Fact Sheet 4 – EVA Safety Plan ≥ 7: do not "play it by ear"

Objective

When craving is high (max VAS ≥ 7), help to co-construct a written safety plan, concrete, realistic, applicable in real-life situations (when decision-making ability drops).

Goal: reduce harm (somatic, sexual, psychological) and increase the probability of returning home safe and sound.

When to use it?

• Max VAS ≥ 7/10 (based on: average / peak / current / trigger).

• Anticipated high-risk party: new substance, new context, slam, fatigue, isolation, history of "close-calls".

• After a party where "things got out of hand": to formalize what was missing.

Approximate duration: 5–7 minutes (can be done in 2 steps).

Content (principle)

• At VAS ≥ 7, we do not "rely" on the motivation of the moment.

  ➡️ We write down a plan + we share it (at least with the buddy).

  ➡️ The plan is read like a checklist.

SAFETY PLAN (checklist to fill out)

Recommended format: a phone note + screenshot + send to buddy.

1) Buddy (sober or “stable”) = my safety net

• Name: ______________________

• Tel: ______________________

• Defined role (check):
  ☐ answer / come pick me up
  ☐ help me apply STOP
  ☐ check that I can be woken up and that I am breathing normally
  ☐ call 15/112 if serious signs appear

Simple rule: I do not isolate myself when things scale up.

2) Rules of use (slowing down the high)

☐ Test dose / minimal starting dose (especially new drug / uncertain batch)
☐ Track the time (alarm, note, photo of clock, text to buddy)
☐ Minimum spacing between doses (guideline: ≥ 3 h if GHB/GBL; adapt to product/context)
☐ No "automatic redrop": I re-evaluate before each redose (state + VAS)

⚠️ Avoid mixing depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids): major risk of coma / choking.

3) STOP = exit rule (non-negotiable)

• Safe-word: ________________

• STOP means (check):
  ☐ we leave / we change venue
  ☐ we stop taking substances
  ☐ I call the buddy / we go home

Contract: “If I say STOP, you enforce it. Even if I protest at the moment.”

4) Planned return (preventing wandering / unwanted all-nighters)

• Target return time: ________

• Destination: ______________________________

• Transport: ☐ taxi/ride-share ☐ friend ☐ other: ________

• If I am not back by the target time: ______________________________

5) Consent & boundaries = mandatory safety

☐ Regular check-ins: « Are we still OK? »
☐ Right to withdraw consent: « Not now » is enough
☐ If pressure / confusion / fear: STOP + exit
☐ Buddy informed: consent comes before the vibe

6) Aftercare (next day) = reducing the crash

☐ Scheduled sleep / rest
☐ Hydration + meal (when possible)
☐ Debrief < 24–72 h: ☐ buddy ☐ professional ☐ support group
☐ Sexual health: screening / PEP ≤ 72 h if exposed, depending on the situation

When to call 15 / 112? (insert to keep)

Call immediately if:

• person is unconscious or very difficult to wake up

• slow / irregular / noisy / abnormal breathing

• vomiting + drowsiness (choking hazard)

• severe confusion, extreme agitation, high body heat, chest pain, seizures
  
  

  ➡️ Recovery position + 15/112.
  
  

  📌 Better a call for "nothing" than a call too late.
  
  

Clinician scripts (30 seconds)

• Frame it without being dramatic
  « VAS ≥ 7 just means: we set up guardrails. Not because you are "weak", but because your brain at the party will not be the same as it is today. »

• Make the plan legitimate
  « This written plan is your parachute. You hope you won't need it, but you're glad it's there. »

• Avoid the "vibe"
  « Relying on the "vibe", when you are high and stimulated, is not a good safety tool. The checklist is. »

Ultra-short memo

🔴 Max VAS ≥ 7 = Written safety plan
Buddy + STOP + return + rules of use + 15/112 if in doubt.