Basemental Drugs Mod Sims 4 (2025) Complete Setup & Usage Guide

20th June, 2025

I've been playing The Sims 4 for years, and let me tell you - the Basemental Drugs mod completely transforms the gameplay experience. If you're looking to add a more mature, realistic dimension to your Sims' lives in 2025, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

The Basemental Drugs mod isn't just another content pack - it's a complex system that introduces substances, addiction mechanics, dealing operations, and law enforcement interactions to your game. Created by the talented Basemental team, this mod has become one of the most popular adult modifications in the Sims community, with over 96,000 Patreon supporters.

Important Note: This mod contains mature content and is intended for players 21 and older. It depicts drug use and criminal activities in a fictional context and doesn't promote these activities in real life. In fact, the mod emphasizes the harsh realities and negative consequences of substance abuse.

Table of Contents

Installation Guide

Getting started with Basemental Drugs is straightforward, but I'll make sure you get it right the first time. Here's my step-by-step installation process:

System Requirements

The Sims 4 base game (no expansion packs required for core features)
Windows PC or Mac
Mods enabled in game settings
Latest game patch (compatible with patch 1.114.46 as of 2025)

Download Options

You have two installation methods:

Option 1: ZIP Installation (Works for Windows and Mac)

Download the latest ZIP file from the official Basemental website
Extract the contents to a temporary folder
Move the extracted files to: Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods/Basemental Drugs/
Delete the downloaded ZIP file

Option 2: EXE Installation (Windows Only)

Download the EXE installer
Run the installer (click "More Info" and "Install Anyway" if Windows shows a security warning)
The mod will automatically install to the correct location
Delete the EXE file after installation

Critical Installation Tips

Never place the mod files more than one subfolder deep
Delete old versions before updating
The correct path must be: Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods/Basemental Drugs/
Enable mods and script mods in your game settings

Common Installation Errors

If the mod isn't showing up, check these issues:

Incorrect file path (too many subfolders)
Mods/script mods not enabled in game settings
Conflicting mods (temporarily remove other mods to test)
Corrupted download (re-download the files)

Getting Started

Once I had the mod installed, here's how I got started with my first Basemental gameplay:

First Steps After Installation

Launch The Sims 4 and load your save
Click on any Sim and look for the new "Drugs" menu
Access mod settings through: Drugs > Settings
Configure your preferences for gameplay intensity

Understanding the Mod Menu

The mod adds several new interaction menus:

Drugs Menu - Main hub for all drug-related actions
Settings - Customize gameplay options
Assign NPCs - Set up dealers and other roles
Dark Web - Advanced purchasing options (unlocked later)

Essential Settings to Configure

I recommend adjusting these settings first:

Autonomy levels for different substances
Police raid frequency
Addiction severity
Regional drug laws
Teen restrictions (if applicable)

Core Features Explained

The depth of features in this mod continues to amaze me. Here's what you can expect:

Available Substances and Their Effects

The mod includes 15+ different substances, each with unique effects:

Cannabis (11 strains)

Effects: Dazed, happy, or focused moods
Methods: Smoking, edibles, vaporizer
Can be grown at home

Stimulants

Cocaine: Energized mood, confidence boost
Amphetamine: Focused mood, increased productivity
MDMA: Happy mood, social benefits

Prescription Drugs

Xanax: Reduces negative emotions
Adderall: Focused mood, treats ADHD trait
Lean: Various mood effects

Psychedelics

LSD: Random trip effects
Ayahuasca: Guided spiritual journey with shaman
Shrooms: Various hallucination effects

Other Substances

Steroids: Fitness skill boost
Tobacco: Stress relief with addiction risk
Alcohol: Enhanced drinking mechanics

Addiction and Rehabilitation System

I've found the addiction system incredibly realistic:

Tolerance builds with repeated use
Withdrawal symptoms affect mood and needs
Rehabilitation available through:
- Support groups
- Cold turkey approach
- Medical treatment
- Therapy sessions

NPC Roles and Interactions

The mod transforms how NPCs behave:

Drug Dealers: Buy/sell substances
Police Officers: Conduct raids and arrests
Clubbers: Share dealer contacts
Shamans: Guide ayahuasca experiences
Gang Members: Run organized operations

Law Enforcement Mechanics

Watch out for the cops! The system includes:

Random police raids on dealing households
SWAT team interventions
Confiscation of inventory
Jail time for caught Sims
Bribing options

How to Acquire Substances

I've discovered multiple ways to obtain substances in the game:

Buy Mode Items

Some items are available directly in Build/Buy:

Tobacco products
Cannabis seeds and growing equipment
Drug paraphernalia (bongs, papers, etc.)
Limited drug selections (more expensive)

Setting Up NPC Dealers

My favorite method for acquiring substances:

Click on any non-household Sim
Select Drugs > Assign Roles > NPC Drug Dealer
Build friendship with the dealer (higher friendship = better prices)
Purchase through Drugs > Drug Dealing menu

Pro tip: Teen Sims can only buy from teen dealers!

