Survey shows police presence at festivals causes “panic overdose”

According to a new study, people who fear the police are more likely to overdose at music festivals.

With the festival season returning (hopefully) this summer and after two years of successive crown lifting and blockades, there’s no doubt that people want to make the most of it. But fear of the police can be dangerous for festival drug users, according to a new study.

After researching festivalgoers at six major music festivals in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, researchers led by St. Vincent Clinical School of the University of New South Wales found that police presence caused a “panic overdose” in some people. led. “After all, the drugs are taken at once. So as not to find out.

Study participants were asked anonymously about planned drug use for the day. And higher-risk drug behaviors, such as MDMA at once), illegal drug use, and mixing stimulants. They were also asked whether the presence of police officers or police dogs influenced their behavior and decisions regarding drugs.

The results found a high correlation between police fear and drug history. People who said police presence influenced their drug use decisions were more than twice as likely to use all drugs before entering the festival.

“This study adds to existing concerns about the unintended harmful effects of drug control during festivals. The study concludes, suggesting that increasing the police force at live music events is more of a concern than a protective one.

“When police are trying to reduce drug-related harm, it’s better not to use drug-scented dogs. Or search officers who increase the danger. Said Andre Gomez, content coordinator at Release the UK’s national center. Expertise in drugs and drug law. “Providing drug testing services (i) sharing advice on reducing the harm of drugs (e.g., presence of law enforcement agencies.”