The Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have issued a joint warning aimed at individuals who may use substances at festivals and within nightlife settings across the island of Ireland this summer.

The public health bodies are partnering to raise awareness of current drug trends, aiming to minimise drug-related harms and mitigate the elevated risks associated with people travelling to events. With thousands of attendees expected to cross the border in both directions for concerts and festivals over the summer months, the agencies have highlighted heightened dangers linked to high-strength MDMA as well as new substances in circulation, such as pink powders. The joint effort ensures that consistent, evidence-based harm reduction information is directed toward concert-goers.

Stephanie Hanlon, Regional Lead for Substance Use at the PHA, said: "The collaboration with the HSE is a significant step in having a coordinated harm reduction response to substance use across the island. Working collaboratively to identify emerging drug trends, we can better communicate the risks and help keep people safe.

"Over the coming months people will travel north and south for festivals and gigs. These occasions should be memorable for the right reasons and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and get home safely. While it's safest not to use drugs at all, we know that some people may choose to use substances at festivals and events, so our priority is to help reduce the possible harm.

"You never know for sure what you may be taking and the danger increases if you mix more than one substance. It's also easy to forget that alcohol itself is a powerful drug and mixing any drugs, including taking substances along with alcohol, can be unpredictable and dangerous. The risk can increase further when people are in an unfamiliar setting such as an outdoor concert that they've travelled to, or they get detached from their friends.

"Small decisions like drinking water, not mixing substances and looking after our friends can make a big difference to staying safe.'' Nicki Killeen, HSE Emerging Drug Trends Manager, said: "The HSE actively monitors emerging drug trends and high strength drugs are an increasing concern across the island of Ireland. Our message is simple: while it is safer not to use, we encourage those who choose to use to take time to understand the risks, know what supports are available, and know where to go for help wherever you are."

Data from the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Lab revealed that over 40% of the MDMA (encompassing pills, powders, and crystals) analysed last year contained more than twice the average adult dose, exceeding 200mg. The PHA and HSE have expressed specific concern regarding the additional risks associated with adding MDMA powders to drinks. Furthermore, healthcare professionals have highlighted the risk of serious bladder damage linked to the long-term use of ketamine.

The agencies have also issued advice regarding pink powders, often referred to as 'pink cocaine', noting that these substances rarely contain cocaine. Instead, they typically consist of a mixture of ketamine and novel drugs, making their effects highly unpredictable. Information supplied to the PHA from substance testing indicated that pink powders in circulation contained a blend of MDMA, ketamine, caffeine, and nitazenes. Drug potency and exact contents vary across different European drug markets.

The public health campaign is informed by new HSE research capturing the attitudes and behaviours of nightlife participants across Ireland. Engagement with the Four Four dance magazine community revealed that festivals are highly significant to this demographic, with 35% of respondents planning to attend more than five festivals over the summer.

The research also showed that 89% of respondents acknowledged substance use occurs within their peer groups when travelling to festivals. When questioned about new trends in nightlife, 73% identified pink powders as the primary emerging issue, while 27.5% reported that cathinones (such as mephedrone and 3MMC) are now utilized in nightlife settings, mirroring broader European patterns. MDMA and ketamine remained the most frequently discussed substances within the community, alongside the emergence of ketamine analogues.

For additional information, advice, and support services, individuals can visit www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info