Answer Addiction

Tag: hallucinogen use

  • Is Burning Man All About Drug Use? The Answer Might Surprise You

    Is Burning Man All About Drug Use? The Answer Might Surprise You

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: According to the Burning Man website, the event is, “not a festival. Burning Man is a community.” This article seeks to look teach you about the purpose of Burning Man and whether or not it’s simply another backdrop for drug use.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What is Burning Man?

    The first Burning Man was held in 1986 on Baker Beach in San Francisco, California. Founded by Larry Harvey and Jerry James, both of whom produced the first “Man” to be burned, the event had the intention of creating a community which investigated a variety of forms of artistic self-expression. According to Harvey himself, his motivation behind the ritual was an impetuous act of “radical self-expression.” [1]

    The first Man to be burned stood 8 feet tall. By 1988, that height grew to 30 feet. Likewise, the number of people attending the event increased from 35 to 200. [2] This was mainly because Harvey handed out flyers surrounding the event and actively spread the word throughout San Francisco. With the city’s hippie history and open-minded community, it comes as no surprise locals were attracted to the original concepts of Burning Man.

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    The main concept?

    The main concept behind the Burning Man Festival is to let go. To burn away your bad memories and make light for optimism. To create and understand, no matter what the effort, it won’t last.

    Today, Burning Man is a yearly event which goes on from the last Sunday of August to the first Monday of September. It’s located in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada and attracts over 65,000 people annually. [3] [4] It’s described by many as an experience rather than a festival. An experience in community and art.

    In order to properly understand Burning Man and why it holds the potential to attract drug abusers, we must first look into its 10 primary principles.

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    Burning Man’s 10 Primary Principles

    We know that people use drugs at Burning Man. And while the festival permits psychedelic experience – even encourages breakthroughs in perception – the principles behind the event tolerate but do not celebrate drug use. In fact, it might be surprising to know that civic responsibility is one main principle of Burning Man.

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    In other words, following laws that keep people safe is encouraged.

    The purpose of the founding principles gives newcomers a sense of the atmosphere. They also establish boundaries. [5] Below is a list of the 10 primary principles that surround the event as well as a description of how each principle defines the experience:

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    1. Radical Inclusion

    The idea of radical inclusion is that anyone and everyone is invited to the Burning Man event. Though it’s a community with a strong history, the people who participate always welcome strangers. Those who decide to attend don’t need to have any preconditions. All that’s asked is that they provide themselves with their own basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.

    2. Self-reliance

    People go to Burning Man to experience something within themselves. The experience has people seek out something within their “inner resources” which may have been held back priorly. The hope is that attendees will not only learn something about who they are as individuals, but that they also reflect on the experience later in life. Ultimately, the hope is that the experience can help you become a better individual.

    3. Self-expression

    The idea behind self-expression is to act upon your inner talents. Yet, not just to act on them, but to offer it to others. What these talents are is up to you to determine based upon discoveries you may make at the event or perhaps a skill previously known. Organizers hope that you realize a hidden talent you didn’t know you had to offer or never honed in on. And through your discovery, realize what is yours is also everyone else’s. Then the task is to not be afraid, but to share what you have to offer to everyone.

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    4. Community Cooperation

    Going along with self-expression, community cooperation is a principle based on interacting and working with others at the event. This can be something as simple as producing a sculpture to burn at the end of the week or to explore deeper conflicts within yourself through another person. The principle encourages you to network with those around you, to protect the safety of the space, and to keep the space in which all this occurs as clean as possible.

    5. Civic Responsibility 

    This principle is based on a respect of civil society. It’s expected that those who participate in Burning Man must follow local, state, and federal laws. They must understand their responsibility for the property of the event as well as each individual within the community.

    6. Gifting

    According to the event’s website, “Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving.” People within this community consider the act of gifting as a wholehearted form of value. Furthermore, those who give shouldn’t expect anything in exchange. They should give to others without expecting anything in return.

