Answer Addiction

Tag: addiction prevention

  • Feds Undertake Four-State Study to Address Opioid Crisis

    Feds Undertake Four-State Study to Address Opioid Crisis

    The $350 million research project aims to find a way to reduce opioid deaths by 40% within 3 years.

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is gearing up to dole out $350 million to Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio to figure out how to stop opioid deaths by 40% in those states over the next three years.

    By disbursing the money to the University of Kentucky, Boston Medical Center, Columbia University and Ohio State University, the NIH hopes to curb fatalities from drugs like fentanyl and heroin, which took the lives of about 47,600 people in the U.S. in 2017.

    Researchers will get deeply involved with 15 communities that have been hit hard by the opioid crisis to figure out how best to effectively prevent and treat addiction there. They’ll also take a hard look at how factors like unemployment and the justice system contribute to the continued crisis, and experiment with distributing anti-overdose medications to first responders, police, and even schools.

    “The most important work to combat our country’s opioid crisis is happening in local communities,” said Alex Azar, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. “We believe this effort will show that truly dramatic and material reductions in overdose deaths are possible, and provide lessons and models for other communities to adopt and emulate.”

    The program will proceed no matter what kind of budget cuts the NIH faces, according to Azar. This is welcome news as some experts believe there is no time to waste.

    “We are in such a period of crisis that we need to know in real time what is working and what is not working,” said Dr. Alysse Wurcel of the Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

    The opioid crisis is a major issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to solve. On his show, Last Week Tonight, John Oliver called for holding members of the Sackler family, the minds behind OxyContin, accountable for their alleged aggressive and irresponsible marketing of their powerful opioid painkiller. Oliver had several celebrities dramatize testimony given by Richard Sackler.

    “The launch of OxyContin tablets will be followed by a blizzard of prescriptions that will bury the competition,” performed Michael K. Williams, repeating Sackler’s infamous proclamation. “The prescription blizzard will be so deep, dense and white.”

    Some solutions to the opioid crisis may seem unorthodox and unintuitive, such as a Canadian public health expert’s suggestion to install opioid vending machines in Vancouver, home to “one of North America’s densest populations of injection drug users.” Only proven chronic drug users could scan themselves to get clean drugs for safer consumption.

    “We’re acknowledging people will go to any extreme to use this drug. To tell them not to use because it’s unsafe is ridiculous,” said program mastermind Dr. Mark Tyndall.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Tips for Talking with Teens about Drugs and Alcohol

    Tips for Talking with Teens about Drugs and Alcohol

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Your teen won’t always behave as you expect. Learn what messages are important … before they choose to experiment. This article helps prepare you for that conversation.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    The Main Goal

    Raising children is not always easy, and you face a new set of challenges once they grow into teenagers. Remember, your teen is only human and will make mistakes. So, what should be your goal?

    Your #1 goal should be to help your teen understand the risks of drugs and alcohol so that they can make the right choices for themselves.

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    Still, it’s important to be realistic. You’ll have to accept that your teen won’t always behave as you expect. But we believe that you can best influence your child BEFORE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS are even an option. How? Through prevention.

    Many parents overlook the risk of drugs and alcohol because they don’t believe their teens would ever make poor choices. A series of conversations can be just the thing to prevent those poor choices. If you need a little nudge in the right direction, this guide will help.

    TIP 1: Choose the Right Place and Time

    Choosing the right time and place to talk with your teen about drugs and alcohol is vital. You want to find a time and place where your teen will feel comfortable discussing the subject and opening up about any experiences they’ve had. Here are a few things to consider that will help you determine when to talk to your teen:

    1. Privacy. Make sure you approach your teen when the two of you are alone. Avoid trying to start the conversation in public or when friends and family are present.
    2. Distraction. Select a comfortable room in your home or take a walk with your teen. Put away the devices and focus on the conversation.
    3. Mood. You and your teen should both be in a calm mood before starting the discussion. Avoid trying to talk to your teen when either of you are in a bad mood or if emotions are running hot.

    TIP 2: Have an Open Mind

    No matter how close you and your teen are, you will have to break through a generation gap to make noticeable progress. This requires you to take a few steps back and make an ongoing effort to keep an open mind. Your fears and concerns may be palpable. But put them on the side for this conversation.

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    Instead, try putting yourself in your teen’s position and think back to when you were in middle or high school. Remember what dealing with the stress and peer pressure was like?

    It’s also important to remind yourself that you are speaking with your teen, not to your teen. The difference is that you must know when to stop talking and simply listen to what your teen has to say. Each time you speak or make a point, you should pause and give your teen time to respond.

