It’s the stroke of midnight on a Saturday at a recent electronic music festival in England, and in the middle of all the chaos, a young man collapses on the dance floor. Medics quickly rush to his side, and as he regains consciousness, he reveals that he’s under the influence of a dangerous combination of LSD and ketamine. PsyCare UK, a charity comprised mostly of dedicated volunteers trained in dealing with psychedelic crises, is called in to help. Two of their experienced “tripsitters” come to Harry’s aid, hoping to guide him back to their cozy bell tent where they offer one-on-one support, coloring books, and rehydration salts.
This summer, PsyCare’s services will be utilized by over a dozen festivals across England, as there is a growing awareness and appreciation for the well-being of festival-goers. However, there are challenges when it comes to providing necessary support and harm reduction. The strict regulations imposed by the Home Office on drug testing organizations, such as expensive and time-consuming licensing requirements, put festival attendees at risk. Many people engage in excessive drug use at festivals, combined with factors like sleep deprivation, dehydration, and hunger, which can create a potentially deadly situation. Adam Waugh, a coordinator at PsyCare, warns that these environments can lead to mental health crises, and it’s important for people to understand how to manage extreme drug reactions in order to avoid making the situation worse.
Despite the need for harm reduction services, festivals often prioritize an anti-drug stance, fearing the negative perception associated with drug use. Festivals, such as the one attended by The Guardian, do not disclose their identities due to concerns about the council’s stance on drug use. This has made it difficult for organizations like PsyCare to implement effective protocols. One festival co-founder explains how important it is to take care of individuals in fragile mental states and mitigate the risks associated with drug use. People need to be educated about drug interactions and harmful effects in order to make informed decisions about their health.
PsyCare operates on donations, grants, and a small amount of income from festivals. They have a giant chart warning about harmful drug interactions, but it is kept within their tent rather than being displayed prominently. When the chart is visible, festival-goers are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions, revealing their curiosity and realization that they were not taught this vital information in school.
The Loop, a drug checking charity, was also sought after by the festival for their services. However, the Sag allegedly blocked their involvement, despite The Loop’s successful history of identifying contaminants and high-strength drugs. The loss of The Loop’s services at festivals puts attendees at risk, as demonstrated by the case of a woman who allegedly had an allergic reaction to ecstasy pills and ended up in a coma. Festivals like Secret Garden Party have had to cancel plans for non-public drug checking services due to the licensing requirements.
PsyCare believes in minimizing the negative effects of drug use, understanding that people will do drugs regardless. Harm reduction services have been proven to positively influence behavior and inform individuals about making healthier choices. The drug culture within the club and festival scene is evolving, with more people experimentally using psychedelics and creating a sense of community rather than relying on substances like alcohol, cocaine, and speed.
However, the use of hallucinogens is not without risks. Dr. David Luke explains that psychedelic experiences can lead to delusional states and even trigger psychotic breaks. PsyCare staff have experienced violent encounters when dealing with individuals experiencing psychedelic crises, sometimes due to the actions of security staff who lack the necessary de-escalation training. These incidents can further distress individuals and even lead to physical harm.
Despite the challenges, PsyCare is committed to helping individuals who find themselves in crisis. They successfully coax Harry into seeking support at their bell tent, and eventually, he recovers and is able to engage in conversation again. PsyCare’s efforts often result in positive outcomes, with grateful individuals returning a few days later, expressing their gratitude and giving out hugs.
In addition to relying on helpful organizations like PsyCare, individuals in the UK can also reach out to charities such as Mind and Childline for support. Similar support is available in the US through Mental Health America, and in Australia through organizations like Beyond Blue, Lifeline, and MensLine.
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