HARM REDUCTION Archives - drogy.org

Alcohol

What is alcohol? Alcohol (ethanol) is a legal drug with sedative (attenuating) effects in Slovakia. Ethanol increases the activity of the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin. GABA regulates muscle tension and suppresses the transmission of information in the body, has relaxing and calming effects and initially evokes a feeling of euphoria. Serotonin regulates, among other things, […]

Cocaine

What is cocaine? Cocaine is an illegal drug with stimulating and anesthetic effects (it stimulates and alleviates pain). It increases the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine mainly controls movement, but also motivation and feelings of satisfaction after performed activity. Cocaine can cause you mental, but not physical, dependence. What are the […]

Heroin

What is heroin? Heroin belongs to a group of narcotic analgesics known as opiates. It is made from morphine, a natural extract of the poppy plant. Heroin use is associated with serious health problems, such as fatal overdose, miscarriage and addiction syndrome. When heroin is injected, these problems are compounded by many others associated with […]

HCV – TYPE C VIRAL HEPATITIS

Hepatitis C is an infectious viral acute (if it lasts less than 6 months), but usually a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver in which the viral infection persists for more than 6 months. Hepatitis is often not accompanied by any symptoms, but chronic virus infection can cause liver damage and scarring, cirrhosis, liver cancer, […]

Venereal diseases

BrochureVenereal diseases is an OZ Odysseus brochure that draws attention to the topic of protection against venereal diseases and safer sex. The publication is the property of the OZ Odysseus and no part thereof can be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the OZ Odysseus. If you are interested in purchasing several info-educational […]

LSD

What is LSD? In Slovakia, LSD is an illegal drug that belongs to the group of drugs with hallucinogenic effects. It acts in the central nervous system (CNS) and binds mainly to serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline receptors in the brain, where it acts as an agonist (activates occupied receptors). LSD causes hallucinations through serotonergic (serotonin-related) […]

Metamfetamin (know as PERVITÍN)

What is meth? In Slovakia, an illegal drug belonging to the group of drugs with stimulating effects. It acts mainly in the central nervous system, where it increases the number of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine or serotonin. Through dopamine, it affects movement, motivation or feelings of satisfaction after the executed activity. Noradrenaline, in turn, […]

Marijuana

What ist marijuana? In Slovakia, marijuana is an illegal drug with hallucinogenic, mildly sedative, but also stimulating effects. It acts on the central and peripheral nervous system, specifically on the endocannabinoid system. In addition to THC and CBD, marijuana contains at least 82 other cannabinoids (active substances that bind to cannabinoid receptors). THC causes euphoric […]

MDMA

What is MDMA? What is MDMA?In Slovakia, MDMA is an illegal drug with stimulant effects. It acts mainly on the central nervous system, where it affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. Through dopamine, it influences movement, motivation, improved concentration, and the level of stimulation. Noradrenaline affects oxygen supply, heart rate, and blood pressure. […]

Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and drug use

The decision whether to keep the baby or end the pregnancy is a very personal one and can be difficult. Using drugs or being on substitution treatment does not mean you have to end the pregnancy. It is normal to have mixed feelings. Remember that if you used drugs before you found out you were […]

Risky sexual activities for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections

Sex is a normal and often enjoyable part of all our lives, but practising it is associated with certain risks. Different sexual activities carry different levels of risk of acquiring various sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The level of transmission risk for individual STIs depends on how the infection is transmitted. In this article, we take […]

NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES (NPS)

What are NPS? NPL (also called designer drugs or research chemicals) is a term for a wide range of psychoactive substances that have not been sufficiently researched by now. They are defined as substances misused in a pure form or in the form of a preparation; they are not controlled under the 1961 United Nations […]

SAFER SEX

Why safer sex and not safe sex? Why do we use the phrase safer sex and not safe sex? From the active sex life point of view, we cannot talk about 100% safe sex, because none of the protections is 100%. If we want to talk about the safest option, it would be an abstinence […]

HIV – HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

Human immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus that attacks cells of the immune system and destroys or malfunctions them. In the body, it attacks a group of white blood cells, T lymphocytes, in which it multiplies, and later kills them, thus reduces their number in the body of the infected person. A significant decrease in the […]

