Electric Picnic has drug testing? It’s good thing!

And it’s actually a great thing.

Judgement around drug-taking is dangerous. Early in my career, I saw patients who had presented to the emergency room on weekends having consumed substances – lots of cocaine those days – and lied. It was obvious to us but it really would have been more helpful – to help us to help them – to know exactly what, when, how much , what else instead of our gut or guessing. (Cocaine powder stuck in a moustache is obvious. ectasy not so obvious.)

I love the account @partysaferwithjess – I borrowed this image from her. It’s great. I’ve circled some of the great things that this year’s Electric Picnic are doing to reduce harm.

Let’s be clear: #druguse is not safe. Yes, I’m a kill-joy. But, just saying: It’s an unregulated substance (you are never sure what is in it) that can cause you to lose control, reduce your awareness of your surroudings, reduce your ability to protect yourself from hazards such as falls, increase risk taking, and impact your ability to #consent to sexual contact. (And yes, I’ve seen it all happen.)

However, the role of docs and medics in these situations isn’t to judge, but to do our best to reduce harm.

Before you go: Read the great info on safety on the festival website (such as getting to know your neighbours at the campsite – as “naff” as it sounds – their words, not mine!) It also includes knowing where the Wellness areas are. If you need to use those areas, just be honest with the staff. They are there to help, not judge.