Law of Effect : Dizzy after my usual dose, why ?

You woke up feeling worse than expected although you haven’t taken more than your usual dose ?  This simple math equation can help you understand better:  E =SIC . Don’t worry, there is no need to use a calculator. We’re here to help you find the answer.

Whether it’s weed, ecstasy, alcohol or something else, the effects you experience can vary from one trip to another. Yes, even if it’s your usual amount ! The Law of Effect can help you figure out why experiences may vary so much. It’s a pretty simple concept that describes how different factors influence the effects (E) felt when we take psychoactive substances.

Substance:

No need to guess here, the substance (S) used will influence the effects felt ! The nuance here could be the difference between taking one vodka cranberry cocktail or four shots of vodka. The frequency of use, the method, the composition of the product and the quantity are all factors that shape your experience. Even if you’re consuming the same drug as usual, there are many questions that can help you understand your trip:

• How frequently did I use ?
• What was the method I chose (oral, inhalation, injection, snorting..) ?
• Did I mix with other drugs (even coffee) ?
• Did I get my substance on the illegal market ?

Individual:

The next factor is the individual (I). Yes, you ! Every individual is unique, which means everyone reacts to drugs in a unique way. Many details, like a long night of studying or your genetics can influence your trip. By asking yourself these questions, you’ll be able to assess your motivations, your mental state and better plan out your experiences:

• Have I had bad experiences in the past ?
• Did I drink water and eat food before, during and after my trip ?
• What was my mental and physical state during my trip ?
• What are my motivations to use ?

Context:

Lastly, there’s the context (C). The context covers the vibes of your environment, the setting, the moment of day and even the temperature. It’s the difference between being in your best friend’s backyard and being with a group of new people in a setting you’ve never seen. Be conscious of your trip’s setting and ask yourself these questions:

• Did I use drugs with people I trust ?
• Was I comfortable in that setting ?
• Was it scorching hot or icy outside ?

All the factors mentioned, and the interaction between them, influence in infinite ways the effects a substance can provoke. The one thing to keep in mind is if you choose to use drugs, choose to ask yourself these questions. When you take the time to question yourself on these three aspects (SIC) not just after your drug use, you will be able to plan a more pleasant trip and better evaluate your limits over time. If you have any questions, or if you want to choose your experience and have personalized tips, we invite you to head to the Law of Effect website !

Choose your experience