Legal

Medical, Safety & Legal Disclaimer

Please read this before relying on anything in the North Star Guide, the symptom checker, or elsewhere on THE WALL. Last updated October 2026.

1. Not medical advice

THE WALL, including the North Star Guide, the Drink & Food Spiking symptom checker and the Understanding Abuse pages, is published for general educational and harm-reduction purposes only. Nothing on this site is medical advice, and nothing here is a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician, nurse, pharmacist, poison-control specialist or other qualified health professional. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you read here.

2. The symptom checker does not diagnose

The symptom checker compares the symptoms you tick against publicly documented symptom profiles of substances commonly used in spiking. Many substances — and many ordinary medical conditions, medications and situations (illness, dehydration, prescription drugs such as SSRIs, concussion, panic, low blood sugar) — produce overlapping symptoms. The tool therefore cannot and does not identify what, if anything, you were given. Its only purpose is to help you ask a clinician what to test for. Only a laboratory test ordered by a medical professional can confirm exposure, and detection windows for several substances are measured in hours.

3. Emergencies

If you or someone with you is unresponsive, breathing slowly or not at all, has a seizure, chest pain or blue lips, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. If naloxone (Narcan) is available and an opioid is possible, give it and keep giving it until help arrives. Do not rely on this website in an emergency.

4. Sexual assault & abuse resources

Information about drug-facilitated sexual assault and abuse is provided to help people recognise warning signs and find support. THE WALL is not a crisis service, counselling provider, law-enforcement agency or legal adviser. Contact a sexual assault clinic, RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or local emergency services for help. Decisions about reporting are yours.

5. Accuracy, currency and sources

We compile content in good faith from government, hospital and peer-reviewed sources, cited where used. Medical knowledge and the illicit drug supply change quickly (for example, the emergence of cychlorphine in 2024–2026). We do not warrant that any content is complete, current or error-free, and we may update or remove it at any time without notice.

6. No professional relationship

Using this site, submitting a form, or contacting us does not create a doctor–patient, counsellor–client, attorney–client or any other professional relationship with THE WALL, Artists 4 Life in the Sound, Stars 4 Peace, our volunteers, partners, featured artists, businesses or production partners.

7. Third-party content and links

Links to outside sites (news organisations, hospitals, government agencies, artists, businesses, event organisers, production companies) are provided for convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for their content, accuracy, privacy practices or availability. A link is not an endorsement, and a partner badge is not a medical or professional credential.

8. Events, businesses, Gems and listings

Event dates, venues, prices, business hours, offers ("Gems"), deals and incentives are supplied by third parties or gathered from public sources and may change or be withdrawn without notice. Confirm details with the organiser or business before travelling or purchasing. THE WALL is not a party to any transaction between you and a listed business, venue or artist.

9. User and partner-submitted content

Suggestions, corrections, photos and other material submitted through our forms are reviewed by an editor before anything is published; we may decline, edit or remove submissions at our discretion. By submitting, you confirm you have the right to share the material and that it is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

10. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, THE WALL, Artists 4 Life in the Sound, Stars 4 Peace and their volunteers, contributors and partners disclaim all liability for any loss, injury or damage arising from reliance on information on this site, from use of the symptom checker, or from any third-party site, event, business, product or service referenced here. Use of this site is at your own risk and is governed by our Terms of Service.