Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

In 2017 nearly 4,000 Canadian died from opioid overdoses in Canada, 72% of these deaths involved the painkiller fentanyl. This harmful substance was recently discovered in dozens of attendees urine samples at a Canadian dance music festival and linked to numerous overdoses at the event. Thus, illustrating the new potential danger for individuals ingesting contaminated drugs at music festivals are increasing their risk of an adverse substance reaction; conceivably unknowingly. While Canadian investigations are limited, American and European studies have uncovered high instances of illegal substances use at music events; namely 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA), Cocaine, and Amphetamines (Calle et al., 2018, Fernández-Calderón, F., Cleland, C. M., & Palamar, J. J. (2018). Using semi-structured and open-ended questions the present research investigates Canadian dance music atmospheres and its patron social well-being, drug usage, perceived drug usage, and drug-safety precautions at the venue. Furthermore, this study will determine if life satisfaction and one’s sense of social connection are a buffering or contributing factor to the consumption of illegal substances. This research will inform public health policy makers of the current trends of drug usage by dance music attendees, their perceptions on drug safety measures effectiveness and a reflection of their social well-being to understand our participants more deeply. Additionally, this critical insight serves as a crucial resource for music venue operators for understanding safety measures as they are informed of the patron perspective of venue resources with regards to harm reductions strategies to promote health and safety in these environments.