Festival Survival Guide 2016

Bristol Drugs Project believe that the better understanding you have of the pleasures and risks associated with alcohol and drugs, the more you are able to make informed decisions about what you do. In 2014 they conducted a festival survey and found out that at least 1 in 10 people had taken a substance without knowing what it was or what the effects or risks might be.

To help you enjoy yourself safely this year they’re raise awareness of some of the risks so you can reduce them.

Know The Risks

• Alcohol: Guidelines for men and women are now 14 units a week. Heavy drinking sessions increase the risks of injuries and illness, leading more people to A&E than any other drug. To stay safe stick with your friends. Avoid drinking in rounds. Drink slowly, with food and alternate with water.

• Cocaine: Mixing with alcohol creates Cocaethylene. This is toxic in the liver, raises blood pressure and increases chances of seizures, heart attacks and strokes.

• Benzos: Avoid repeated use as they are highly addictive and dangerous to stop suddenly. They can make you confused, forgetful and drowsy, leaving you vulnerable, so stick with your friends. Mixing with alcohol can cause breathing problems and overdose.

• GHB/GBL: If you don’t know the strength of your ‘G’, be careful. There is no way, without testing, to determine its strength. GBL is about 10x stronger than GBH. Avoid frequent use as dependency occurs quickly. Avoid mixing with alcohol.

• Ketamine: Can be mistaken for or cut with MXE, which is about 8x stronger, causing panic, anxiety and short-term paralysis. To reduce the risks of blood borne viruses, avoid sharing tubes or using notes. Long term use has led to bladder problems.

• MDMA: The average strength of Ecstasy has doubled over the past 5 to 10 years to around 140mg. Some brands have come in at more than twice this MDMA content. So if taking, start low with half a pill. Avoid re-dosing and mixing with other drugs or alcohol.

• Spice: Synthetic cannabinoids are marketed as alternatives to cannabis, but are much stronger. Using more than a pinch the size of a matchhead per joint, can cause psychotic episodes and leave you vulnerable. Spice has led many to A&E this year.

• Nitrous Oxide: The risks of inhaling too much or too quickly can be reduced by using through a balloon. Use somewhere safe with friends as you may fall or faint. Don’t use in confined spaces.

BDP understand that not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol has a problem, but they’re here to offer a hand to those that do. Call them on 0117 987 6000 for free and confidential advice or information.

BDP, 11 Brunswick Sqaure, BS2 8PE. Monday-Friday: 9am – 8pm. Saturday: 10am – 5pm. No appointment necessary. Visit www.bdp.org.uk for more information.