What should event managers do with drugs usage at events?

The problem of people taking drugs to increase their enjoyment at events such as music festivals, concerts, or parties is not new, but it continues to provide a challenge for event planners worldwide. The health and safety of the attendees and the organizers may have to face serious consequences when drugs are used at events. It is necessary for event organizers to manage this issue when planning events. 

Using drugs at events

A drug is a substance that has the ability to alter a living thing's functioning. The effects of drugs on the body and mind might vary according on the kind, dose, and mode of usage. Some drugs are legal, such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, while others are illegal, such as cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy. At events like music festivals, the name of drugs such as, alcohol, marijuana, MDMA, appear quite a lot. A survey in 2023 shows that 77% of attendees intend to use substances at music festival. Moreover, 55% of festival attendees reportedly took drugs from an unknown person in the crowd. Not just that, injuries that related to drugs happen to 53% of the people joining in the festivals. Those numbers have shown that at most music festivals, the problem or experience related to drugs are large, especially with young generation. When using drugs, the users may have to suffer from health problems. For physical health, substances can harm the body's organs and systems. Certain medicines can lead to uncomfortable and even hazardous signs of dependence and withdrawal. Using drugs for a long period can later turn into addiction, which may lead to worse diseases, such as, cancer, stroke, HIV/AIDS. In term of mentally, drugs can occasionally have unexpected effects on a user's mood, feelings, thoughts, and perceptions. They may result in suicidal thoughts, anxiety, despair, paranoia, and psychosis. Furthermore, their social life including family, friends and workplace, may also be affected if they use substances. 

From my viewpoint, knowing the harm of using drugs is probably almost a basic knowledge for everyone. Drugs usage at place where lots of people gathering is even more dangerous, so, why do they still use drugs? The reasons may vary from each person’s environment and circumstances. Some drugs, like MDMA and LSD, can make the music and the lights seem more intense and entertaining (Davidson, 2019). This makes festivalgoers use drugs to enhance their feelings with the overall atmosphere. Another reason why people use drugs is perhaps they feel peer pressure from friends or other attendees. They may feel like they should use drugs to fit in or have fun with the crowd. Some drugs can make people feel more sociable, friendly, and affectionate towards others, which makes sharing space easier with thousands of strangers.

Event managers are responsible to deal with the challenges and risks associated with drug use at their events. I recommend some of the strategies that event managers can use to prevent or reduce drug use at their events. The first thing is about education, which is raising awareness among attendees. Educating the participants about the harms and risks of drug use, and providing them with accurate and reliable information and resources. This can be done through online platforms, social media, posters or even campaigns before and during the event. For example, the campaigns in Cambodia to raise the awareness of the risks and dangers of using drugs at Water Festival. The secretary general of National Authority for Combating Drugs, Meas Vyrith, anticipated that festivalgoers who witnessed the efforts would return home with a greater awareness of the threats associated with drugs.

Educating people about the risks of using drugs at Water Festival in Cambodia

Providing harm reduction services and facilities at the event is also a solution. Things such as hydration stations, chill out spaces, first aid, and drug testing. These can help the attendees to stay hydrated and seek for medical help.

Drug testing tent

Drug testing kit

In addition, event managers can consider collaborating with the police, the health authorities, and the community stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the event. This can involve having a clear and consistent policy on drug use, enforcing the law, and offering support to the attendees who need it. However, I think that event managers should really consider if they decide to use this method. 75% of young people who participated in Sydney music festivals indicated at least a sing explanation why they wouldn’t seek care for a drug overdose or other related issue caused by illicit drugs, according to new research in 2022.

Australian police finding drugs at music festivals

Sources:

1. https://www.britannica.com/science/drug-chemical-agent
2. https://drugabuse.com/featured/substance-use-at-live-music-events/
3. https://www.innerbody.com/drug-safety-at-music-festivals
4. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753025/
6. https://healthyliferecovery.com/do-drugs-negatively-affect-society/
7. https://www.musicfestnews.com/2019/06/festivals-and-drugs-what-you-need-to-know-part-1/
8. https://fherehab.com/learning/how-common-drugs-festivals
9. https://asianews.network/cambodias-festival-promotes-drug-plastic-awareness/
10. https://www.generationnext.com.au/2019/07/how-to-reduce-drug-risks-at-festivals/
11. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/third-of-festivalgoers-say-fear-of-police-deters-them-seeking-help-with-drug-emergencies-20220523-p5annt.html