The air is usually thick with anticipation, thousands of bodies vibrating to upbeat music, a kaleidoscope of lights paints the night sky – music festivals embody sensory overload in the best ways possible, drawing crowds thirsty for adrenaline rushes and unforgettable nights.
However, beneath the lively facade sprawls the hidden reality of recreational drug use as a pertinent part of the festival and rave culture.
While some see it as a way to intensify the fun, others encounter unforeseen dangers. Hespress EN dove into this intricate phenomenon, exploring stories of festival-goers and expert insights, to explore the motives of drug use at festivals, as well as the possibilities for a safer experience for music lovers.
When laughter intertwines with music, a slaphappy energy sails through the crowd. Here, festival euphoria takes over and some take a gamble, searching for a quick high that can turn their vibrant night into an unforgettable experience.
“I remember going to the bathroom every 20 mins to re-dose » Marwane, a 21-year-old festival attendee who spoke to Hespress EN under a surname reveals.
He recalls one of his most memorable experiences, saying: « We took drugs because it enhances the experience… In those festivals, they put a lot of effort into the visuals, etc, you can enjoy it fully sober. But, it’s an out-of-this-world experience when you’re on drugs; the music feels better, everything feels better and you just feel more at peace with yourself. And I kind of had an addiction at the time.”
Festivals and raves, with their vibrant atmosphere and focus on heightened experiences, may form a sense of courage that results in unsafe and impulsive decisions.
Such behaviors, when pertaining to drug consumption, can play out in different ways among users.
Sanaa, 27 years old and another festival regular who also spoke to Hespress EN under the condition of anonymity, was one of the unfortunate people who’s momentary curiosity steered her in an unexpected direction.
“At a point in my life I used to go to raves excessively, and used to live abroad where drugs are absolutely not tolerated, and yet some people knew how to smuggle them in the wittiest of ways…,” she discloses.
“ I was 18-19 and used to be handed random drugs by random strangers very often, and I’d take everything I could without thinking much. There was this one time when I took a dab from someone’s pen, and the world just shook aggressively. I stopped hearing the music on and off although it blasted through the entire warehouse. At some point, the world looked glitchy and it was as if I was watching life in slow motion, not recognizing faces and completely freaking out. It felt like I was screaming but wasn’t hearing myself, and walking through the warehouse felt like walking through an obstacle course. When I’d start hearing the music again, it would be muffled and it would feel like a break of clarity only for it to go downhill… I don’t know how I made it to my apartment the next morning.”
The diversity of narratives underscore the unexpected nature of drug use at festivals. It can enhance the experience for some, but it can lead to a nightmarish scenario for others.
While some, like Marwane, recount a heightened sense of connection to the music and a deeper appreciation for the overall atmosphere, others, like Sanaa, serve as a sharp reminder of the potential dangers that come with using unidentified stimulants at festivals. It highlights the significance of putting one’s safety first and making informed decisions in such environments.
Expert insights
In the festival scene, we frequently encounter drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, and cocaine. While some revel in the music and atmosphere sober, others seek a different kind of experience through these substances. To delve deeper into the “why” behind people choosing this path at festivals, we spoke with two experts: Imane Boukhare and Mohamed Ghali Guissi, both clinical psychologists (M.Psy), and full-time counselors at Al Akhawayn University.
Boukhare delves into the psychological landscape, revealing a deep-seated desire for connection. “Festivals can be a breeding ground for social anxiety,” she explains. The unfamiliar environment and large crowds can be overwhelming, leading some to feel isolated. Drugs, in this context, become a perceived tool for validation and acceptance. They offer a perceived shortcut to feeling included and forging connections within the temporary festival community.
However, the motivations extend beyond social anxieties. Boukhare highlights the allure of escape: “For some,” she says, “festivals become an opportunity to break free from the daily grind. Drugs act as a shortcut to an altered state of consciousness, providing a temporary escape from every day worries.” The electrifying atmosphere itself plays a role, and the music and vibrant energy can amplify the desire to disconnect from reality, with the surrounding environment even normalizing or glamorizing drug use.
Ghali, focusing on the social dynamics that define festivals, observes a sense of liberation. “People feel less judged and more comfortable expressing themselves,” he explains. This sense of freedom can be intoxicating, leading some to experiment with drugs as a way to enhance their experience. The belief that substances like MDMA can deepen the connection to the music and the people around you becomes particularly attractive in this environment.
Ghali emphasizes the perceived ability to shed inhibitions and fully immerse oneself in the festival experience. However, he warns, “These substances come with hidden costs.” He highlights the potential dangers of impulsive behavior under the influence, particularly with stimulants like cocaine.
While the allure of connection, escape, and heightened experience is undeniable, Boukhare and Ghali both underscore a cautionary note: Repeated drug use at festivals can have a detrimental impact on the brain, affecting memory, mood, and decision-making abilities in the long run.
Ghali emphasizes, “Using drugs repeatedly… can indeed mess with one’s brain in the future.”
This can increase the risk of addiction, especially for those with pre-existing vulnerabilities.
By understanding the psychological motivations and potential pitfalls, as outlined by Boukhare and Ghali, we can acknowledge the allure of drugs at raves, but organizers and music fans bare the heavy duty of empowering individuals to make informed choices that prioritize safety, and ensure proper health and harm-reduction education.