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    TIP 3: Offer Reasons for the Rules You Impose

    Parents will often tell teens not to drink or do drugs, but then fail to list reasons that support their stance. Most teens are at the point in which they are feeling independent and ready to choose how their life will play out. The last thing you want is your teen trying to rebel against everything you say.

    One of the best ways to stay on the same page is with communication. Discuss the rules and boundaries you are setting and be sure to explain your reasons why. Try getting your teen to think of the ways the choices they make now can impact their future and the goals they would like to achieve in the coming years.

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    TIP 4: Show Your Teen You Care

    The way you interact with your teen plays a big role in the way your conversation will unfold. It’s important you show your teen that you care for them above all.

    The message is that you are doing what you feel is best for them.

    Doing so won’t always be easy, but you must give it your best shot.

    Some teens might feel the boundaries and limits are a strangle-hold on their independence. On the contrary, let your teen know you want them to stay away from drugs because it could prevent them from living the life they want.

    Teens often feel as though their parents can never understand the things they go through each day. It’s difficult for them to imagine their parents as teens trying to make their way through high school. This disconnect can make it hard to reach a common ground. Another way that you can let them know you care is to remind your teen that you were once in their shoes. You’ve faced the same problems they are facing now…and this can show that you truly have their best interest in mind.

    TIP 5: Give Examples of Problems Caused by Drugs and Drinking

    Rather than telling your teen that drugs and alcohol can make trouble in her life, think of real-life examples you can use. Perhaps you have a family member or friend in recovery. S/He might be willing to share a little of their experience, strength, and hope. Personal testimonials go a long way.

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    Or, look to a role model. Many celebrities today have chosen to be open about their addiction recovery with the public. There are plenty of interviews in which celebrities discuss the negative affects drugs had on their life and how much better their lives are now that they are sober. Share these stories with your teen as real-life examples.

    TIP 6: Let Your Teen Know S/He Does Not Have to Follow the Crowd

    The teenage years are some of the most stressful and complicated years in a person’s life. Teens deal with shifting hormones and a desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They feel a need to fit in and belong.

    Although the temptation to be part of a group is wired into our brains, it’s not always a positive force in our lives. Help your teen build their self-confidence and remind them that they do not have to follow the crowd. If you can help your teen overcome peer pressure, you will go a long way toward keeping them drug-free.

    TIP 7: Let Your Teen Know They Can Come to You for Help

    One of the worst mistakes that parents make when talking to teens about drugs and alcohol is showing too much anger. You must remain in control of your emotions and let your teen know they can come to you if they need help.

    If your teen thinks you will overreact, they will be too afraid to call for help if they find themselves in a bad situation with no other way out. You must impose discipline if necessary, but do so with as much compassion as possible.

    Final Thoughts

    Helping teens stay away from drugs and alcohol is not always easy, and some teens will still go down that path no matter what you do. As a parent, your goal is to guide them in the right direction and help them make smarter choices in the future. Nothing will guarantee your success, but the tips discussed above will give you a much better chance at your teen living a life free of addiction.

    Got questions?

    Please ask them in the section below. We’ll do our best to answer each real-life parenting question with a personal and prompt reply.

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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • Teen Drug Use Drops In Ohio

    Teen Drug Use Drops In Ohio

    A local prevention expert credits greater awareness, media attention and personal tragedies for the decrease. 

    There’s some good news out of Ohio, as a new survey indicates teen prescription painkiller and heroin use are on the decline.

    According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the numbers come from a survey administered every two years by PreventionFirst, a nonprofit with the goal of stopping teen drug use before it begins. 

    “2018 is the lowest I’ve ever seen it,” Mary Haag, president and CEO of PreventionFirst, told the Enquirer. 

    The survey involved almost 33,000 students in grades 7-12 from both private and public schools in the greater Cincinnati area. 

    According to the findings, 2.4% of surveyed students reported using any type of prescription drugs in the 30 days prior to the survey, and 0.3% reported using heroin in that same timeframe. In comparison, in 2012, 6.5% reported using prescription pain pills and 1.8% reported heroin use. 

    Haag tells the Enquirer that these numbers are encouraging and she credits greater awareness, media attention and personal tragedies for the decrease. 

    However, the survey did raise some concerns when it came to alcohol and marijuana. According to the results, in the 30 days before the survey, 13.7% of students reported using alcohol and 8.1% reported using marijuana.

