikimo centras”
Tel.: 0 640 51555
Email: info@krizesiveikimas.lt (responds within two days)
Publication „Kita stotelė“
Leaflet about alcohol
Poison Information Office
Tel. 8 5 236 20 52
FOR NIGHTLIFE VENUE MANAGERS
Prevention and harm reduction strategies applied in entertainment venues can not only reduce risks associated with alcohol and other psychoactive substance use (such as accidents, overdoses, driving under the influence of psychoactive substances, mixing different substances, etc.), but also help develop the image of a socially responsible, innovative, and safety-conscious sector, improving the quality of nightlife services.
Venue managers, considering the specifics of their location, can choose which prevention and harm reduction measures could be implemented in their venue. Visitor education, the creation of social and physical environments, employee well-being, and collaboration are key areas that can ensure the safety of venue visitors and those around them, protect health, and, in some cases, even save lives.
How can Vilnius Night Office help you?
Date-rape drugs
Date-rape drugs are various substances that render a person incapacitated and highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation or assault. One of the most common date-rape drugs is alcohol, but intoxication can also occur through pills or injectable substances. These substances can be administered quickly, with the victim unaware and not knowing that someone is attempting to take advantage of them.
No matter how much you drank or what you took, sexual violence is never your fault—it is always a conscious choice made by the perpetrator.
How to identify a drink that has been spiked?
A changed drink color, taste, or smell, more bubbles than usual, or a cloudy appearance could be signs of tampering. However, sometimes a drink spiked with date-rape drugs may look completely normal. That’s why, when going out, always have a safety plan—know what you would do if you suddenly felt unwell, weak, or had trouble getting home.
Effect
Date-rape drugs or excessive alcohol consumption can make you feel:
Intoxicated;
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech;
Trouble moving or controlling your muscles;
Nauseous or wanting to vomit;
A slowed or rapid heartbeat;
Extremely sleepy or confused;
Difficulty breathing;
Loss of consciousness.
Date-rape drugs act quickly, but you may not immediately notice that something is happening. Their effects can last for different durations, depending on the dose and whether they were mixed with other drugs and/or alcohol.
Alcohol can intensify the effects of these drugs, sometimes leading to serious health consequences and, in extreme cases, death.
Tips that can help you to stay safer in public places
Only drink your own beverages.
Avoid open or shared drinks.
Do not drink beverages offered by others.
Always watch, see, and know where your drink is.
Hold it yourself, even if you have to take it to the restroom.
Do not drink anything that tastes strange.
Stay with your friends. Ask for help if you feel unwell.
Let’s look out for each other and respond to “suspicious” situations – let’s do everything we can to make public spaces safer.
Support
Emergency
Harm reduction measures can reduce risks but do not prevent the use of psychoactive substances. Therefore, it is important to know how to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
Incidents related to psychoactive substance use can affect a person’s physical or mental health (all health issues are equally important).
Health risks may arise if a person has been negatively affected by psychoactive substances, has used multiple substances at the same time, has consumed an excessive amount, if the substance worsens an existing health condition, or if the person has injured themselves while intoxicated.
How to respond to a psychoactive substance overdose?
Stay together
Stay with the person and regularly check their condition. If the person is very anxious or scared, sit with them in a calm environment and reassure them.
Check its condition regularly
If the person is very anxious or scared, sit with them in a quiet environment and reassure them.
Call 112
If the person loses consciousness or you have doubts about their health condition, call 112. Provide as much information as possible – dispatchers are trained to provide emergency assistance over the phone and will give clear instructions on what to do next and how to help the person in distress. Be open and honest, as this will help emergency responders give the appropriate help (this will not result in any consequences for you).
Recommendations when providing assistance
Recommendations: emergency situations related to the use of psychoactive substances
Let's Connect
We invite you to discuss the topic of the nighttime economy. Submit your questions, reports, and suggestions.