The Dangers of Drugs at Music Festivals

Most people are aware of the health risks associated with substance abuse. Regardless, drugs and alcohol continue to dominate music festival scenes and are creating a major public health crisis. 

The LA Times reports that in comparison to other entertainment events, more people are treated for drug overdoses and complications at music festivals than any other. With summer concert and music festival season gearing up for the year, here is what you should know about the added dangers of drugs at music festivals. 

Overheating and Dehydration

Substance abuse at music festivals adds an increased danger of overheating and dehydration. After ingesting drugs or alcohol in summer temperatures, users will reach deadly body temperatures much quicker than normal, writes LA Times. 

Along with dehydration, drug users may experience extreme thirst which can also be potentially life threatening. “While dehydration can pose a problem, so can drinking too much water, causing sodium levels to crash, and causing a problem known as hyponatremia,” notes the LA Times.  

When individuals consume too much water, he or she may experience seizures, difficulty breathing and even risk entering a fatal coma, says the Los Angeles-based news source. Music festival goers who take part in substance abuse are also at an increased risk of kidney failure. 

A Persistent Problem 

The Huffington Post writes, “Young people underestimate how intense heat can exacerbate the effects of alcohol and other drugs. Heat stroke, dehydration, nausea, fatigue and severe headaches are just a few of the unpleasant and occasionally dangerous side effects of being in crowded outdoor areas in high temperatures for many hours.”

Despite drug control efforts at venues and by local authorities at music festivals, drug use continues to be a serious problem at these events. From overwhelming emergency rooms, to devastating family members and friends with the loss of loved ones — music festivals have a serious substance abuse problem. 

Nicole Donaldson is a health writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House. Follow on Twitter.