PHA urges concert-goers to stay safe with drug warning ahead of weekend events

As Northern Ireland prepares for a series of concerts this weekend, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a stark reminder to the public to prioritise safety when attending events.

The warning comes in the wake of growing concerns about the dangers of drug use, particularly the risks associated with unknown substances and the hazardous practice of mixing drugs with alcohol.

The PHA, while unable to comment on ongoing Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigations related to recent tragic events, is urging concert-goers to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their friends.

A spokesperson for the PHA emphasised the critical need for vigilance:

“We are aware of concern in the community around safety and wellbeing at events, so it is important that people take steps to help keep themselves and those around them safe.”

The agency highlighted the inherent dangers of consuming unknown substances, warning that such actions could lead to severe illness or even prove fatal.

“Taking unknown substances or taking something when you cannot be sure of the contents could cause serious illness or even be fatal. It is important to remember that it is impossible to know what may be contained in these substances,” the spokesperson added.

The dangers of drug use and mixing substances

The PHA outlined several key risk factors associated with drug use, including taking excessive amounts, prolonged use, bingeing, mixing substances with alcohol or other drugs, and using drugs alone.

The agency stressed that combining drugs, including alcohol, significantly heightens the risk of harm.

“Mixing different types of drugs is unpredictable, can increase the toxicity of already potentially harmful substances and increases the risk of serious harm,” the spokesperson cautioned.

The PHA also provided practical advice for those attending concerts or festivals. If someone becomes unwell, individuals are urged to seek immediate help from event staff and stay with the person until medical assistance arrives.

The agency underscored three critical considerations for anyone using drugs or medicines:

•  What is the dose? Taking too much could be fatal.

•  What are you taking it for? Non-prescribed substances can pose serious risks.

•  Are you mixing it with something else? Combining drugs with alcohol or other substances can severely impact mental and physical health.

Parental guidance and support services

In addition to its advice for event attendees, the PHA is encouraging parents and guardians to engage in open conversations with young people about the risks associated with alcohol and drugs. By fostering awareness, the agency hopes to empower the younger generation to make informed decisions.

For those seeking further guidance, the PHA directs the public to its dedicated resource, www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info, which provides comprehensive information on support services and drug-related advice.

The agency also recently released a video on social media offering drug safety advice specifically tailored for festival-goers, available at www.facebook.com/reel/1508066347169723.

Ongoing monitoring and public safety

The PHA remains vigilant in monitoring intelligence and information from various sources to identify emerging risks related to drug use. The agency is committed to raising awareness when necessary, particularly as the popularity of concerts and festivals continues to grow across Northern Ireland.

“The PHA monitors intelligence and information from a range of sources to determine if there are particular emerging risks and will take steps as appropriate to raise awareness,” the spokesperson noted, while reiterating the inherent dangers of taking any substance in a non-medically intended manner.

As the weekend approaches, the PHA’s message is clear: prioritise safety, avoid unknown substances, and look out for one another. By following these guidelines, concert-goers can help ensure that their experiences are both enjoyable and safe.