For millions of people worldwide there's no better way to relieve the stress of a long semester at school or a busy work week than letting loose and having a good time at a music festival. Sadly, every year multiple deaths occur at music festivals, most often related to irresponsible drug use. Whether or not you choose to use drugs at a music festival it is important to know how to keep yourself safe at such events and always Rage Responsibly!
Despite the stigma surrounding the issue and the media's portrayal of drug users, recreational drug use is actually quite common among normal people—especially young adults. The "Just Say No" approach to drug education combined with sensationalized propoganda has proven ineffective and even harmful. It's important that factual information intended to reduce the risks of people's behavior is made readily available.
It's time to put an end to the stigma and have an honest conversation. Just as harm reduction is now taught in regards to safe sex, people can be educated to use drugs if they so choose while minimizing the risks. Just as teaching safe sex practices is not the same as encouraging young people to engage in sexual activity, teaching drug-related harm reduction practices is not an endorsement of substance use, but rather a means of preventing unnecessary tragedy.
The best thing you can do is learn how to keep yourself and others safe and encourage them to do the same. If you have friends who use drugs, or even just like frequenting festivals, talk to them about the harm reduction information found on this site. Due to the site's content it's understandable that many would not likely share this publicly on social media, but you can always pass this along through private messages. If you have any questions that are not answered by the informaiton provided here please visit our partner sites, such as Bluelight, and feel free to ask. The festival and harm reduction community is always willing to help out.