How do i do substances/substance abuse in D&D?

So I want to do a side quest in a campain I'm planning that focuses on substance abuse, so how do I do that whilst keeping the side quest in?

Do it like the show Arcane, it delves into something like it.

Quote from boss0tron3000 >>

Do it like the show Arcane, it delves into something like it.

Haven't watched that. So can you explain?

Quote from AverageSunGod >>

Quote from boss0tron3000 >>

Do it like the show Arcane, it delves into something like it.

Haven't watched that. So can you explain?

 Not really, it's been awhile. But here's a link to a video to the explanation.

Shimmer (Arcane) Explored - What Is This Mysterious Drug? How Does It Genetically Change People? / Marvelous Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVmDt7aV1PY

*takes notes* Hmmmh that is good.

(It's effect is temp hp but I'll add in an overdose mechanic (could benefit them at a cost?))

Perma-buff to one thing, but a perma-debuff to something else?

Quote from boss0tron3000 >>

Perma-buff to one thing, but a perma-debuff to something else?

Effects end at a long rest or 1 week without use (you entire hp pool is now temp hp and recovers 1d4 per turn) is an idea of mine

Maybe you can make different strands of it, like 'power shimmer' that gives you a buff in strength, but if you overdose, you get a perma-buff to strength but a perma-debuff to intelligence.

Quote from boss0tron3000 >>

Maybe you can make different strands of it, like 'power shimmer' that gives you a buff in strength, but if you overdose, you get a perma-buff to strength but a perma-debuff to intelligence.

I think that's too complicated for a side quest.

OK 👍

Quote from boss0tron3000 >>

OK 👍

And I want the effects to be temporary. No permanent effects (until the lethal od)

You know the players are gonna try to bring it on the full adventure after, right?

Quote from boss0tron3000 >>

You know the players are gonna try to bring it on the full adventure after, right?

That is intended (they keep a small amount at a time)

The first thing you should probably do is check in with your players; it's a touchy subject, and people may not want it popping up in their fun time.

(It's also easy to do poorly. Even players who are fine with it in theory may not be a fan of an approach that strays too far in extreme presentation. (whether it be ham-handed moralizing worthy of D.A.R.E. or "drugs are actually pretty awesome".))

Quote from jl8e >>

The first thing you should probably do is check in with your players; it's a touchy subject, and people may not want it popping up in their fun time.

(It's also easy to do poorly. Even players who are fine with it in theory may not be a fan of an approach that strays too far in extreme presentation. (whether it be ham-handed moralizing worthy of D.A.R.E. or "drugs are actually pretty awesome".))

So what you're saying is. 1: Session 0 needs that included, and 2: it needs finite care and planning.