Drug Use At Music Festivals: What You Should Know

Why Drugs Are So Popular At Music Festivals

Music events in general are popular places to take drugs and alcohol. Drug abuse at music festivals is especially widespread. Since music festivals generally take place outdoors, it gives festival goers a sense of freedom from responsibilities and everyday life. Substance abuse, including binge drinking, can be a temptation. This is not anything new, Woodstock in the 1960s was associated with substance use openly. Some of the reasons for illicit drug use by music festival attendees include:

• Drugs and alcohol are readily available
• Peer pressure from other festival goers
• The idea that drug use may enhance the sensory experience of the music
• Security cannot prevent all drugs at musical festivals
• Some drug users want to stay awake, leading to stimulant use
• Music festival attendees self-medicate to relieve social and general anxiety of large crowds
• Many songs reference drug use at music events which makes it feel normal.
• Some substances, such as alcohol, are promoted and heavily advertised at the events

Drugs Used at Music Festivals

MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy, is widely used at electronic dance music festivals. A 2018 survey of music festival attendees found that 73.4% had reported substance use at music events in the past year. The common substances used at music festivals are cannabis, ecstasy, and cocaine.

Some other drugs and substances used at musical festivals include:

• Cocaine and crack
• Mushrooms
• Opioids
• Adderall
• LSD and other hallucinogens
• Alcohol

Call Daybreak Treatment Solutions today at (844) 695-0083 for help in overcoming your addiction.

Risks of Taking Festival Drugs

Drug abuse at music festivals has become so common, it may make some feel safe around other drug users. However, there are several risks to using drugs at music festivals. Drug use can mask symptoms people may have if they are experiencing a health issue, for example heat stroke is common at music festivals and drugs and alcohol can make it difficult to gauge how dehydrated you may be. Also, drugs like ecstasy can provoke cardiovascular complications in people who cannot tell they are over exerting themselves and not drinking enough water. Taking drugs that were given to you by other festival goers risks you not knowing what is really in there. With the rise of fentanyl laced drugs, there is a risk for having an opioid overdose with any illicit drugs. Combination of alcohol abuse, the heat, and dehydration can increase your chances of alcohol poisoning as well. Hallucinogenic drugs can cause disorientation and end up in an unsafe situation. Some other risk factors of doing drugs at music festivals includes:

• Risk of accidents
• Poor judgment
• Risk-taking behavior
• Stroke
• Seizure
• Overhydration
• Hyperthermia
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Depression

How To Stay Sober At A Music Event

If you are in addiction recovery, or have been cutting back on substance use, staying sober at a music event can be a little hard when so many other festival goers are participating in drug and alcohol use. This can be especially difficult for those who are fresh out of a treatment program. Some ways to avoid alcohol and drug use at music festivals include:

• Go with other sober people
• Know that a bunch of intoxicated people are not watching or judging your dance moves, you don’t need drugs and alcohol to dance
• Focus on the music and not the crowd
• Stay hydrated and aware of emotions
• Have an exit strategy if temptation becomes too much
• Practice your relapse prevention plan ahead of time

Relapse Prevention and Recovery Resources at DayBreak

If you are struggling to stay sober after addiction or drug addiction treatment, DayBreak Treatment Solutions can help you with their several levels of care. We are always ready to help you no matter whether you are in the recovery process or if you have relapsed. Our treatment center offers several drug addiction treatment methods, including relapse prevention strategies that you can take with you upon completing treatment and not have to miss out on fun events like these. Please give us a call today at (844) 695-0083 so you can learn more about our treatment programs.