Harm Reduction in Mexico: A New Approach to Drug Use
In a vibrant corner of a recent festival in Mexico City, under the glow of strobe lights and the pulse of house music, something groundbreaking was happening. Amid the usual offerings of food, drinks, and music, a booth stood out, providing free and anonymous drug testing. This initiative, known as Checa tu Sustancia (Check Your Substance), represents a daring shift in how Mexican civil society is addressing drug use. Spearheaded by the Instituto RIA, a research and advocacy organization, this effort aims to tackle drug use through a lens of public health and social justice, moving away from the traditional security-focused approach.
The booth, operated by members of Instituto RIA, used reagents and laboratory equipment to test substances for unexpected adulterants, crucial information for partygoers planning to use them. They also distributed test strips to detect fentanyl and nasal sprays of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. Informational flyers were handed out, detailing the effects of various psychoactive substances and practical advice on reducing risks, such as staying hydrated and eating well. This proactive approach not only provided immediate safety measures but also empowered users with knowledge, allowing them to make informed decisions about their drug use.
The response to this initiative was mixed. Some festival attendees expressed curiosity and gratitude, while others harbored skepticism. Jessica Reyes Moreno, a 27-year-old social psychology student and volunteer with Checa tu Sustancia, observed a spectrum of reactions: “There is amazement, but also a little bit of fear, because there is a whole context of criminalization.” When unexpected substances were detected, users received detailed information about their risks, potential drug interactions, and dosage adjustments. This approach, rooted in harm reduction, focuses on minimizing the negative effects of drug use rather than prohibiting it outright.
In Mexico, the traditional “war on drugs” has often led to the stigmatization of drug users, associating them with criminal activity. However, harm reduction strategies like those employed by Checa tu Sustancia seek to change this narrative. By offering information and safe, non-judgmental spaces, these initiatives build trust and reduce the stigma surrounding drug use. Zara Snapp, director of Instituto RIA, emphasized: “The best way to reduce your risks is not to consume at all. But if you have made the decision to consume, we want you to have as much information as possible so you can take care of yourself.”
The Mexican government’s recent anti-drug campaign, “Stay away from drugs. Fentanyl kills,” targets young people, framing drug use as a public health issue. While the campaign aims to highlight the dangers of fentanyl, critics argue that its approach stigmatizes drug users, contrasting death and loneliness (drug use) with life and family (abstinence). Lilia Pacheco of PrevenCasa A.C., a harm reduction organization in Tijuana, questions the effectiveness of such campaigns, especially for those who use drugs out of necessity: “How can we say that to someone who is using because they are cold, hungry, or in withdrawal?”
Breaking down fear and social isolation is at the heart of harm reduction efforts. PrevenCasa A.C. provides safe injection equipment, showers, toiletries, and social activities like movie nights, showing that users’ lives matter. A recent report by the Mexican Observatory of Mental Health and Drug Use indicates a rising number of opioid-related emergency treatments between 2013 and 2024, underscoring the urgency of such interventions. By addressing the immediate needs of drug users and providing them with tools to reduce harm, these organizations challenge the narrative of shame and judgment, instead fostering collective care and community.
The visibility and organization of Checa tu Sustancia surprised even some seasoned drug users, who are accustomed to testing kits being used discreetly or in private. The success of this initiative, and others like it, lies in its ability to break down social barriers and provide a sense of security for users. As one festival attendee remarked after having his ecstasy tested: “I feel good that I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m just here to have fun, but now with peace of mind.”
In a country where the war on drugs has often led to marginalization and fear, these harm reduction efforts offer a lifeline. By prioritizing health and information over prohibition and stigma, organizations like Instituto RIA and PrevenCasa A.C. are paving the way for a more compassionate and effective approach to drug use. The goal is not only to reduce harm but to build trust and community, ensuring that users know their lives are valued, regardless of their choices.
This shift towards harm reduction represents a significant cultural change in Mexico, where drug use has long been shrouded in taboo and criminalized. By challenging traditional narratives and embracing evidence-based, compassionate approaches, these initiatives are saving lives and fostering a safer, more informed environment for all. The success of Checa tu Sustancia and similar programs is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions in addressing complex public health issues.
