every summer, the same headlines. someone collapses at a festival. the coverage blames the drugs. the actual cause is usually hyperthermia, often made worse by substances but fundamentally a heat problem.

how your body cools itself

you sweat. blood vessels near your skin dilate. heat radiates out. this system works well until ambient temperature exceeds ~35°C, humidity is high, or you’re in a packed crowd with no airflow.

what substances add

• MDMA raises core body temperature directly and impairs your body’s thermoregulation
• stimulants increase metabolic heat production and mask fatigue signals
• alcohol dehydrates and impairs judgment about overheating
• even cannabis can reduce your awareness of how hot you are

prevention

• water: sip consistently. 250ml every 30 minutes when dancing. not more (hyponatremia is also a risk)
• electrolytes: water alone isn’t enough if you’re sweating heavily
• take breaks: leave the dance floor. find shade or AC. cool your wrists under cold water
• dress light: dark heavy clothing traps heat
• know the signs: confusion, stopped sweating, rapid pulse, nausea. these mean emergency. cool the person immediately and call for help.

the uncomfortable truth

venues and promoters bear responsibility for adequate ventilation, free water access, and chill-out areas. but you can’t control what they provide. you can control your own behavior.