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This summer, the HSE’s Safer Nightlife Programme is set to enhance its harm reduction efforts with ‘back of house’ drug checking at four major festivals. The initiative aims to reduce drug-related harms and increase understanding of current drug trends, providing a safer environment for festival attendees.
Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE Clinical Lead for Addiction Services, expressed ongoing concerns about the health impacts associated with drug use patterns, particularly mental health reactions linked to substances such as MDMA, ketamine, and cocaine. “We are now also concerned regarding vapes and cannabinoids like the newly emerged substance HHC, with limited health information available,” said Professor Keenan. He highlighted the rise in adolescent presentations to addiction services due to mental health issues associated with HHC use.
Last summer, the Safer Nightlife Programme provided 76 hours of outreach at three events, analysing 220 surrendered drug samples. This year, the programme aims to collect and analyse samples at four festivals to better understand current drug market trends and support onsite medical teams.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke, praised the programme’s progress:
“The HSE’s Safer Nightlife programme is fulfilling a government commitment to enhance drug monitoring services. Initiatives like this are saving lives and protecting the health and safety of festival-goers.”
Nicki Killeen, HSE Project Manager for Emerging Drug Trends, emphasised the importance of real-time drug checking in collaboration with the Gardaí and festival organisers:
“Our ‘back of house’ drug checking allows us to identify trends of concern and inform the public at events,” said Killeen. The Drugs.ie tent provides a safe space for attendees to discuss their drug use, obtain information, and surrender drugs for analysis.
This summer’s festivals featuring ‘back of house’ drug checking include:
- Mother Pride Block Party on 28 – 29 June
- District 8 Garden Party on 9 August
- Electric Picnic on 16 – 18 August
- District X on 21 September
Aisling Egan, a Drug Harm Reduction worker, reiterated the programme’s commitment to providing support and information:
“You can talk to us about how you’re feeling, ask questions about drugs, and learn how to surrender samples for testing.”
The HSE advises that the safest option is not to use drugs at all, but provides practical advice for those who choose to use, such as staying with trusted friends, following updates on drug trends, planning to take less, avoiding mixing substances, and knowing the signs of a drug emergency.
Additionally, the HSE is expanding its efforts through the Crisscross initiative, a collaborative project with agencies from Portugal, Luxembourg, Italy, and Spain. This initiative addresses intersectional issues such as gender, safety, and substance use in nightlife settings, aiming to promote safer and more inclusive nightlife environments.
For more information, visit www.drugs.ie/festivals or follow @drugsdotie on social media.
How to Reduce Drug Harms at Festivals
- Stay with trusted friends and avoid using drugs alone.
- Follow drug trend updates on Drugs.ie’s Twitter and Instagram accounts.
- Start with a low dose and go slow, spacing out usage.
- Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks from dancing.
- Be aware of the signs of a drug emergency and seek help from medical staff immediately if needed.
The Crisscross project will involve research, training programmes, and a nightlife campaign to address gender-based violence and promote safer nightlife settings. Focus groups with professionals and young people in Dublin will inform the project’s development, aiming to raise awareness, change attitudes, and prevent harmful behaviours linked to substance use and sexual violence.
For further details on the Crisscross project, visit the HSE website and follow their updates on social media.
Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy a safer nightlife experience this summer.