    7. Decommodification

    At this community event, commercial business is not allowed. To promote, advertise, or attempt a transaction for your business is entirely prohibited. People who consider doing this should be aware those at the event will shut them down. Not only would these kinds of acts change the overall atmosphere of Burning Man, but it would also take away from the community’s promotion of giving.

    8. Participation

    At Burning Man, there’s a belief that a metamorphosis can only be made through personal participation. The concept behind this is that if the world worked for others rather than for individual gain, much progress can be made within society. Therefore, at Burning Man, everyone is invited and encouraged to work.

    9. Immediacy

    It is believed that in day-to-day life, we place barriers between us and our inner selves. We don’t experience life within the moment. One of the purposes of Burning Man is to experience reality immediately. To take in what’s around you, whether that be other people or the natural world, and accept it as is. The principle encourages you to place yourself beyond the human experience.

    10. Leaving No Trace

    Quite simply, the people of Burning Man have a respect for the environment and don’t want to leave any trace of the activities performed there. The purpose of this principle is to encourage everyone to clean up after themselves, whenever it may be, and to make sure upon leaving, they don’t leave anything behind.

     

    What Drugs do People do at Burning Man?

    Unless you’ve been to Burning Man, there’s no true way to tell what kinds of drugs circle around the event. As mentioned above, those who host the event expect those to follow local, state, and federal laws. Therefore, since drugs are prohibited, it’s expected people must keep their use private.

    However, after getting a taste of the principles of Burning Man, it’s understandable that the event attracts a certain kind of crowd. Particularly, those seeking to open their minds, experience something new and of which can bring upon a great change. Generally, people of this category are attracted to psychedelics. [6]

    Psychedelic drugs include:

    • 25I-NBOME/N-BOMB
    • 2C Family
    • Dextromethorphan (DXM)
    • DMT/Ayahuasca
    • GHB
    • Ketamine
    • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
    • Marijuana
    • MDMA
    • Mescaline/Peyote
    • PCP
    • Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
    • Salvia

    These are psychoactive drugs that transform perception and mood and influence a variety of cognitive processes. [7] Of all drug seized by police at Burning Man in 2017, 1,913.75 grams were that of psychedelics, not including 217 tabs of LSD. [8] The only other drugs seized included 231.85 grams of cocaine, 13.5 grams of methamphetamine, and about 170 unidentified pills.

    Though these drugs aren’t addictive physically, they do have psychological affects which can develop a dependence. For example, some people may turn to a hallucinogenic as a means of avoiding particular life stressors. [9]

    When it comes to Burning Man, the twist is the community wants you to face life stressors head on; to accept yourself for who you are and the environment you choose. 

    It’s not surprising some people think they can get there with the help of drugs. However, not everyone who goes to Burning Man is on drugs. Some people go purely for the experience. Like people who just want to watch their favorite band live or enjoy themselves at a club, Burning Man isn’t solely a place people go to to take drugs.

    So, if that’s the case, what is Burning Man all about?

    What is Burning Man All About?

    To assume that an event is all about drug use simply because it attracts that kind of crowd is unfair to those who host the event and are strong participants. Burning Man isn’t all about drug use. Rather, the Burning Man website advertises its experience as, “…entering a ‘decommodified’ space that values who you are, not what you have.”[10]

    Essentially, Burning Man is about being a part of a community that values a collection of people and the talents they can offer the world. It’s about discovering who you are or who you really could be without social barriers. It’s about experiencing something very difficult to experience in other settings.

    Burning Man can’t be defined by its drug use because people don’t go there for the sole sake of taking drugs. Yes, there will be drugs at Burning Man and people will hold the belief that drugs are essential to amplifying the experience. However, drugs aren’t what Burning Man is all about.

    It’s about community. It’s about valuing who you already are. It’s about discovering something new. It’s about being one with the earth and planet.

    Is It Safe For Me to Go to Burning Man?

    This depends on what you define as “safe”.

    To begin, it should be noted that people in early addiction recovery SHOULD NOT go to Burning Man. The easy access to drugs could lead into a relapse of addiction. [11] It’s important for people in the first 2-3 years of recovery to avoid triggers. This often means staying away from environments where drugs are known to be in use, such as clubs or festivals.