TREATMENT OF ADDICTION

Can addiction be successfully treated? Yes, addiction is treatable, addiction treatment is possible and necessary. Addiction can lead to a life debacle, an inability to act in one’s personal and social roles, and even death from addiction. Treatment saves lives as well as physical, mental and social health. Can addiction be cured? As with other […]

GHB

What is GHB? GHB or (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) is an illegal drug in Slovakia belonging to the group with sedative (suppressing) effects. In the brain, it binds to GHB (stimulating) and GABA (suppressing) receptors. It is used in medicine to treat narcolepsy (a neurological disorder causing an inability to regulate cycles of sleeping and being awake) […]

EXCHANGE OF SYRINGES

The exchange of syringes and the provision of additional basic medical supplies to people who inject drugs is an important aspect in preventing the spread of blood and sexually transmitted infections, especially viral hepatitis B, C, syphilis and HIV. Civic association Odyseus has been exchanging syringes and distributing other medical supplies since 1997. There are […]

Safer injection drug use

Brochure Safer drug use is the Odyseus brochure intended for injecting drug users. The text contains expert information aimed at safer injecting and reducing the risks associated with drug use. The publication is the property of OZ Odyseus and no part of it may be copied or reproduced without the written consent of OZ Odyseus. […]

DRUG ADDICTION

Drug addiction has been defined in various ways in the recent past, and there are still many definitions in the professional and lay literature that partially overlap. Modern medicine understands addiction as a chronic brain disease, while some psychologists consider it an uncontrollable habit. Some people and organizations even try to avoid the term “addiction” […]

CHEMSEX

What is chemsex? Chemsex is the use of drugs during sex, in order to increase desire and reduce restraints. It is most common in the MSM community (men who have sex with men) and is also associated with the use of dating applications (such as Grindr). The drugs most commonly associated with chemsex are crystalline […]

Ketamine

What is Ketamine? In Slovakia, it is included in the III. groups of narcotic and psychotropic substances, so it is possible to obtain it in a form of a prescription drug, but its production, distribution or possession outside prescribed medical purposes are illegal. It belongs to a group with anesthetic (blocks sensory) effects. In the […]

RECREATIONAL USE OF MEDICATION

What do we consider recreational use of medication? Recreational use of medication is considered to be any use that is not performed for medical purposes. Forms of recreational medication include taking medication that has been prescribed to another person, taking higher doses than you should, and taking medication in other ways than predetermined (e.g. crushing […]

CENTERS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTIONS

Centers for the treatment of drug addictions (CFTODA) or specialized departments for the treatment of drug addictions in psychiatric hospitals (DFTODA) are facilities dedicated to the treatment of all substance and non-substance addictions. If you are interested in treatment, it is important to visit your psychiatrist, who will write you a proposal for treatment and […]

RESOCIALIZATION FACILITIES

At present, there are several resocialization facilities in Slovakia, whose focus in the management of drug addiction lies in group (community) therapy. Their purpose is to overcome the psychological, physical and social consequences of drug and other addictions and to enable participation in life in the natural environment. A longer stay in a resocialization facility […]

ABSTINENT CLUBS

Abstinent clubs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (abbreviation AA), Drug Addicts Anonymous (DAA), Players Anonymous (PA) or other clubs are non-profit self-help groups of people who suffer or have suffered from addiction (however, some clubs may have a guarantor in the form of a therapist, psychiatrist / psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or other health or social worker). […]

INTOXI 2021

In 2002, OZ Odysseus began to publish the monthly magazine INTOXI – a magazine for people who inject drugs and/or sex workers. In particular, INTOXI provides expert information to clients attending the Programs Protect Yourself and K2-Contact Center with the Community. At the moment, however, Intoxi magazine is available to all visitors to the site drogy.org. […]

INTOXI 2022

In 2002, OZ Odysseus began to publish the monthly magazine INTOXI – a magazine for people who inject drugs and/or sex workers. In particular, INTOXI provides expert information to clients attending the Programs Protect Yourself and K2-Contact Center with the Community. At the moment, however, Intoxi magazine is available to all visitors to the site drogy.org. […]

INTOXI 2021

In 2002, OZ Odysseus began to publish the monthly magazine INTOXI – a magazine for people who inject drugs and/or sex workers. In particular, INTOXI provides expert information to clients attending the Programs Protect Yourself and K2-Contact Center with the Community. At the moment, however, Intoxi magazine is available to all visitors to the site […]

