Check out the Archives for more Action. We give them the facts and try to reduce the risks they are taking when they use serious drugs. One of the organization's most controversial practices is pill testing. Ecstasy, a drug that produces a relaxed, euphoric state, is the most popular drug of choice at rave parties. Ecstasy is tested by putting a drop of testing fluid onto a tiny bit of powder scraped from the pill .
Volunteers are in possession of the tablet only long enough to obtain the scraping and hand it back.
The possible dangers for using pure ecstasy, for example, are significant and include seizures, breathing problems, disturbed heartbeat, and possible permanent neurological damage. Adding other substances, or using fake tablets may create even greater risk. Pill testing is understood as a necessary harm reduction service that saves lives without encouraging or enabling drug use. In every city where DanceSafe has tested pills onsite, they have had the support of the local police. The officers present have granted users amnesty, agreeing not to arrest them for utilizing the testing services.