    If you’re currently facing a drug addiction and thinking about going to Burning Man, it should be noted the safety precautions involved. The disease of addiction can lead to hazards to your health both in long-term and short. Since Burning Man takes place in the middle of a desert, there’s not nearly as much access to emergency services as there would be in a city or suburbia. Therefore, if anything were to happen – such as an overdose – there’s more of a risk involved.

    Furthermore, if you’re facing a drug addiction then it’s important to seek out treatment before seeking out further ways too get high. If you don’t know where to look to find treatment, you can give us a call.

    If you want to go to Burning Man purely for the experience, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out an enlightenment the festival has to offer. However, it needs to be noted that you’re going to be in a environment of people who participate in drug use. With that in mind, there are precautions to be considered in order to stay drug safe at the event.

    Lastly, the website informs all those who attend to be aware of the environments’ harsh natural climate. This includes very hot days and cool nights as well as the necessity for food and water. You can find their safety video: Burning Man Safety – Desert Survival. [12]

    Your Questions

    If you have any further questions pertaining to Burning Man, we invite you to ask them below. If you have any experience at or information on Burning Man, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to reply to everyone in a prompt and personal manner.

    Reference Sources: [1] THE NEW YORKER: How Larry Harvey, the Founder of Burning Man, Taught America to Experiment
    [2] BURN.LIFE: 1986-1990: THE EARLY YEARS
    [3] The New York Times: Scenes From Burning Man
    [4] Burning Man: Timeline
    [5] Burning Man: The Culture – Philosophical Center
    [6] F1000 Research: Over 30 million psychedelic users in the United States
    [7] Pharmacological Reviews: Psychedelics
    [8] Reno Gazzete Journal: What were the top drugs police seized at Burning Man last year?
    [9] SAMHSA: Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use Handout
    [10] Burning Man: The Even – Preparation
    [11] Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine: Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery
    [12] Burning Man Safety: Desert Survival

     

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    View the original article at addictionblog.org

  • What Can Happen If You Collect and Consume the Wrong Type of Mushrooms?

    What Can Happen If You Collect and Consume the Wrong Type of Mushrooms?

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Many mushrooms have poisons which can do permanent harm to the body and, in some cases, even be fatal. This article aims to teach you the potential dangers as well as how to get emergency help. We invite your questions at the end. 

    ESTIMATED READING TIME:  LESS THAN 10 MINUTES.

    Table of Contents:

    How Do Mushrooms Work?

    Primarily, psychedelic mushrooms appear in two common species of fungi:

    1. Psilocybe cubensis
    2. Psilocybe semilanceata

    In fact, mushrooms are known to be psychoactive; they contain psilocybin (the “magic” in “magic mushrooms”), a psychoactive chemical found in natural fungi. When ingested, the main ingredient psilocybin breaks down and produces psilocin. Psilocin is a drug that triggers mind-altering effects in the user such as:

    • A change in perception and time
    • Hallucinations
    • High levels of emotions and sensory experiences
    • Psychological regression
    • Spiritual experiences

    Though many people credit mushrooms for giving them great experiences, it’s important to note the risks while you’re on mushrooms or after the high is over:

    • “Bad trip” experiences which can be defined as a very unpleasant high.
    •  Development of anxiety, panic attacks, or other mental health issues.
    •  Persistent psychosis.
    •  Possibility of taking a mushroom that holds poisonous properties.
    •  Recurring flashbacks, an impairing condition some users feel long after their psilocybin use.

    Certain conditions such as paranoia, turbulent mood, muddled thought pattern, and visual disruptions have been known to occur due to magic mushroom use. In fact, mental health issues can be triggered in people who take mushrooms, as psilocybin alters the brain’s chemistry. Furthermore, if a person were to take mushrooms in public and cause obscene behaviors due to psilocybin, they could face legal problems.

    What Are the Wrong Types of Mushrooms?

    Let’s just say, there are a variety of the wrong types of mushrooms – around 800 new species are registered annually. It’d be impossible to list them all in this one article. To simplify,

    The wrong types of mushrooms are those which can either cause a poisonous or fatal reaction.

