A Lifesaving Initiative at a Music Festival

Under the pulsating lights of a recent music festival in Mexico City, a unique booth offered more than just the usual fare of food, drinks, and souvenirs. Amidst the lively atmosphere, a group of volunteers from the Instituto RIA provided free, anonymous drug testing to festivalgoers. This initiative, called “Checa tu Sustancia” (Check Your Substance), is part of a growing movement in Mexico to reduce the risks associated with drug use by addressing it from a public health and social justice perspective, rather than a punitive one.

The volunteers, equipped with reagents, laboratory porcelain plates, and test strips, analyzed substances brought by curious or concerned attendees. While the testing could not reveal exact proportions of adulterants, it could identify harmful substances like fentanyl, a synthetic opioid linked to thousands of overdose deaths. The booth also distributed nasal sprays of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, and informational flyers about the risks of psychoactive substances. The goal was simple: empower people to make informed choices about their bodies and safety.

Harm Reduction vs. Abstinence

The Checa tu Sustancia initiative reflects a broader shift in how some organizations in Mexico are approaching drug use. Instead of stigmatizing or criminalizing users, harm reduction focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of substance use without requiring abstinence. “We never say, ‘you shouldn’t consume this,’” said Zara Snapp, director of the Instituto RIA. “If you’ve decided to consume, we want you to have as much information as possible to take care of yourself.”

This approach contrasts sharply with the traditional “war on drugs,” which has dominated public policy in Mexico for decades. The war on drugs has often scapegoated users, framing them as criminals rather than individuals who deserve compassion and support. But harm reduction emphasizes the importance of trust and non-judgmental spaces where people feel safe to seek help. For many, especially young people, this approach is a welcome change from the fear and taboo surrounding drug use in Mexico.

Breaking Down Stigma and Fear

For Jessica Reyes Moreno, a 27-year-old social psychology student and volunteer with Checa tu Sustancia, the initiative is about breaking down stigma. “There’s amazement, but also a little bit of fear,” she said, explaining that many people are hesitant to engage with the booth because of the criminalization of drug use in Mexican society.

However, others are drawn to the booth out of curiosity or a desire to stay safe. A 34-year-old festivalgoer, who asked to remain anonymous, explained that the lack of reliable information about drugs in Mexico leaves many people vulnerable to overdoses. “If we’re uninformed, we can overdose,” he said. “It’s just ‘Don’t do it,’ but there’s no such thing as ‘If you do it, take this precaution.’”

This sentiment highlights the importance of harm reduction efforts. When people feel judged or stigmatized, they are less likely to seek help or share information about their drug use. By offering anonymous testing and non-judgmental support, Checa tu Sustancia helps build trust and reduces the risks associated with substance use.

The "Choose to Be Happy" Campaign

The Mexican government has also recently launched an anti-drug campaign aimed at young people, titled “Stay away from drugs. Fentanyl kills.” The campaign, which includes emotionally charged videos and neon billboards, contrasts images of death and loneliness with those of happy families and fulfilling lives. The slogan, “Choose to be happy,” suggests that staying away from drugs is the only path to a joyful and meaningful life.

While the campaign frames drug use as a public health issue, critics argue that it reinforces harmful stereotypes. Lilia Pacheco, operational director of PrevenCasa A.C., a harm-reduction organization in Tijuana, pointed out that such messages fail to account for the complex circumstances that lead people to use drugs. “How can we say that to someone who is using because they are cold, hungry, or in withdrawal?” she asked.

Pacheco emphasized that for many, drug use is not a choice but a survival strategy. Harm-reduction efforts, such as providing safe injection equipment and naloxone, acknowledge the humanity of people who use drugs and prioritize their well-being over abstinence. The “Choose to be happy” campaign, while well-intentioned, risks perpetuating stigma and ignoring the root causes of drug use.

The Broader Implications of Harm Reduction

The work of organizations like Instituto RIA and PrevenCasa A.C. highlights the importance of collective care and compassion in addressing drug use. Harm reduction is not just about saving lives; it’s about recognizing the dignity of all people, regardless of their choices or circumstances. By providing safe, non-judgmental spaces, these organizations help break down social isolation and fear, which are often as harmful as the substances themselves.

A recent report by the Mexican Observatory of Mental Health and Drug Use found that opioid-related emergencies in Mexico have been on the rise, with 5,901 cases treated between 2013 and 2024. This trend underscores the urgent need for effective, evidence-based approaches like harm reduction. Meanwhile, the visibility of initiatives like Checa tu Sustancia is also challenging societal norms. As one 43-year-old festivalgoer noted, “I feel good that I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m just here to have fun, but now with peace of mind.”

Conclusion: Trust, Compassion, and Human-Centered Care

The success of harm-reduction initiatives like Checa tu Sustancia lies in their ability to build trust and prioritize human well-being over punishment or stigma. By offering accurate information, safe spaces, and life-saving tools, these efforts empower individuals to make choices that protect their health and dignity.

As Mexico grapples with the complexities of drug use, the lessons from these grassroots initiatives are clear: true progress begins with compassion, not criminalization. By focusing on people rather than substances, harm reduction offers a path forward—one that values life, reduces harm, and fosters connection in a society often divided by fear and judgment.