Summer music festivals have long been a haven for music lovers, offering a vibrant tapestry of artistry and connection. Music events are a cultural phenomenon that attracts millions of attendees each year, drawn by the allure of live music, the beauty of outdoor settings, and the spirit of community. These events range from large-scale gatherings like Coachella, Burning Man, and Bonnaroo to smaller, more intimate affairs, each offering unique experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Yet, beneath the beats and celebration, there lies a growing concern: the rise in drug abuse. As festival-goers converge from various corners of the globe to celebrate, the darker side of these events becomes more evident, prompting a need for urgent action.
The Dark Side: Substance Misuse
The freedom and escapism that make summer music festivals so appealing can also lead to risky behaviors, including substance misuse. The festive atmosphere often encourages a relaxed attitude toward drug use, which can have serious consequences.
Common substances include alcohol, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), and psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. Using these substances in a festival setting can exacerbate risks due to high temperatures, dehydration, and crowded conditions.
Alcohol
While taking one drink in a social setting doesn’t cause addiction, binge drinking is a different story. Binge drinking is 5 or more drinks in one occasion for men and 4 or more for women. In a survey by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 25% of adults in the U.S. binge drink. It is highest among young adults 18-34.
Heavy drinking is more consistent and higher in consumption than binge drinking. For men, heavy drinking is 15 or more drinks a week for men and 8 or more for women. Approximately 14.5 million adults in the U.S. had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2019. Of those, 5.8% reported heavy drinking.
Alcohol consumption is typically higher at music festivals compared to other social settings. The festive atmosphere, long hours of entertainment, and often hot weather can lead to excessive drinking.
Due to the high levels of consumption, there is a greater risk of alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, hypothermia, and unconsciousness.
Alcohol abuse can lead to risky behaviors, including aggression, sexual risk-taking, and impaired judgment. This can increase the incidence of fights, sexual assaults, and accidents at festivals.
Being intoxicated can lead to legal problems such as arrests for disorderly conduct, public intoxication, underage drinking, and driving under the influence (DUI) if attendees drive after consuming alcohol.
Marijuana
Not only is marijuana, also known as cannabis, the most commonly abused drug in the U.S., but it is also true of the entire world. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that nearly 192 million people worldwide abuse marijuana.
Marijuana has widespread prevalence at music festivals. Its use is often normalized and even celebrated in many festival cultures, which can lead to higher consumption rates.
While marijuana has been legalized for medical or recreational use in many places, it remains illegal under federal law in the United States and in many countries around the world. This can lead to legal complications, especially in areas where the festival’s local laws differ from attendees’ home state or country laws.
Impaired coordination and judgment from marijuana use can lead to accidents and injuries. Users might also find themselves less capable of responding to emergencies effectively.
Festivals often attract young people who might feel peer pressure to engage in drug use. Marijuana use can have more pronounced effects on adolescents, potentially impacting brain development and academic performance.
Non-users can be exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke, which can be a concern in crowded festival settings. This exposure can be particularly concerning for individuals with respiratory issues or those who wish to avoid THC exposure for personal or professional reasons.
Marijuana can interact with other substances, including alcohol and illegal drugs, which are also commonly consumed by music festival attendees. These interactions can exacerbate the effects of each substance and lead to more severe health risks.
MDMA
There are several adverse health risks associated with MDMA, commonly known as molly or ecstasy. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports dehydration, overheating, seizures, and heart failure, which can be fatal at an event in the summertime heat. Long-term use can damage the brain, which can be irreversible for some individuals.
Individuals should know that much of the street MDMA that makes its way to many summer music festivals can contain other drugs. Even if those selling it suggest it’s pure, that isn’t always true.
When confiscated at large-scale events such as music festivals, law enforcement has found a variety of substances mixed with MDMA, including cocaine, ketamine, and methamphetamine. Over-the-counter cough medicine and bath salts have also been found combined with MDMA.
Psychedelics
Psychedelics or hallucinogens include psilocybin, more commonly known as magic mushrooms, and LSD, along with synthetic compounds such as ketamine. These festival drugs use may elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature and cause mild headaches. Additionally, psychedelics are associated with an increased risk of psychosis in people with psychotic disorders or a family history of them.
Psychedelics are popular at festivals due to their perceived enhancement of the sensory and communal experience. They are often associated with the culture of specific music genres, such as electronic dance music (EDM), jam bands, and psychedelic rock.
Psychedelics primarily affect the brain’s serotonin receptors, leading to altered states of perception, mood, and thought. Users may experience intensified colors, patterns, and sounds, which can be particularly appealing in a festival setting.
While many seek positive experiences with psychedelics, the drugs can also cause distressing psychological reactions, known as “bad trips,” which can include intense anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and frightening hallucinations.
The Impact of Substance Misuse
The consequences of substance misuse at music festivals are far-reaching. Health emergencies such as overdoses are a critical concern. Hospitals near festival sites often report spikes in admissions during event weekends, stretching local health services thin.
Moreover, substance misuse can lead to unsafe behaviors, including unprotected sex, which increases the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Addressing the Issue: Prevention and Education
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, festival organizers, health professionals, and community leaders are taking steps to mitigate the risks associated with substance misuse.
Preventive Measures and Policies: Many festivals have instituted stricter security measures to prevent the entry of illegal substances. These include thorough searches at entry points, sniffer dogs, and frequent patrols throughout the venue. While these measures may not stop all illicit drug use, they serve as a deterrent.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Information stands and workshops that educate attendees about the risks of drug use and the importance of moderation are becoming more common. These initiatives often include details on how to recognize signs of overdose, the importance of staying hydrated, and the dangers of mixing substances.
Harm Reduction Services: Harm reduction strategies have proven effective in providing safety without overtly encouraging drug use. Services like drug testing kits, which allow festival-goers to check the purity of substances, can reduce the risks of overdosing on unknown or dangerous substances. Furthermore, the presence of medical tents staffed with professionals trained to deal with substance-related issues is crucial.
Engagement with Health Professionals: Collaboration with local health authorities to ensure that medical services are adequately prepared and available is vital. This includes having ambulances on standby and ensuring that medical staff are visible and accessible throughout the festival grounds.
Mental Health Support: Recognizing that substance misuse often ties closely with mental health, many festivals now offer mental health services on-site. These can include counseling and safe spaces where individuals can seek support away from the chaos of the main festival areas.
Community Involvement: The community’s role in addressing substance misuse at music festivals is indispensable. Residents and businesses can collaborate with festival organizers to ensure that the influx of visitors does not negatively impact the local area. This can include supporting clean-up efforts, providing information about local health services, and participating in educational outreach.
Technology Support: Innovations in technology also offer new ways to tackle substance misuse. Apps that provide health tips, maps to medical tents, and real-time updates on any safety issues at the festival are becoming more popular. Social media platforms can also help spread awareness and promote safe practices.
Get Your Rythum Back
As the popularity of summer music festivals continues to grow, so does the responsibility to ensure they are safe for everyone. By prioritizing safety and substance misuse prevention, the true spirit of these festivals can be preserved: a celebration of music, culture, and community.
The risks associated with substance misuse can be reduced through education, preventive measures, and community engagement. If you or a loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder, contact The Summit Wellness Group at (770) 830-3542 or ContactUs@TheSummitWellnessGroup.com to discuss treatment options.