A Harm Reduction Guide on Drug Use at Music Festivals: How to Stay Safe

Drug use is common among people who attend music festivals and raves. Festival drugs, such as MDMA, marijuana, LSD, and psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”), are a large part of the music festival experience for many festival-goers. However, drug use at music festivals can be dangerous and even lead to life-threatening consequences, such as an overdose or medical emergencies like hyperthermia or extreme dehydration. Knowing the risks of Coachella drug use, signs of overdose, and harm reduction practices can help attendees stay safe.

In this article:

Music Festivals and Drug Use
Popular Festival Drugs
Dangers of Drug Use at Music Festivals
Adulterants: You May Not Be Taking What You Think
Safety and Harm Reduction Measures for Drug Use at Music Festivals
Signs of a Drug Overdose or Medical Emergency
What to Do if Someone Overdoses
How to Help Someone Through a Bad Trip
Addiction Treatment as Drug Overdose Prevention

Music Festivals and Drug Use

Since Woodstock, music festivals have been a communal gathering place for people to not only listen to their favorite musicians, but also dance, create and appreciate art, and camp. Unfortunately, drug use is also a major component of festival culture. This is especially true for festivals that include electronic dance music (EDM) since DJs tend to integrate lights and art into their shows and many people will use drugs like MDMA or ecstasy to enhance their experience.

Common music festivals where people engage in alcohol and drug use include:

Coachella
Lollapalooza
South By SouthWest
Pitchfork
Electric Daisy Carnival
Ultra Music Festival
Burning Man
Bonnaroo
Firefly Music Festival

Research varies on the prevalence of drug use as well as drug preferences among festival attendees, but the general consensus seems to be that drug use is higher among people who attend music festivals than the general population.

Some research indicates that nearly 50% of festival-goers reported doing something at a music festival they wouldn’t normally do, and that may include drugs, given that 21% reported using illegal drugs at a music festival. Additionally, only 45% of participants reported attending festivals for the music, which demonstrates how much drug use has become synonymous with festival culture.¹

One Australian study of festival-goers found that just over 73% of participants had used illicit drugs in the past year, most commonly ecstasy and marijuana. Another study of adolescents at a music festival found 52% had used illegal drugs at least once and 25% had engaged in past-month drug use.²

Popular Festival Drugs

The most commonly used drugs at music festivals include:

Alcohol
Marijuana
MDMA/ecstasy
Cocaine
LSD
Psilocybin
Ketamine
DMT
Opioids
Inhalants
Synthetic cannabinoids, like Spice and K2

A Danish study, which analyzed urine from a music festival, found 77 drugs in 44 urine samples, with the most common drugs including:³

Cocaine
Ecstasy/MDMA
Amphetamine
Ketamine
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
Spice
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

Some drugs may be more popular at specific music festivals. For example, Coachella attendees are more likely to use cocaine whereas Burning Man attendees may opt for hallucinogens like DMT, LSD, and psilocybin. Many festival-goers report using drugs to increase their connectedness and emotional openness (such as with MDMA), enhance the music, and alter perception and mood.⁴

Dangers of Drug Use at Music Festivals

Between 1999 and 2014, drug overdoses accounted for 75% of all non-trauma-related deaths at music festivals and 13% of all festival deaths.⁵

Drugs are also responsible for non-fatal medical emergencies. For instance, at a 2017 Australian music festival, 21 attendees were hospitalized after taking what they believed to be GHB, a central nervous system depressant that’s common in the party scene. An additional seven people received medical care after collapsing in the street or park after the event.⁶

An Australian study related to drug toxicity in electronic dance music festival attendees revealed that 13% of cases were fatalities while 62.5% of cases were admitted to the hospital. MDMA/ecstasy was the most common substance, found in nearly 88% of cases. About 60% of cases involved multiple substances, with the other drugs likely contributing to MDMA toxicity.⁷

Although the dangers and risks vary between substances, some harmful effects of drug use at music festivals include:^8,9,10,11,12

Irregular heart rhythm
Heart attack
Stroke
Seizures
Hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature)
Liver and kidney failure
Heatstroke
Dehydration
Paranoia
Anxiety and severe panic attacks
Psychosis
Confusion
Nausea and vomiting
Trouble breathing
Increased risk of accidents and injuries
“Bad trips” or an unpleasant and often terrifying experience after taking hallucinogens
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Coma

Adulterants: You May Not Be Taking What You Think

Illicit drugs are hardly ever 100% “pure.” Dealers often cut their drugs with other substances to increase their profits or increase drug potency—and they do this without informing those they are selling these drugs to. Chances are, whatever drug you’ve bought is cut with other substances, many of which are extremely dangerous.

