Concerts, music festivals, and drugs have been associated with one another for what seems like forever. These events offer a welcome escape from everyday life for many people, but they also present some risks that they may not be prepared for. 

This NJRC article explores the impact of music festivals and concerts on drug addiction, misuse, and mental health. 

Accessibilty of Drugs to a Wide Range of People —- Including the Less Experienced

One of the threats presented by the music festival environment is broad access to a wide range of drugs. For experienced users, this may represent a little less of a threat —- but what about high school-age kids or people who’ve had limited exposure to drugs? Many people have their first drug experience at a concert or music festival, and it’s not always a positive one.

Not only do you have no completely safe way of knowing exactly what may be in the drugs you buy or use at a music festival, but you’re also in an unfamiliar environment with thousands of strangers, many of whom are also under the influence. That should make anyone think twice about being high or drunk—-but especially someone younger or less experienced. 

Lowered Inhibitions Can Lead To Drug Overdose, Poisoning or Worse

Even before they take a drug or a drink, people at a music festival generally have lowered inhibitions—-and why not? They’ve come to let loose and have a good time and there’s nothing wrong with that by itself. The problem comes from the fact that with lowered inhibitions also comes risk-taking behaviors.

People at a concert or music festival are often more likely to try a drug they’ve never done before. They are more apt to take more of a drug than usual, drink more than usual or mix drugs and alcohol.

That’s not to say that every person who does a new drug for the first time or overindulges is going to overdose or come to harm—-but the risk is there. A concert environment is not the place you want to be when you’re having a medical or mental health crisis. 

The scene can be completely overwhelming to a sober person. If you’re having a psychotic episode triggered by LSD or another psychedelic drug, the chances of things going really sideways are too close for comfort. 

Why the music festival environment can be dangerous

• People are more likely to try drugs they may not have experience with.
• Lower inhibitions mean people may take more drugs or drink more than they should.
• Buying drugs from complete strangers adds additional unnecessary risks.
• Having an overdose or medical emergency at a concert can delay you getting the medical care you may need to save your life. 

Large Gatherings of People Can Be Dangerous —- Have Your Wits About You

Another thing to consider before using drugs at a music festival is that it doesn’t take much to get a crowd of people to turn dangerous. Violence, stage or rigging collapse, fire, or medical emergencies can cause people to panic. Event staff and law enforcement can only do so much to control a crowd of 50,000 people or more. 

This is not to frighten people out of going to music festivals. It’s to make them aware. By all means, go to a music festival and enjoy yourself. But reconsider whether using drugs or drinking is a good idea while you’re there. 

On the off chance that something does go wrong, whether it’s someone sexually harassing you or an emergency that calls for an evacuation—you want to have your senses straight and enough coordination to protect yourself. That’s not paranoia; it’s just common sense. 

Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and STDs at Music Festivals

Another ugly little secret of music festivals and concerts is the amount of sexual harassment and even sexual assault and rape that goes on. Talk to any young female especially, who has been to more than a few shows, and she will likely have some stories to tell. 

Awareness of sexual harassment and assault is at an all-time high, thanks in large part to the #MeToo movement. But that doesn’t mean these things aren’t still happening. It simply means that people feel safer in talking about them now. That’s a great start, but we’re only at the very beginning of things getting better (hopefully) 

Here are some statistics about sexual harassment and assault at music festivals that drive the point home: 

• In one survey, 92% of female fans reported experiencing harassment at a music festival. Among them,62% received unsolicited comments about their body, 55% had been groped, and 3% had been sexually assaulted or raped.
• Nearly half (43%) of female festival goers under 40 have faced unwanted sexual behavior at a music festival.
• 34% of women had been sexually harassed or assaulted at a festival in the past few years, compared with 6% of men.
• 22% of all festival goers have faced assault or harassment, with the number rising to 30% for women overall.
• At Coachella in 2018, a reporter was groped 22 times in 10 hours while writing a story on sexual assault at music festivals.

Tips for Staying Safe at Music Festivals and Concerts

If you plan on attending a music festival, you can make some simple choices that will help you stay safe and decrease the likelihood of anything awful happening. You don’t have to be high and drunk to enjoy music. We know lots of people in recovery who play music, listen to music and dance, and enjoy every minute of it sober. It can be done—it’s not a big deal. 

Safety Tips for Music Festivals

1. Go with a group of people you trust:  If you’re in recovery—-go with people who are also sober and working a program.
2. Have a plan and talk beforehand: Talk to the people you’re going with ahead of time. Make a plan for when you’ll leave, where you’ll meet, what to do in case of a problem, etc. Make sure everyone has everyone else’s contact info, parents, etc. 
3. Bring plenty of water (if you can): Unfortunately, a lot of music festivals don’t allow people to bring in outside beverages. If that’s the case, make certain you have access to safe drinking water. Bring enough money to buy bottled water if needed. Alcohol and dehydration are the #1 cause of medical issues at music festivals, even though it’s easily avoided.
4. Don’t drink or use drugs:  If you’re in recovery, this goes without saying. If you aren’t, consider not drinking or getting high at the music festival. At the bare minimum, do not buy or accept drugs or drinks from strangers at a show. 
5. Use the buddy system: Stick together. If you can avoid wandering through crowds or mosh pits alone, you improve your chances of avoiding sexual assault or harassment. Don’t underestimate the risk—it’s a very real problem. 

We’re Not Saying Don’t Go to Music Festivals — We’re Saying Be Smart

We want to be clear here. We’re not the fun police. We’re not saying that no one should go to music festivals. In fact, even people in recovery can safely enjoy music festivals—if they’re smart about it. If you have a year of solid recovery behind you — and can attend a music festival with other sober people you trust, you can have a great time and keep each other safe.

If you or a person you care about is struggling with drugs or alcohol —- we want to help.

NJRC offers some of the best substance use disorder treatment in New Jersey. No matter where you are, it’s never too late to get help and change direction.—- we’re here to help. Let’s get started:  (877) 790-5873