Saunas

Time-keeping

With your phone in a locker, the sauna’s low-level lighting, a lack of daylight and few clocks in sight, it can be hard to keep track of time. It can be easy to stay longer than you meant to and difficult to keep track of when you’ve taken drugs, which is especially dangerous when taking G.

Your security

You’re more likely to get caught at a sauna than at home. It’s easy for sauna staff to search lockers and, as you’re likely to be wearing only a towel, there aren’t many places to hide what you’re carrying.

You’re also more likely to be disturbed by others at a sauna. This can make dosing G and injecting other chems more dangerous, as you may be feeling the need to rush or hide what you’re doing.

Using sauna cabins

To keep out of sight, people are more likely to take drugs in private cabins. As lighting may be poor and without access to the correct equipment or clear surfaces, it can be easier to make mistakes – particularly with dosing G or injecting other drugs.

Cabins may offer privacy, but this can be dangerous if something goes wrong. Where deaths have been reported from drug use in saunas, this has often been where someone has got into difficulties in a cabin and others have not realised until it’s too late.

If you pass out or fall asleep in a cabin, you’re potentially very vulnerable as there could be many people who have access to the room. People have reported sexual assault and rape in these circumstances.

Tips for safer sauna use

• Try to go with a friend or let someone know where you are – it can make a big difference having someone to look out for you.
• Avoid ending up in a sauna and looking for drugs. Being dependent on other people to get drugs can put you in a situation you might not be comfortable with.
• Drink plenty of water. It’s easy to dehydrate in a sauna, especially if you’re high.
• Don’t share drinks or take a sip of someone else’s – it might contain their G dose.
• Try to eat something while you’re in there to keep your energy up.
• Most saunas should have condoms and lube. If you need a particular size of condom, you might need to bring your own.
• Set yourself a time to leave the sauna and try to stick to it. Taking in a limited amount of cash or chems may also help limit the amount you use.
• Turn off your phone when it’s in your locker. Saving battery will ensure you have enough power left to get home or if you need to contact someone.
• Be sure to have any regular meds with you, in case you end up staying longer than you planned.