    Another recent survey, the CDC’s 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, also asked questions about teen opioid use. This survey asked whether students had ever misused prescription opioids and the number answering yes was higher, at 14%. 

    Nancy Brener, lead health scientist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Adolescent and School Health, tells the Enquirer that this response is concerning. However, the same survey also showed a decrease in overall drug use in teens. 

    “I think it’s important to understand that we have made progress,“ Brener noted. 

    The survey also indicates that those who do not smoke cigarettes or use alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs by age 21 are “virtually certain never to do so.”

    According to Marc Fishman, medical director of Maryland Treatment Centers and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University Department of Psychiatry, tells the Enquirer that it’s vital that treatment centers be willing to treat all types of substance use disorders in teenagers.

    “We need more treatment,” Fishman told the Enquirer. “Treatment of cocaine-use disorder. Treatment of alcohol-use disorder. Treatment of marijuana-use disorder.”

    “The vast majority of people with opioid-use disorder start with non-opioid use,” Fishman added. “Most of them don’t progress, but almost all of the cases of opioid-use disorder started there.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Addiction, Autism, and Sensory Integration

    Addiction, Autism, and Sensory Integration

    Neurodiversity and A Changing World

    Previously, I wrote about the intricacies I learned about neurodiversity from my granddaughter, Alexandra. When she was very young, we noticed how certain fabrics bothered her. She had difficulty smiling, responding to her name when called and was otherwise distracted. She appeared distant, lost in a far- away land.

    After learning of her diagnosis as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), early intervention, extensive therapy and working with professionals has given Alexandra the communication and social skills to run, laugh, talk and play like any other 5-year-old. Though this journey has its challenges, it spurred me to dig deeper, learn more, and further develop my skills and understanding of neurodiversity in all its forms.

    Researchers and scientists have come a long way in uncovering the different forms of learning that autistic individuals use to experience the world.

    Still, there is much to learn about neurodiversity. Specifically, we need to focus on autism in an increasingly technologically advanced world and a growing population. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a new report published April 26, 2018, found new data on the prevalence of autism in the United States. This surveillance study identified 1 in 59 children (1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls) as experiencing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

    Autism Linked to Addiction

    In addition to new-found statistics, I also discovered research that linked autism to addiction – a finding that is commonly dismissed amongst behavioral health professionals as irrelevant or untrue, as cited in The Atlantic’s article about autism and addiction. Despite this common misconception, my research uncovered information on the topic that I believe is imperative to talk about and spur conversation that will lead to new therapies and modalities in working with and understanding neurodiversity.

    If you don’t believe that people who experience autism may also be at risk for a substance abuse disorder, just ask Shane Stoner, a 44-year-old man who discovered his autism after a bout with heroin addiction.

    “I felt like heroin gave me confidence,” explains Stoner, in The Hidden Link Between Autism & Addiction (Atlantic Magazine , March 2017). “I could get out of bed in the morning and do the day. No matter what happened, it made me feel like it was going to be alright.”

    After a run-in with the law, Stoner entered a detox program to kick his addiction to heroin, but it wasn’t till years later that he received his autism diagnosis. The diagnosis opened his eyes – it helped him understand his strange behaviors, his heightened experience of severe anxiety, and the way he relates to the world around him.

    “It explained Stoner’s sensitivity to things such as tags on his t-shirts, and his succession of obsessive interests. It clarified why he had such a difficult time fitting in as a child, his problems with roommates in college—and why he continued to struggle with social connections as an adult.”

    Likelihood for Substance Use Disorders

    Stories like Shane Stoner’s are becoming more prevalent. In fact, a new study in Sweden – the first to explore the link between people with autism and addiction – found that individuals with autism who have average or above average intelligence quotients (IQs) are twice as likely to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs than their peers.

    This study looked at 26,896 Swedes diagnosed with autism born between 1973 and 2009. Researchers found, in addition to the general population of autistic people having double the risk of addiction, there is an elevated risk amongst those with autism with an IQ of 100 or above.

    Furthermore, researchers looked at co-occurring disorders and found that those with autism and a dual-diagnosis of attention deficit hyper-active disorder (ADHD) “increases the risk of addiction fourfold; among those with an IQ in the typical range or above, ADHD increases the risk eightfold.”

    These findings help us understand how someone with autism may develop a substance abuse disorder.