HHC

What is HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)? HHC is a substance that is the subject of ongoing debate. In Slovakia, it was still available in 2023; at present, it has been added to the list of prohibited substances. HHC is a cannabinoid that has been known for over 80 years. Despite this, it has only begun to appear […]

HCV Treatment

How does HCV treatment work? HCV (hepatitis C) is an inflammatory disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. It is transmitted through blood, for example by sharing needles, a snorting tube/snuff tube, or other tools used for drug use, through unprotected sex, and similarly. The only way to find out whether someone […]

HIV treatment

HIV Treatment, Pre-Exposure (PrEP) and Post-Exposure (PEP) Prophylaxis Unfortunately, having an HIV-positive status still carries a certain stigma in our society, and people naturally fear the HIV virus. Paradoxically, however, HIV is less infectious than many other sexually transmitted viruses. In the context of sexual intercourse, anal sex carries the highest risk. Fears surrounding HIV […]

Sexwork

Providing sexual services is considered the “oldest profession in the world.” Throughout history, society’s view of providing sexual services has changed. What we should understand under the term sex work and what services we provide for people who work in sex work can be read in the following lines. Sex work is sex by mutual […]

Testing for blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections

Among the services we offer to our clients, there is not only needle exchange, counselling, accompaniment, or wound care, but also testing for blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Knowing your health status is important not only for yourself but also for society and public health. We know many blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections, including […]

New Service Update

Services for people who need medical and harm reduction supplies are getting a new form! We are launching a new service for people who need help and medical supplies but, for various reasons, cannot come to one of our services. Therefore, we are introducing the option to arrange individual support, which the person can schedule […]

Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Support

Psychological or psychotherapeutic support is, in addressing problems of addiction and/or drug use, an inseparable part of a comprehensive (treatment) process. In Slovakia, however, the availability of these services is significantly limited. In this article, we provide a list of organizations that offer psychological support for people with experience of addictive substances, as well as […]

Kratom (leaves of M. speciosa)

Kratom (listy M. speciosa) In Slovakia, kratom is an illegal drug that acts as a stimulant and an opioid analgesic, and at higher doses also as a sedative. The name “kratom” is derived from the Thai name for the tropical tree M. speciosa, which is related to the coffee plant. Kratom leaves contain more than […]

Sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy

Pregnant people can acquire the same sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as people who are not pregnant. During pregnancy, this risk increases even more, because infections pose a risk not only to the pregnant person but also to the fetus. For this reason, it is important to get tested. These tests are done by a gynecologist […]

Set, Setting, (Trip)Sitter

The effect a drug will have on you does not depend only on the substance itself. It is also very important how you feel and under what conditions you use the drug. SET Set refers to the user’s personal disposition, personality, and psychological state. The effect a drug will have also depends on how you […]

Genital herpes

What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex viruses – HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types can cause genital infection. HSV-1 is most often transmitted in childhood through contact with saliva or skin, for example through kissing or sharing personal hygiene items. It usually causes oral herpes (cold […]

Gonorrhea

What is gonorrhea? Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is most commonly transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The infection can also be spread by touching the eyes with contaminated fingers, for example after contact with genital fluids. Gonorrhea can affect:– the genitals (urethra, cervix),– […]

Syphilis

What is syphilis? Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact—vaginal, anal, or oral sex—via direct contact with an infectious sore (chancre). Transmission is also possible from a pregnant person to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth, leading to congenital syphilis. […]

Addiction and Drugs: Myths, Facts, and Understanding

How do scientists today understand addiction and the relationship to drugs? In the past, it was often said that drugs cause addiction. Modern research, however, shows that the situation is more complex. Not the drug, but the relationship to it Author Nepustil (2020) points out that the drug itself does not cause addiction. While it […]

How to cope with the day after drug use

People who have experienced the effects of substances such as MDMA, 2C-B, ketamine, LSD, or other psychoactive substances are also familiar with the phase that follows after the effects wear off. The body is often exhausted, mental state fluctuates, and feelings of sadness, emptiness, anxiety, or an overall sense that “everything is wrong” may appear. […]

Safer anal sex

During anal sex, the area of the rectum is stimulated. This often involves penetration with a penis, but it can also involve penetration with sex toys, fingers, or the tongue. Although many people associate anal sex with men who have sex with men, anal stimulation can be pleasurable for anyone – regardless of gender or […]