    There are 14 particular types of mushrooms which are known to cause poison reactions. Within those types, there are 10 patterns which are related to a mycotoxin reaction – one of which is the hallucinogenic properties of psilocybin.

    Amanitin Poisoning and Fatality

    10% of people within America and Canada die due to ingesting mushrooms with this kind of poison. Therefore, it’s very important to seek medical attention as the following can happen:

    • Within 6 to 24 hours after consumption, the toxins will begin to destroy the kidney and liver.  It should be noted you probably won’t feel anything uncomfortable during this period.
    • In the following 24 hours, you’ll experience heavy vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and extreme  abdominal cramps.
    • The 24 hours after, you’ll begin to recover.
    •  Afterwards, without the right kind of treatment, the kidney and liver will fail and death tends   to occur. Blood begins to internally spill out and clots form.

    If you or anyone you know has eaten a mushroom they aren’t sure about, it’s vital you seek medical attention. It should also be noted that in heavily serious instances, the individual will experience diarrhea after 6 hours of consumption.

    Coprine Poisoning

    Copring poisoning occurs when you drink alcohol after eating specific types of mushrooms, such as Inky Caps (Coprinopsis atramentaria). Symptoms include:

    •  Flushing
    •  Headache
    •  Heavy limbs
    •  Salivation
    •  Tachycardia (racing heart) and palpitations
    •  Tingling arms and legs

    Gyromitrin Poisoning

    This toxin has been known to cause severe effects in some people and minors effects in others. This is due to the fact that it has a low boiling point. However, since the risk of fatal effects is measured purely on whether the mushroom is boiled or not, this isn’t something to mess around with.

    People who consume will feel symptoms within 2 to 24 hours and can expect the following:

    •  Abdominal pain
    •  Diarrhea
    •  Headaches
    •  Vomiting

    Death is prominently a possibility when a large amount of Gyromitrin is consumed, such as for food. Luckily, treatment is widely available. Consult a doctor if you’ve been led to believe you or a loved one has eaten a mushroom containing Gyromitrin.

    Isoxazole Poisoning

    This toxin and its derivatives will cause the body to react within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption and can be expected to last for several hours. The following symptoms will occur:

    •  Confusion
    •  Convulsions
    •  Delusions
    •  Nausea/Vomiting
    •  Visual distortion

    Luckily, there are no cases of death from this toxin. However, it has been known leave people in states similar to a coma for up to 24 hours. Due to the danger of this, it’s important to get medical treatment if you begin feeling the above symptoms from ingesting a mushroom.

    Muscarine Poisoning

    If you were to eat a mushroom containing this poison, it would attach to your involuntary nervous system within 15-30 minutes. Symptoms which can occur are:

    •  Decreased blood pressure
    •  Difficulty breathing
    •  Excessive salivation
    •  Irregular pulse
    •  Lactation (only in pregnant women)
    •  Sweating
    •  Tears
    •  Visual Disturbances

    This is another poisonous reaction in which most people recover. However, if the case is severe enough or if you’ve had respiratory problems in the past, respiratory failure is a possibility which can result in death.

    Orellanine Poisoning and Kidney Failure

    The problem with this toxin is these poisoning will not appear until some time after ingestion (sometimes up to 3 weeks) and the condition is very serious. Typically, after three days, the person who ingested it will feel:

    •  Anorexia
    •  Constant urination
    •  Evidence or progression of kidney failure
    •  Extreme thirst
    •  Feelings of coldness/shivering
    •  Headache
    •  Lethargy
    •  Nausea/vomiting

    The biggest issue with Orellanine is there’s been no discovered treatment. Still, people have been known to recover when their kidney function is strong.

    If you’re interested in learning more about the wrong type of mushrooms, The North American Mycological Association has compiled a list of common symptoms which occur. Plus, they’ve invited people who’ve experienced mushroom poisoning (whether small or big) to post about their experiences in order to increase our understanding of mushroom reactions.