Using the Dark Web

Unlock advanced purchasing options:

Method 1: Through Dealing Skills

Reach level 3 in any dealing skill
Access via computer: Drugs > Dark Web

Method 2: Through Research

Research all drugs on computer
Complete Drugs > Basemental Forum > Research for each substance

Dark web benefits:

Bulk quantities
Excellent quality
Anonymous purchasing
Next-day delivery to mailbox

Growing Cannabis

For the entrepreneurial Sim:

Buy Cannabis Seed Package from Build Mode
Plant in Planter Box (not regular garden plots)
Tend plants through growth stages
Harvest and cure buds in weed jars
Different strains have different effects

Convenience Store and Headshop

Access through computer or phone:

Headshop: Cannabis paraphernalia and accessories
Dispensary: Available in legalized regions
Convenience Store: General supplies and ingredients

Dealing System Guide

Becoming a successful dealer changed my entire gameplay approach:

Becoming a Dealer

Get permission from existing NPC dealer
Build dealing skills through practice
Start with small transactions
Expand territory and client base

Building Dealing Skills

Four specialized dealing skills:

Cannabis Dealing
Amphetamine Dealing
Cocaine Dealing
Pills Dealing

Each skill unlocks:

Better prices
New client interactions
Gang formation options
Dark web access

Managing Inventory and Prices

Smart dealing strategies I use:

Check regional price variations
Buy low in one region, sell high in another
Build relationships for repeat customers
Diversify product offerings
Keep emergency stash hidden

Avoiding Police Raids

Stay under the radar:

Don't deal from home lot constantly
Vary dealing locations
Build police relationships
Have bribe money ready
Use gang members as runners

Customization Options

The mod's flexibility impressed me most:

Adjusting Gameplay Settings

Access through Drugs > Settings:

Autonomy Settings: Control NPC drug use
Law Settings: Legalize/criminalize by region
Difficulty Settings: Adjust addiction rates
Teen Settings: Enable/disable teen access
Police Settings: Raid frequency and severity

Creating Custom Drugs

Advanced feature for creative players:

Access drug editor in mod files
Define effects and duration
Set addiction potential
Create custom names and descriptions
Test thoroughly before sharing

Regional Laws and Regulations

Customize legal status by world:

Legalize cannabis in specific regions
Set different enforcement levels
Create drug tourism scenarios
Influence political campaigns

Tips and Strategies

After months of playing, here are my best tips:

Money-Making Strategies

Regional Arbitrage: Buy where cheap, sell where expensive
Quality Focus: Higher quality = higher profits
Client Relationships: Regular customers pay premium
Gang Operations: Use members for distribution
Legal Business Front: Dispensary in legalized regions

Managing Addiction

Keep your Sims functional:

Monitor usage frequency
Take tolerance breaks
Keep rehabilitation funds available
Use support groups proactively
Balance recreation with consequences

Building Dealer Networks

Start with one trusted dealer
Expand to different neighborhoods
Assign specialized dealers by substance
Create dealer hierarchy
Establish territory boundaries

Safe Gameplay Practices

Save before major dealing operations
Keep backup saves for raid scenarios
Test new substances carefully
Monitor Sim's mental health
Balance criminal and legitimate activities

Troubleshooting

When things go wrong, here's my troubleshooting checklist:

Common Issues and Fixes

Mod Not Showing Up

Verify installation path
Check mod/script settings
Clear cache files
Restart game

Interactions Missing

Update to latest version
Check for conflicts
Verify all files present
Reset Sim with cheats

Performance Issues

Reduce autonomy settings
Limit dealer assignments
Clear inventory regularly
Disable unused features

Mod Conflicts

Known conflicts to avoid:

Other drug-related mods
Major gameplay overhauls
Some career mods
Certain UI modifications

Testing for conflicts:

Remove all mods except Basemental
Test functionality
Add mods back gradually
Identify problematic combinations

Performance Optimization

Keep your game running smoothly:

Regular save cleaning
Limit active dealers to 5-10
Disable features you don't use
Clear drug inventories periodically
Update when patches release

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Basemental Drugs mod safe to download?

Yes, when downloaded from the official Basemental website. The mod has been thoroughly tested and is used by thousands of players. The Windows security warning for the EXE installer is normal for independent developers - just click "More Info" and "Install Anyway."

Can teen Sims use this mod?

The mod includes age restrictions. Teens can only access cannabis and must buy from dealers their own age. Harder substances are restricted to young adults and older. You can adjust these settings in the mod configuration.

How do I become a drug dealer in the game?

First, befriend an NPC drug dealer and request permission to deal. Then build your dealing skills through practice. Once you reach level 3 in any dealing skill, you can even start your own gang through your phone.

What happens if my Sim gets caught by police?

Your Sim may face arrest, inventory confiscation, and jail time. The severity depends on your settings and what they're carrying. You can sometimes bribe officers or use lawyer services to reduce consequences.

Can I use this mod with other popular mods?

Generally yes, but avoid other drug-related mods. The mod works well with most popular mods, but if you encounter issues, temporarily move other mods out of your folder to test. WickedWhims adds additional features when used together.

How do I access the dark web for buying drugs?

Either reach level 3 in any dealing skill or research all available drugs through the computer. Then access it via computer on your home lot only - orders won't deliver to other locations.

Can I customize which drugs are available?

Yes! Through the settings menu, you can enable/disable specific substances, adjust their effects, and even create custom drugs using the built-in editor. You can also legalize or criminalize substances by region.

What expansion packs do I need?

The base Basemental Drugs mod only requires the base game. However, the Basemental Gangs add-on requires Get To Work expansion. Some optional features require City Living (hookah) or other packs.

Conclusion

The Basemental Drugs mod has revolutionized how I play The Sims 4. It adds depth, realism, and countless storytelling opportunities that keep me engaged for hours. Whether you're interested in the business aspects of dealing, the social dynamics of addiction, or just want a more realistic gameplay experience, this mod delivers on all fronts.

Remember to always download from the official Basemental website, keep your mod updated, and most importantly - have fun exploring this new dimension of gameplay! The mod creators have done an incredible job balancing realism with playability, making it one of the must-have modifications for adult Sims players in 2025.

If you run into any issues or want to connect with other players, I highly recommend joining the Basemental Discord server where the support team and community are incredibly helpful.

Happy Simming, and remember - what happens in the virtual world, stays in the virtual world!