EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, is the newest craze among teenagers and young adults. At huge festivals, thousands of people dance and groove to the pulsating music offered by various DJs. On the surface, these dance festivals are a positive group of people simply wanting to dress any way they prefer and jump around to their favorite songs. However, there’s an underground drug culture that’s putting many people at risk. Drug overdoses, assaults, and even fatalities have marred the EDM scene as of late. A look at the underbelly of this scene and the issues involved could help us understand how to address them.
Drugs are Not What They Seem
MDMA, Ecstasy or “molly” is the main drug that’s usually passed around EDM events. Ecstasy is still a dangerous drug even when it’s in its pure form, but that’s not usually the problem at EDM events. In fact, users might be taking an unknown drug mixture when they meet up with dealers within the festival. Dealers might cut the MDMA with several other substances to stretch their supply, for instance. As a result, more people succumb to negative drug side effects during EDM events because of questionable MDMA mixtures.
Inappropriate Rave Employee Participation
It’s not just the attendees dealing and taking the drugs either. Another EDM scene problem is inappropriate employee activities. Security guards should require extensive screening procedures before they’re hired for these events. In the past, some guards have confiscated drugs and sold the substance themselves. Not only is this practice illegal, but it puts attendees at risk when security is too busy paying attention to their drug transactions. A well-organized security hierarchy could stop this problem at the next EDM event.
Lost Personal Accountability
Another EDM activity that’s focused on the attendees is personal accountability. Being in a large group makes people feel anonymous. As a result, some people feel like they can get away with almost anything. If a friend is passed out on the grass from too much alcohol, for example, a sober friend should stay with them. However, recent occurrences at some EDM events reveal that friends simply leave their companions alone if they lose consciousness. Education and public encouragement of personal responsibility might go a long way toward preventing reckless and destructive behavior.
A Solution Overlooked
Other governments are trying to curb their EDM scene problems by regulating MDMA just like alcohol. This regulation typically leads to less overdoses because the drug is pure and taken in known quantities. Other experts suggest raising the festival age limit to 21 and older. However, both of these solutions are being put aside for now as more pressing matters, like robbery and assault, are addressed. They are important issues, however, and should not be neglected—the EDM scene will continue to struggle unless major strides are taken to overcome excessive and illegal drug use. Reducing the demand for illegal drugs at festivals is one of the most effective ways of combating their presence in the EDM scene. Fans can help their friends get clean by holding a drug intervention if they’re worried about their substance abuse. Education and action are key to reducing drug use, making the EDM scene safer for everyone, and putting predatory dealers out of business.
Attendees who just want to have a good, sober time can still do so with some preparation and awareness. When more people use the music as their drug of choice, EDM events might shake off some of their bad reputation.