    Main Poisonous Reactions

    Poisonous reactions include:

    Gastrointestinal Irritation

    This is the most common poisonous reaction and usually occurs within 20 minutes to 4 hours after ingesting the mushrooms. Symptoms include:

    •  Cramps
    •  Diarrhea
    •  Vomiting

    Though this isn’t the most dangerous reaction, people can experience dehydration if not treated properly. Furthermore, there are instances of severe cases which require hospitalization.

    Kidney Damage

    Inside the mushrooms Amanita smithiana, A. proxima, and A. pseudoporphyria, there is an unknown toxin that manifests symptoms similar to Orellanine poisoning (see below), but are much more quick to set in. 4-11 hours after ingestion, a person who’s consumed any of the three mushrooms above will feel the following:

    •  Anxiety
    •  Chills
    •  Cramps
    •  Disorientation
    •  Kidney failure
    •  Gastrointestinal distress
    •  Malaise
    •  Oliguria
    •  Polyurea
    •  Sweating
    •  Thirst
    •  Warm feelings
    •  Weakness

    You should seek medical help as soon as possible if you or a loved one believes they consumed Amanita smithiana, A. proxima, or A. pseudoporphyria. They are found in America’s Pacific Northwest.

    Emergency Help

    When it comes to accidentally consuming a poisonous mushroom, you’ll most likely need to visit the emergency room as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that symptoms can kick in quickly. Many times, the person who ate the mushroom isn’t entirely aware of the toxicity.

    There are some cases where an emergency room isn’t necessary – where the harm caused by the poisons isn’t severe – however, unless you’re an expert on fungi species, the risk isn’t worth it.

    Or, if you think that someone has eaten a wild mushroom, call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222. Poison specialists will tell you exactly what to do. They will work with mycologists (mushroom identification experts) to find out what kind of mushroom it is. They will also work with the emergency room staff so you can get proper treatment.

    Long-Term Abuse Effects

    It’s still not entirely clear what the long-term effects of psilocybin are. In more recent years, scientists are looking into the medical benefits of psilocybin; research targets whether or not mushrooms can be used for anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. In one study, people who were resistant to cluster headache and migraine medication are finding psilocybin to bring long-term relief.

    Though research is aiming to find the good in these drugs, there’s always the flip side of the coin: hallucinations and mental illness. Especially for those who seek out mushrooms recreationally, rather than medically. Here are some of the main long-term effects of overuse of mushrooms:

    1. Flashbacks

    One of the biggest long-term concerns is flashbacks (also known as hallucinogenic-induced persistent perception disorder). This is a condition in which people will re-encounter the effects of their mushroom experience even if they haven’t used for a long time. Not only can this be frightening for people to experience, a flashback can also come at inappropriate times (such as a job meeting, family get together, etc.)

    2. Mental illness triggers 

    Furthermore, there’s a chance that flashbacks are an experience of mental illness which has developed due to an individual’s psilocybin use, such as schizophrenia. Again, since the research isn’t conclusive, not much is known about why this occurs in certain individuals. We do know that it’s more likely to happen in people who’ve used chronically and experienced “bad trips”. There’s also connections to polydrug use, such as taking mushrooms with alcohol and other psychedelics. Lastly, people who experience flashbacks generally have other mental disorders, such as anxiety.

    3. Dependence and addiction

    Historically speaking, psychedelic mushrooms have been used for medical treatment, healing ceremonies, and spiritual rituals. However, most people DO NOT KNOW THAT PSILOCYBIN holds the potential for abuse. When someone seeks out mushrooms again and again, they face a high risk of becoming dependent on the experience. So, just like any psychoactive substance, regular use of mushrooms can lead to a psychological dependence or addiction.

    How Does Someone Become Addicted to Mushrooms?

    So, how can someone get addicted to magic mushrooms?

    Unlike other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, magic mushrooms do not cause a physical dependence. In other words, the body won’t adapt to the chemical structure of psilocybin and, therefore, feel a necessity for it when the drug wears off. Still, this isn’t to say the mind isn’t affected. In fact, since magic mushrooms are dominantly a psychoactive drug, the mind can form a habit of psychological dependence.

