As part of a new research study, the HSE launched a survey asking respondents to help them understand festival drug trends in order to create future harm reduction campaigns and services in Ireland.
A collaboration between the HSE National Social Inclusion Office and Trinity College Dublin, ‘What are you taking?’ will ask about festival drug trends, health and sexual well-being, preferred music genres, and if people would use drug testing facilities at festivals.
Speaking about the necessary research, Dr Jo-Hanna Ivers, Assistant Professor in Addiction, Trinity College, said, “Music festivals are a massive part of Irish and European culture, and club drugs are a dominant part of the festival experience for many. Nevertheless, given the high turnover of new drugs and the environment that these substances are taken in, the risk of overdose is high.”
Take part in our new research about drug use and harm reduction at festivals!
This study will help us inform future harm reduction campaigns and services in Ireland #WhatAreYouTaking #SafeUpYourSesh
Learn more here: https://t.co/reMu33Y889 pic.twitter.com/dtPwMcXw9I
— HSE Drugs.ie (@drugsdotie) June 18, 2019
Dr Ivers continued, “However, few studies have consulted with festival goers around this issue. The current study is the first of its kind in an Irish context and one of few internationally. The study will provide key insights into attitudes towards use and need for harm reduction measures.”
At present, there is limited evidence highlighting drug trends and harm reduction practices among Irish music festival attendees. There is also limited information to identify if Irish young people attend events and consume drugs in other countries, where drug trends and dosages may be different.
The HSE notes that drug and alcohol use in nightlife settings such as festivals is linked to health and social problems. International trends show that club drug users face increased risks associated with high purity ecstasy pills and cocaine, as well as adulterants appearing in substances without consumers knowing.
If you would like to help by taking part in the anonymous survey, the creators note it is important that you read the consent information first.
You can then participate here.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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