Amsterdam Dance Event has all of the ingredients, but it's up to you to cook up your own unique festival experience. Like with a marathon, it doesn't hurt to prepare.
Drug & Door Policy
The Netherlands are known for its tolerant drug policies. But please keep in mind that all drugs are officially illegal. Possession, dealing, selling, the production and most other acts involving any drug are punishable by law. Bringing drugs into a club, bar or festival is prohibited. You will be searched by security at the entrance. If you're found to be carrying drugs, you could be removed from the venue and even handed over to the police. Most venues other than coffee shops do not allow cannabis to be consumed on their premises. Always check the venue's door policy. Please note: Carrying any amount of ecstasy pills is ILLEGAL, if they search you and you are carrying ecstasy, this still is a criminal offence. Your pills will be confiscated and you will not be allowed to enter the venue BUT, in Amsterdam you will not be prosecuted if you are carrying 5 or less pills. Check this video to learn more about Dutch Drug & Door Policy.
Drug market
In the Netherlands, drugs can be a lot more potent than drugs in your own country.
High dosed ecstasy tablets:
There are many highly dosed ecstasy tablets in circulation. These highly dosed ecstasy tablets have extra risks. Make sure to keep this in mind, get your drugs tested and adjust your dosage.
Less is more
Taking a high dose of MDMA will mostly increase the undesirable side effects such as rigid and grinding jaws, forgetfulness, confusion, a restless feeling, nausea and vomiting.
At higher doses the desired effects (the famous "love" feeling) will decrease, and you'll experience more adverse (speedy) effects. People feel they will get less social with high doses in stead of more social.
That does not sound like a lot of fun, but why is it risky?
The use of a high dose of MDMA has risks. It increases the risk of overdose (also known as ecstasy-intoxication or serotonin syndrome), which can lead to overheating, irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and liver failure. In extreme cases this can unfortunately even result in death.
The First Aid is your friend
Please take care of yourself and watch out for each other. If you're not feeling well, if one of your friends is nauseous, or even if you just need a band-aid: Don't be afraid. Just ask for, or go to the first aid or any of the venue's staff members when you think you need help. They are professionals and what you tell them is confidential. You will not get fined or arrested for drug use in the Netherlands. Be honest about your own or your friends' drug use, this will make it easier for them to help you. Never leave someone alone when he or she is feeling sick. Ask for help and stay with them until medical help arrives. Read more <unity.nl> about acute health risks and first aid.
Drug checking service
Even though possession of drugs is illegal in the Netherlands, it IS possible to get your drugs tested anonymously at an official drug checking service. Check drugs-test.nl for opening hours.
Unity
Unity is a Dutch drug education project. We are trained volunteers, recruited from the dance scene, to educate our fellow party goers about the risks of alcohol and other drugs. Our aim is to reduce harm caused by the use of alcohol and other drugs. Unity volunteers answer questions in an open minded and objective way, being credible to party goers because we are their peers. Celebrate Safe and Unity joined hands in spreading their message across a much larger part of the nightlife community. Unity: Think for yourself, care about others
Check the agenda on unity.nl where to find Unity during ADE.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate and send us an email: info@unity.nl of info@celebratesafe.nl
Stay informed and up to date during ADE. Follow Unity on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. More info: Unity.nl/ade