    A Clearer Picture Emerges

    Decades ago, when patients exhibited severe signs of autism, their need for caretakers (and not living independently) made it difficult to obtain alcohol or illegal drugs. The assumption also prevailed that an autistic person’s penchant for obsessive compulsive behaviors such as strictly following rules made it unlikely to experiment with drugs or alcohol. It has been noted that children with autistism display little fear and enjoy twirling, spinning, roller coaster rides, climbing walls, and other high risk behaviors

    However, now that researchers and clinicians have learned more about autism spectrum disorder, the Swedish study and stories like Shane Stoner’s help us see a clearer picture of autism and addiction.

    Stoner did not understand the source of his anxiety, nor his strange behaviors, but when heroin was introduced to him as a way to cope and give him confidence, we can understand how the door was opened to an addiction.

    Though his addiction led him to eventually uncover his autism diagnosis, stories like these help us see that more research must be done to uncover more about neurodiversity.

    Sensory Integration as Treatment

    Now that we see the bigger picture of autism and addiction, an emerging modality to help with addiction may be in sensory integration. What is sensory reintegration?

    According to the Novak Djokovic Foundation (NDF), a global organization committed to giving children equal access to quality preschool education, sensory integration has been defined as,

    “the ability to take in information through senses, to put it together with prior information, memories, and knowledge stored in the brain, and to make a meaningful response.”

    I had the privilege of speaking at the Post Traumatic Growth Symposium in Utah this year, where I toured two facilities, Recovery Ways and The Heritage School that employ sensory integration rooms used as a form of therapy. What is a sensory integration room? Again, according to the NDF, this is:

    “a special room designed and equipped to stimulate the senses of hearing, sight, touch and smell. It is a place where people with sensory integration disorder can explore and develop their sensory skills, and also where they can relax, relieve stress and anxiety.”

    Stormy Hill, an occupational therapist at Recovery Ways, the Utah-based treatment center where I visited a sensory reintegration room put it this way, saying its goal is:

    “to teach the patient to stay grounded, to stay organized, to stay calm within an emotional range, no matter what life is throwing at them.”

    In the rooms I visited, there were climbing walls and swings, and everything was soft to the touch. There were even fiber optic sets, interactive fiber optic light cables that you could pull, bend, stretch and coil.

    Sensory Integration Rooms as Clinical Tools

    During my time in the room, I learned that sensory integration, an emerging type of therapy for dual-diagnosis clients, can be used for a wide range of clients and patients. In fact, sensory integration is suitable for children or adults with autism, concentration disorder, sensory impairments, mental development or insufficient development problems, speech difficulties, learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

    I dug deeper and was fascinated to discover these rooms could be beneficial in de-escalating an upset client. They might serve as a place to hit pause, to rethink what is upsetting them and pushing them to want to leave treatment AMA. I watched how my usual hypervigilant self -calmed down by playing with the manipulatives and realized how easy it would be to open up about past traumas hiding behind fiber optic cables while swinging in a hammock.

    I was further jarred into my senses when the OT offered me a hot chew. WOW! Whatever I was focused on, ruminating about was suddenly jarred out of my sensibility or existence. The sweet bitter taste startled me and altered my senses and my thought processes. I was immediately pulled into refocusing my thoughts, my sensibilities. I marveled over this experience thinking how wonderful it was to stop my obsessions by simply giving me a candy and putting me inside this magical room.

    I thought this might be a perfect way to facilitate a clinical intervention with a patient. In this room, the combination of manipulatives juxtaposed with a hot chew will allow one to settle down and process the pros and cons of rash decision making.

    In that moment, I wondered, “Why don’t all treatment centers have sensory rooms?”

    As we peel back more layers of understanding behavioral health, addiction, neurodiversity and autism, I’m encouraged to see researchers and behavioral healthcare professionals employ these types of strategies with their patients. Likewise, it’s imperative that we keep our eyes open to the way addiction affects neuro-diverse learners and develop protocols and strategies that meet the needs of this ever emerging population.

    View the original article at

  • Music Festivals | 5 Tips to Reduce Drug Harm & Stay Safe

    Music Festivals | 5 Tips to Reduce Drug Harm & Stay Safe

     

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Drugs and alcohol are part of festivals. This article presents five practical tips to reduce risk of harm, injury, or overdose.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: Less than 10 minutes.

    Table of Contents:

    Why Do People Abuse Drugs at Festivals?

    The simple answer is simple: to keep the party going.

    In fact, people are looking to experience something apart from the every day. Often, they associate a good time with a sense of euphoria, preferably one that lasts for a long period of time. The body can’t naturally produce this kind of sensation on its own and, therefore, people turn to drugs to give it an extra boost. However, there’s more to it than just that.