For example, MDMA/ecstasy may contain little to no MDMA. Instead, it may contain adulterants, such as:¹³

Ketamine
Heroin
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Cocaine
Methamphetamine
Caffeine
Ephedrine, a diet drug
Bath salts

Additionally, drugs you believe to be MDMA or LSD may actually be synthetic drugs or designer drugs, many of which can be bought online for much cheaper than the drugs they’re sold as. Synthetic drugs, like illegal and street drugs, are unregulated and can produce unpredictable and life-threatening effects.

Many Drugs are Cut with Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, an opioid painkiller. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the most common substance involved in overdose deaths in the United States.¹⁴

Many drugs, including opioids and non-opioids, are cut with fentanyl because of its potency and cost-effectiveness, including but not limited to:^9,14

Cocaine
Heroin
MDMA
Methamphetamine
Marijuana

Furthermore, illicit drug manufacturers are mass-producing counterfeit pills that are pressed with fentanyl and marketing them as legal prescription drugs. It’s extremely dangerous to take pills that weren’t bought through a pharmacy. Prescription pills are regulated so that you know what’s in them, but counterfeit pills often contain fentanyl as well as other harmful drugs. You can’t even go by appearance either because they often are able to make counterfeit pills look like the real thing.¹⁵

Some common counterfeit pills containing fentanyl include:^15</sup.

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
Adderall

Most of these pills contain a lethal amount of fentanyl, which can lead to overdose and death.

Carry Naloxone (Narcan) with You, if Permitted

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an overdose on opioids like fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. If someone has overdosed and stopped breathing or their breathing has slowed dramatically, naloxone can restore normal breathing. Naloxone cannot be used for an overdose on substances that aren’t opioids.¹⁶

Narcan is the brand name for the prepackaged nasal spray that is easiest for the lay person to use. It requires no assembly and is sprayed into a person’s nostril while they lie on their back.¹⁶

If you are planning on going to a music festival, you should plan to bring Narcan with you. Naloxone access laws are different in every state, but every state has some sort of law allowing you to purchase it at pharmacies like CVS. Some will allow you to buy it through the pharmacist without a prescription. However, before packing your Narcan, you’ll want to check festival guidelines before or contact the venue as some venues may consider it drug paraphernalia and confiscate it.

Safety and Harm Reduction Measures for Drug Use at Music Festivals

Harm reduction is a set of practices to prevent negative consequences and deaths related to drug and alcohol use. Harm reduction can help mitigate the dangers of substance use at music festivals and keep attendees safe.

Music festivals may implement a range of harm reduction strategies, such as:

Amnesty boxes where people can discard illegal drugs without legal consequences
Drug education information on flyers
Medical services
Additional security and staff
Free water to prevent dehydration
Plenty of food options
Limited number of alcohol sales
Reduced festival hours to encourage rest
Organizations handing out free earplugs, drug information, condoms, and water

Drug Testing Services

Some music festivals offer free drug testing services on-site. People can bring a small sample of their drugs to the station and professionals will use drug-testing kits to determine the purity of the sample and what other substances it may contain.

Free drug testing allows festival attendees to make informed decisions about their substance use. Individuals who find out that their MDMA is cut with heroin or those who find out their “prescription” Xanax is actually comprised of fentanyl may choose to discard their drugs. Of course, some people may choose to use their drugs anyway, but they at least know what they’re putting in their body.

While proponents of drug testing understand the value of harm reduction, some people criticize pill testing because they think it encourages drug use. However, research indicates that the opposite is true. One study related to drug use behavior in festival-goers found that people reported they would not take drugs if contained ketamine, methamphetamine, or para-methoxyamphetamine (a drug similar to MDMA).²

This same study found that festival-goers believed drug checking services could help keep people safe and that these services should be combined with harm reduction advice.²

Historically, organizations like Bunk Police and DanceSafe conducted free drug testing services at music festivals throughout the U.S., but in recent years, they have been forbidden from certain festivals like Coachella. Still, some organizations find ways to help keep people safe within the festivals. For example, Bunk Police has urged people to text a certain number in order to receive updates about drugs testing positive for fentanyl or to be able to find stealth testing sites.

Other Precautions

Besides using drug testing kits and carrying Narcan (if permitted), there are some other things you can do to stay safe at music festivals like Coachella this season, including:

Stay hydrated by making sure you know where you can get free water and setting aside time to drink throughout the day
Schedule plenty of breaks throughout the day to rest, eat food, and drink water
Get to know your surroundings, such as where medical tents are located, where you get free where, where food is available, and where you can find drug testing kits
Use the buddy system and establish a meet-up spot if anyone gets separated
Keep your phone on you at all times
Educate yourself on substance use, including the signs of dehydration or an overdose

Signs of a Drug Overdose or Medical Emergency

Different drugs have different overdose signs and symptoms. It’s important to be aware of the myriad of drug overdose signs so you can seek help for yourself or someone else.

