In a lively and colorful festival held recently in Mexico City, attendees encountered more than just energetic music and delicious food. Alongside the common festival offerings, a unique booth provided free and anonymous drug testing services. This novel initiative, titled “Checa tu Sustancia” or “Check Your Substance,” was organized by the Instituto RIA, an organization focused on drug policy research and advocacy. Its goal is to tackle drug use through a public health and social justice lens, steering clear of the traditional security-focused approach.
Within a well-lit space at the festival, volunteers from Instituto RIA used laboratory techniques to analyze substances brought in by attendees. They employed reagents and porcelain plates to detect adulterants, though the method cannot specify their exact proportions. Additionally, festival-goers had access to fentanyl test strips and naloxone nasal sprays, which can counteract opioid overdoses quickly.
Informative flyers were also on hand, detailing the effects of various drugs and offering tips to minimize associated risks, such as staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet. While some visitors seemed hesitant about the booth, others showed genuine interest in understanding more about the substances they were consuming.
Jessica Reyes Moreno, a social psychology student volunteering with “Checa tu Sustancia,” noted that while amazement was common, some fear was also present due to criminalization concerns. When substances contained unexpected elements, users received detailed information about potential risks and interactions, empowering them to make safer decisions.
This initiative represents a shift towards harm reduction, a strategy that focuses on minimizing the negative effects of drug use without requiring users to quit altogether. This approach contrasts with the traditional abstinence-based strategies, advocating for informed choices and non-judgmental support.
A participant voiced his appreciation for the available information, describing the prevalent drug stigma and lack of practical advice for those who choose to use substances. He argued that typical messaging focuses solely on abstinence rather than offering tangible safety measures.
Notably, the “Checa tu Sustancia” initiative comes against the backdrop of Mexico’s ongoing battle with drug-related issues. The country’s latest drug prevention campaign, spearheaded by President Claudia Sheinbaum, emphasizes staying away from drugs with a focus on the dangers of fentanyl, which has caused significant fatalities in the U.S. Despite its emphasis on public health, some argue the campaign inadvertently stigmatizes drug use.
Lilia Pacheco, director at PrevenCasa A.C., argues against the notion that happiness is directly linked to drug abstinence. She explains the complexities of drug use among vulnerable populations, emphasizing that telling someone to “choose happiness” overlooks the immediate needs of those struggling with addiction.
Harm reduction efforts put the well-being of individuals and communities first, providing a safe space and necessary resources for drug users, rather than stigmatizing them. This approach extends beyond festivals, reaching communities along the border where organizations emphasize collective care and social connection.
Both Pacheco and Zara Snapp of Instituto RIA stress the importance of breaking down social barriers and fear through harm-reduction practices. This innovation was evident to attendees like a 43-year-old from the U.S., who felt comforted by the transparency and support offered by the services.
As Mexico City continues to explore harm reduction, the initiative symbolizes a progressive step in safeguarding public health and encouraging informed, safe choices among drug users. This community-focused model highlights the possibility for broader change and acceptance, balancing safety and enjoyment in social settings.
