Festival season has officially arrived! The days are warmer, the UK fields and back gardens are filled with music and collective excitement. Whether it’s Glastonbury, Reading, Boomtown or local weekenders, festivals can be places of joy, freedom and connection. However, they can encourage you to take risks – especially when they involve drugs or alcohol.
At The Wellbourne Clinic, we understand that not everyone who uses substances is addicted, and not everyone who attends a festival plans to use them. But we also acknowledge that substance use is common amongst these events, and people don’t always have the information they need to stay safe. We see our role, as a private addiction clinic, as not just treating people who find themselves in trouble, but wanting to help people recognise the risks, look after one another and know when and how to ask for support.
Why Drug Use Increases at Festivals
Festivals offer a temporary escape from the rules and routines of everyday life. People often feel more relaxed, open to new experiences and influenced by peer behaviour. Unfortunately, that environment can sometimes encourage risky decisions.
Common reasons people use substances at festivals include:
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- Escaping stress or anxiety
- Wanting to enhance music or social connection
- Peer pressure or curiosity
- Lack of sleep, nutrition or hydration – making substances feel like an energy solution
Harm Reduction Tips for Festival-Goers
These harm reduction guidelines can help if you are going to a festival this summer, or know someone who is.
1. Be Honest With Yourself and Others
Know your boundaries before you go. If you don’t feel comfortable using anything, say so. Real friends respect your choices.
2. Don’t Mix Substances
Mixing drugs – especially combining alcohol with stimulants or depressants – can drastically increase risk. What might feel “fine” on its own can become dangerous when mixed.
3. Stay Hydrated, But Don’t Overdo It
Just like too little water is dangerous, so is too much water! Sip water regularly, especially if you are in the heat or dancing a lot.
4. Take Breaks and Sleep
Exhaustion increases the risk of a bad reaction. Rest when you can, and remember the importance of sleep in avoiding harm.
5. Have a Buddy System
Go with people you trust. Agree on how you’ll look out for each other. If someone starts feeling unwell, don’t wait – go to the onsite medics.
6. Know the Signs of Overdose or Distress
Look out for:
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- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
- Confusion or agitation
- Overheating or difficulty breathing
- Seizures or vomiting
If in doubt, always seek help. Medical teams are there to help, not judge.
7. Don’t Avoid Help Because of Fear
At UK festivals, medical staff do not report drug use to the police unless there is a serious safety risk. Getting help straight away could save a life.
Find out more about Drugs and their effects here.
When Festival Fun Turns into Ongoing Struggles
For some, a long weekend of partying means sore feet and happy memories. But for others, it can reveal or worsen an unhealthy relationship with substances.
If you find yourself:
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- Using more than you planned
- Struggling to enjoy yourself without substances
- Feeling anxious, low or physically unwell in the weeks after
- Hiding your use from others
…then it might be time to talk to someone.
At The Wellbourne Clinic, we support people from all kinds of backgrounds to explore their relationship with drugs and alcohol – without judgement. Whether you have a crisis, whether you wonder if you have used too much, or whether you need a safe place to reset, we are here to help.
Our Approach
Located in the West Midlands, our private residential clinic provides personalised, therapy-led care for just six clients at a time. We offer:
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- Medically supervised detox
- Trauma-informed individual and group therapy
- Support with rebuilding confidence and structure
- Aftercare and relapse prevention support
Our team is experienced, compassionate and discreet – and ready to support you when you’re ready.
Take Care of Yourself
Festivals should be about freedom, fun and connection. But staying safe, especially around drugs and alcohol, means going in with knowledge and care. Whether you’re heading to a field this summer or just curious about your own habits, remember: support is out there and recovery is possible.
