Vibe Check - Party Smart

There is no safe amount of illegal drugs. Drugs can be mixed with unknown substances, sold as something they are not, or be far stronger than expected. 

I will learn the signs of a bad reaction: overheating, seizure, confusion, unresponsiveness, difficulty breathing, and I will act immediately if I see them.

If something feels wrong, I will not wait to see if it gets better. 

I will get help.

We do not condone any usage of drugs at Boomtown, and anyone found in possession of drugs will have them confiscated, and you might be ejected from the festival site and could face prosecution.

Remember, drugs are illegal. If you get a police record for drugs, it may impact your future employment, education and travel plans.

The reality is - no amount of drugs is a safe amount of drugs. They are dangerous, and they do go wrong.

Understand the signs that something is going wrong, and you can help prevent a crisis.

‍

MDMA / Ecstasy

(MDMA is the main ingredient in ecstasy pills, but purity and dose can vary.)

Fact: MDMA affects your body's ability to regulate temperature, which can lead to dangerous overheating (hyperthermia).

Warning Signs

• Overheating (flushed skin, excessive sweating, not cooling down
• Confusion, agitation, or panic
• Jaw clenching, tremors, or muscle cramping
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• High heart rate or chest pain
• Not urinating for long periods, even when drinking water
• Seizures or collapse (possible sign of heatstroke or serotonin syndrome)

‍

Ketamine

A dissociative anaesthetic sometimes used recreationally in small doses.

Fact: At high doses, ketamine can seriously impair coordination and consciousness, increasing the risk of injury or overdose.

Warning signs:

• Extreme confusion or paranoia; inability to speak or move (a "K-hole")
• Numbness or difficulty walking
• Shallow breathing or unresponsiveness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling detached from reality in a frightening way

‍

Psychedelics (e.g., LSD, magic mushrooms)

Fact: Psychedelics can bring on a “bad trip,” especially in overwhelming environments, leading to psychological distress or unsafe behaviour.

Warning signs:

• Intense anxiety, paranoia, or panic
• Hallucinations that cause fear or distress
• Disconnection from reality that becomes overwhelming
• Dangerous behaviour or inability to tell what’s real
• Flashbacks or confusion lasting long after the drug should have worn off

‍

What to Do if a Friend Shows These Signs

✅ Stay calm and reassure them. They may be scared or confused.

✅ Don’t leave them alone, and help them move away from loud crowds or flashing lights.

✅ Get help from a welfare or med tent - they’re trained to deal with this and won’t get you in trouble.

✅ If they’re unconscious, having a seizure, or not breathing normally, alert security, bar staff or medical staff if they are close.

‍