Opioid Overdose

Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include:¹⁷

Loss of consciousness
Gurgling sounds
Vomiting
Slow or stopped heartbeat
Slow or stopped breathing
Unresponsiveness
Limp body
Pale face
Blue-ish lips and fingertips

Sedative Overdose

Sedatives may include benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Ativan, and Xanax, as well as barbiturates such as phenobarbital. Signs and symptoms of a sedative overdose include:^18,19

Slurred speech
Slowed or stopped breathing
Confusion
Impaired mental status
Coma

Alcohol Poisoning or Overdose

Someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning if they are experiencing the following:²⁰

Vomiting
Stupor
Trouble maintaining consciousness
Clammy skin
Slow or stopped breathing
Slow heart rate
Seizures
Blue-ish skin color
Low body temperature
No gag reflex

Stimulant Overdose

Unlike opioids, alcohol, and sedatives, which are all central nervous system (CNS) depressants, stimulant overdose does not result in slowed breathing and heart rate, which can lead to coma. This is because stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines speed up the effects of the central nervous system. They have their own host of detrimental effects, which can occur even at relatively low doses.

Signs and symptoms of a stimulant overdose include:²¹

Fever
Hallucinations
Dangerously high body temperature
Heart attack
Seizure
Convulsions
Coma
Aggression
Tremors

MDMA/Ecstasy Overdose

Signs and symptmos of MDMA toxicity or overdose may include:²²

Faintness
Hyperthermia
Panic attacks
High blood pressure
Unconsciousness
Seizures

Hallucinogens Overdose

Hallucinogens like LSD and magic mushrooms rarely result in fatalities or overdose. However, individuals may experience a “bad trip,” which may involve frightening hallucinations or horrifying experiences.

Bath Salts Overdose

Some drugs like MDMA may be cut with bath salts, unbeknownst to the person taking the drug. Bath salts, also known as synthetic cathinones, are dangerous synthetic drugs that can cause a host of harmful effects, including overdose. Signs and symptoms of a bath salts overdose may include:²³

Heart palpitations
Irregular heartbeat
Kidney failure
Paranoia
Agitation
Delusions and hallucinations
Profound sweating

What to Do if Someone Overdoses

If you suspect someone near you has overdosed or is experiencing dangerous side effects of drug use, seek medical attention immediately. If the person is conscious and able to move, help them over to the medical tent, where they can receive emergency medical care. Inform the medical team as to what drugs the person took and how much, if known.

In the case of someone losing consciousness, send someone to get help while you stay beside the person who has overdosed. You can roll them onto their side into recovery position to prevent them from choking on or asphyxiating their vomit. You can also call 911 if you are unable to find medical staff on-site.

You can also administer Narcan, the opioid overdose medication, in the event of an opioid overdose. Even if the person was not using opioids, you can still use it in case their drugs were cut with fentanyl or other opioids. It won’t hurt them if it turns out they don’t have opioids in their system.

How to Help Someone Through a Bad Trip

Bad trips are likely to occur at a music festival setting due to use of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. Bad trips may involve extreme panic attacks, severe paranoia, scary hallucinations, or emotionally distressing experiences.

If someone around you is having a bad trip, here are some things you can do to help:

First, determine if they want your help by approaching them, asking how they’re doing, and if they need your assistance
Act as a guide that helps them through the process instead of trying to talk them down
Offer to move them to a quiet, calm, and comfortable environment
Seek additional help, if needed, such as in the event of a medical emergency, potential aggression or violence, or severe mental health symptoms you aren’t equipped to handle
Take care of yourself, especially if you have taken psychedelics as well
Help them integrate back into their social circle after their trip begins to resolve

Some music festivals may have tents set up specifically for those who are experiencing bad trips. You can seek one out for yourself or someone else. Typically, these tents have counselors at them who can help individuals through a bad trip.

Addiction Treatment as Drug Overdose Prevention

Professional addiction treatment can decrease the risk of overdose and help people stop using drugs or alcohol by equipping them with adaptive coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, drug refusal skills, and beyond. Behavioral therapies and psychotherapy can help address the underlying factors that contributed to a person’s substance misuse in the first place, as well as address any previously undiagnosed mental health conditions, such as co-occurring depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

For help finding a rehab that’s right for you or a loved one, get help today at 800-914-7089 (Who Answers?) .

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