    Peer pressure must also be considered. Admittedly, the festival scene has a lot of drug abusers within its culture. Recent studies have shown that the majority of festival attendees aged 18–30 report a history of illicit drug use. In addition to friend groups that normalize drug use, there’s also the pressure of the festival atmosphere itself. Particularly, if everyone around you is taking drugs, then there’s a group mind that makes it easier to join the crowd.

    To top it off, it’s not uncommon for people struggling with addiction to find themselves at these festivals. A common trait of addiction is compulsive behavior which leads individuals to places where a large amount of drugs can be obtained. There are multiple reasons for why a person facing addiction will want to obtain drugs at a festival, but a big one is they can get a hold of large quantities of drugs at one moment and, therefore, have a supply which lasts a long period of time.

    What Drugs Do People Abuse at Festivals?

    When observing drug trends amongst festival goers, the first thing you’ll notice is that most of them are taking or seeking out stimulants. It’s very unlikely someone at a festival will want a downer or central nervous depressant, as the mood of the scene is “up” and full of energy. A list of common stimulant drugs found at music festivals include:

    Adderall. Normally, Adderall is abused by college students looking to cram an entire week’s homework in just one night. However, this amphetamine medication has found popularity within the festival scene as well. When people are high on the drug, it gives them a boost of energy which lasts for a long period of time. This is perfect to keep the party going considering festivals go on for a long period of time and, often, the acts people want to see are one after another.

    Alcohol. When we drink, we tend to be much more relaxed and social due to its disinhibiting effects. It comes to no surprise that people in large, social environments are attracted to this substance. By letting the drink “get them loose”, they feel more likely to participate in festival’s various activities, namely dancing. The unfortunate truth is that festival goers are vulnerable to poisoning, especially when they mix alcohol with other drugs.

    Cocaine, Crack. Generally, people who take cocaine and/or crack will feel an intense euphoria and increased energy. In a festival setting, this might seem ideal considering the fact that music festivals go on for hours upon hours at a time. With that in mind, it can’t be forgotten that these stimulants don’t necessarily last that long in their high. Therefore, as a means of avoiding a crash, users tend to “binge” and take dose after dose in order to stay high.

    Hallucinogens, LSD (acid), Mushrooms, or Research Chemicals. Ever since the 1960s, hallucinogens have been a popular choice for festival goers. The prime reason for this is it changes the way in which the person perceives and witnesses the entire experience. Furthermore, hallucinogens are known for giving those who take them a great amount of energy for a long period of time. This is why psychodellic drugs are billed as an “ideal high” for those who want to stay up all day and night. However, hallucinogens can trigger mental illnesses in people who hadn’t previously experienced mental health complications.

    Marijuana. Unlike the other drugs on this list, marijuana is a central nervous system depressant – though effects vary by individual. Though marijuana isn’t as dangerous as the other drugs we’ve listed, it can onset mental complications and cause extreme anxiety.

    MDMA, Ecstasy, Molly. This is one of the most popular drugs within the festival and club scene and also one of the most dangerous when taken frequently. The thing about MDMA, ecstasy, and Molly are they’re highly stimulating drugs with very euphoric effects. Therefore, young people tend to overlook the bad and further seek out the thrill they bring to a festival atmosphere. Still, not only can these substances cause brain damage over time, but with too much of a dose, people can experience panic attacks or seizures. Dehydration is also a risk when taking these drugs.

    With all this in mind, we’ve laid out some tips for people who want to enjoy the music festival’s have to offer and avoid drugs. The purpose of these tips is not only to educate you on how to stay away from drugs during your time at the festival, but how to keep your body healthily going in order to fully enjoy the festival experience.

    Tip #1 – Know the Landscape

    Furthermore, it’s in your best interest to get oriented with the festival itself. This includes locations of specific areas of interest, such as medical tents or where to find help, if necessary. Know where to find First Aid. Also, check out whether or not the festival offers free drug testing. These services will take samples of drugs and run laboratory checks for substances like
    • Methamphetamine
    • Ketamine
    • Para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA)

    You’ll want to get an idea of the area itself and how to navigate through it. This way, when large crowds begin to form (and they will), you won’t have as much difficulty getting from one point to the next. And you’ll be keen on where to find medical aid if you or a friend needs it.

    Tip #2 – Educate Yourself

    One of the greatest things you can do before considering any psychoactive drug is to inform yourself on how the drug works and its dangers. Evaluate the risks. Be honest with yourself about the effects. What can possibly go wrong? How might you mitigate a “bad trip”, for example? Or, how does the drug interact with other drugs – even pharmaceuticals – that you’re currently taking?

