Mixing Alcohol with MDMA: Understanding the Risks
A recent drug bust by legal authorities has brought to light the dangerous trend of combining alcohol with MDMA, also known as ecstasy. Festivalgoers are being warned by drug checking services that such risky behavior could put a damper on their fun and pose serious health risks.
High-Risk Behavior at Festivals
KnowYourStuffNZ general manager Casey Spearing has highlighted the widespread issue of people consuming 7 to 9 standard drinks while taking MDMA at summer festivals. According to a study by the University of Otago, this combination of alcohol and drugs is a recipe for disaster, leading to harmful outcomes.
Reducing Risks
While acknowledging that no drug use is completely safe, Spearing emphasized the importance of taking measures to protect oneself and friends when indulging in drug consumption. She recommended substituting alcoholic drinks with flavoured fizzy water or non-alcoholic beer when taking MDMA to reduce the risks associated with mixing substances.
Warning Signs and Hydration
Spearing also stressed the significance of being aware of the warning signs of any substance being consumed and knowing when to seek help. Additionally, she advised festival attendees to stay hydrated by consuming electrolytes, monitoring water intake, and regulating body temperature to avoid a severe hangover.
As the drug checking service marks a decade of harm reduction in 2025, Spearing reflected on the challenges they have faced in operating within legal grey areas. Despite the progress made, there continues to be a shortage of testing equipment to meet the growing demand for drug checking services at festivals across New Zealand.
Spearing highlighted the need for more spectrometers, essential for accurate drug testing, to ensure the safety of festivalgoers. However, the high cost of these devices poses a significant financial challenge for drug checking organizations.
In the meantime, KnowYourStuffNZ and the NZ Drug Foundation will be providing drug checking services at various upcoming festivals, including AUM, Northern Bass, Twisted Frequency, and Rhythm and Vines. Despite the limitations faced, the commitment to harm reduction and ensuring the well-being of festival attendees remains a top priority for these organizations.