It all starts while you are waiting in line for it to begin. Your heart is pounding and you have butterflies trying to escape your stomach. As the time gets closer, you can't control the anxious pacing. Finally the door opens and you run inside to find the best place to call home for the next four hours. As the lights dim and everyone around you screams, the world seems to stop and the only thing that matters is what is about to happen on stage.
The music scene has always had a bad reputation with drugs. There has been countless documentaries on the deaths of artists due to overdose and in recent years even concert-goers have been in the spotlight for their usage at concerts.
I want to share with you just a few reasons why taking a mind altering substance at a concert isn't necessary.
1. It can get you in trouble.
You drove all the way to this concert, sometimes for hours, just to get there and you finally are in and BOOM a big hand lands on your shoulder. The security personnel just caught you smoking before the first artist is even done. Depending on the venue, this can lead to you getting kicked out, reported, or talking to one of the fine police officers outside.
2. It costs a lot of money.
You just paid for the concert ticket, if your drive was long, maybe to got a room for the night; you paid for gas and possibly are going to grab a T-shirt once your inside. Add that all up and your already over $100. Now tack on those $8 beers for 12oz and any other miscellaneous substances you're looking at dropping some serious cash.
3. You miss out on the important things.
Isn't the point of going to a concert to sing your favorite lyrics and dance like a fool? Too bad you're too busy waiting in line for the bathroom, grabbing another beer, or as many water bottles as you can carry because you really NEED that water. While you were busy waiting or pushing through the crowd you missed the lead singer jump off stage into the crowd and the confetti or balloon drop that was perfectly planned.
4. You remember everything.
You get to wake up the next morning and coherently tell your friends how amazing the night was and you still have your keys, pants, and wallet. Success.
5. It's risky.
So many people don't know the effects these drugs can have on you. Heat stroke and dehydration are two serious effects that are tied to concert-goers. It's already hot and you are going to sweat throw a drug on top of that and you are basically asking to pass out.
People are paid to make this concert great without the extras so why not trust them to do their job and just live the experience.
I'm not saying its wrong to drink a few beers beforehand or even at the concert. (Just please don't bring that open plastic cup into the crowd and dump it all over me, thanks). But please consider when you do drink or take whatever mind altering substance before a concert that some of us came to enjoy the experience that a concert already offers without a drug. Most of all be safe and enjoy!