    Much of the time, people who attend music festivals are unaware of the potential side effects of drug use. Often, you might spontanesouly decide to use based on curiosity or even compulsion. Risk taking might also be a part of the decision. By teaching yourself the reality of drug use, you won’t be curious. Instead, you’ll be fully aware of whatever a dealer has to offer and the dangers involved.

    If you’re looking for resources in which to inform yourself about the effects of psychoactive drugs, you can check out the following websites:

    Tip #3 – Drink Water and Lots of It

    A festival is bound to drain your energy – with or without drugs. You can look at going to a festival very similarly to doing a work out. You’re going to be sweating a lot, you’re going to need to push your body beyond its normal functioning, and you’re going naturally drain yourself. Water is a natural source of energy to provide yourself with.

    So, it’s important to stay hydrated. Though not every festival offers it, but some will have water stations. Know where these places are. Or, pack your water in by the gallons.

    It also helps if you plan out how much water you’re going to drink throughout a day. Some drugs impair your thirst reflex. But drinking too much water can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance or brain swelling. Some drugs like MDMA causes the body to retain water. With this knowledge, coordinate how much water your body receives – which is vital for when you plan to use up a lot of energy.

    Tip #4 – Know When to Relax and Refuel

    The fierce party environment of a festival may propel you in to hyper mode. Festivals are set up in so people can enjoy themselves when they want to. Some people prefer seeing a live show in the afternoon while others do at night. With that in mind, it’s important not to drain yourself to see every act the festival has to offer.

    You’re going to drain yourself regardless. So, with that in mind, avoid trying to keep the party continuously going. If you don’t want stop and let the body’s naturally refuel, you will crash. Not only is this behavior unhealthy, it can lead to terrible consequences, especially if you drive home when the festival is over.

    For example, don’t be afraid to take breaks from dancing. We know you don’t want to step away from the music, but it’s vital you do it every now and again. By giving your body a chance to regenerate, you’re making a huge difference. You’re taking the time to allow your body to gain the energy it needs again to get back into the dancing groove. Additionally, fuel up with healthy food many times a day.

    Tip #5 – Bring a Friend and Stick Close

    By having a friend along for the festival experience, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to stay safe no matter what arises. A friend will not only always be there if things become unsafe, but s/he can support sobriety, if that’s what you’re aiming for. In fact, with someone else by your side who’s also drug-free, you’re less likely to give into peer pressure which spawns drug use.

    There’s always the chance you may accidentally separate from your friend during the festival. If this happens, you can always set up a spot to meet. So, scout out the festival’s environment at the beginning. By having a comprehensive idea of what the layout is, you and your friend can be sure never to get lost and know where to go if things go wrong.

    It’s Okay to Enjoy Yourself Without Drugs

    While at a music festival, you’re going to see a lot of people on drugs. The truth is, you’re also going to see a lot of people enjoying themselves on drugs. You may get the notion that you’re missing out on something. That maybe a hit or two of something isn’t so bad and can really give you the buzz you need to enjoy yourself.

    This is anything but true. You don’t need drugs to enjoy your time at a music festival!

    The consequences can outweigh the fun. Some of the risks include:

    • Cardiac problems
    • Dehydration
    • Dysphoria, or an extreme depression during a crash
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Lack of consciousness
    • Overdose
    • Panic Attacks
    • Risky sexual behavior

    When it comes to music festivals, people don’t often consider the long-term effects of their drug use. Rather, they focus solely on the moment and how much they can enjoy their time within this festival.

    You don’t have to be that person. You can have fun without drugs. You can find the energy to dance along to the music and be happy without taking drugs. You can be in a drug environment and stay drug free.

    This is especially important to people who have struggled with addiction in the part. When it comes to recovery, one of the biggest concerns most have is that of relapse. Relapse can happen at any point in life. Just because you’re in an environment where people use drugs to enjoy themselves doesn’t mean you have to as well. You know what addiction is like and you quit using for specific reasons.

    Stick to that reason, prepare for what’s in front of you, and be sure that you’re in a good place before you consider attending a festival.

    Your Questions

    We hope to have sincerely helped you plan for staying safe during a music festival. However, you might have a pressing question.

    If you have any further questions pertaining to how to stay safe and drug free during a festival, we invite you to ask them in the comments section below. If you have any advice to give to others on this topic, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to get back to each comment in a prompt and personal manner.

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