    Indeed, a psychological dependence is very much a possibility. Since psilocybin is a psychoactive drug, it changes patterns within the brain which hold the potential for someone wanting to come back for more. These changes can leave someone feeling dissatisfied or variant without mushrooms in their life.

    In turn, this leads individuals to use mushrooms as a means of dealing with life stressors (such as home, school, or work responsibilities). This results in compulsive behaviors which can spark cravings and, in the case of psychedelic substances, mood differences without the drug.

    If you’re curious as to whether you or a loved one has an addiction or dependence to mushrooms, ask yourself the following questions:

    •  Do you use psilocybin to deal with life stressors (i.e. school, work, relationships)?
    •  Have you found you function better when under the influence of psilocybin?
    •  Do you become anxious or distressed when you can’t use psilocybin?
    •  Have you been on the lookout for psilocybin when you’re experiencing stress?
    •  Do you find yourself only fantasizing about your psilocybin use rather than thinking about   realistic, possible negative effects it could be having on you?
    •  Do you engage in risky conduct due to your psilocybin use?

    If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, you or your loved one is most likely facing addiction. In order to get help, you should consult a doctor and seek a medical professional for the right treatment. You can also contact us at the phone number listed on this page.

    Addiction Treatment Options

    When it comes to psilocybin mushroom addiction treatment, you have a variety of options at your disposal.  To understand which treatment is best for you, it’s important you understand your addiction, too.

    Everyone experiences a different kind of dependence on their drug of choice. In terms of magic mushrooms, some people use to escape reality, while others use to cope with emotions.

    So, where do you begin to look for help? You may want to seek out the following options as a means of both developing a better understanding of your addiction as well as how your treatment will work:

    •  Contact a doctor or a physician to get the best references for addiction treatment centers that   are near your living area.
    •  Check different types of treatment programs and their requirements, so you can choose   which one best suits your needs.
    •  Look for support groups that will be part of your treatment program.
    •  Try to find contacts from the most competent and experienced clinical psychologists.

    If you’re looking to reach out to a Helpline for your mushroom addiction, here are a few more options to look into:

    •  National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) 1-800-729-6686
    •  National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence HopeLine 1-800-475-HOPE (4673)
    •  National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Service 1-800-622-4357
    •  National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug and Treatment Information 1-800-622-4357
    •  National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-   2433)
    •  Substance Abuse Helpline (available 24/7) 1-800-923-4327
    •  Relapse Prevention Hotline 1-800-RELAPSE (735-2773)

    Or,  you can search for doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists near you:

    Furthermore, you can always give us a call on the hotline number on this page. We’re here to help.

    How Treatment Works

    A reputable addiction treatment programs will work with you and your specific case. In a reputable treatment facility, you can expect the following information to be taken in order for the professionals to find out more about your addiction:

    •  How much/long/often you used and abused magic mushrooms.
    •  Different roots within your life which may have caused addictive behavior.
    •  Past traumatic experiences (if any).
    •  Your history and family’s history of drug abuse.
    •  Your personal and emotional issues.
    •  Your unique treatment goals.

    Then, you’ll receive therapies that are fairly common when it comes to drug abuse. This is especially true when it comes to people who struggle with magic mushroom addiction as the core problem is psychological. The goal of therapies is to help you handle day-to-day emotions without the help of psychoactive drugs. When entering a treatment facility, you can expect to be offered the following:

    •  Education about drug abuse and the damaging effect over your health
    •  Individual and Group Counseling
    •  Medication Assisted therapy
    •  Integrated or Dual Diagnosis Therapy (if need for co-occurring mental health issues)
    •  Relapse prevention training
    •  Aftercare services

    Your Questions

    If you have any more questions concerning what to do if you take a poisonous mushroom or mushroom addiction treatment, we invite you to ask them below. If you have any advice to give on these topics, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to get back to everyone in a timely and personal manner.

    Reference Sources: National Capital Poison Control Center
    Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Mushrooms
    NIDA: Drug Facts: Hallucinogens
    SAMHSA: Hallucinogens
    FDA: Poisonous Plant Database

    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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