Record Heat Makes Drug Use Dangerously Potent, Danish Doctor Warns

Danish health officials are issuing a stark warning about the dangers of drug use during a record-breaking heatwave. Søren Bøgevig, a chief physician at Bispebjerg Hospital's Poison Line, explained that temperatures above 34.5 degrees Celsius (94.1 Fahrenheit) drastically multiply the risk of overheating from even a standard dose of drugs like cocaine, MDMA, or amphetamines.

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But from 34.5 degrees and up, we see that completely ordinary doses of the substance one normally uses multiply the risk of overheating.

Normally, the body produces extra heat after consuming stimulants, but this heat can be dissipated into cooler surroundings. However, during extreme heat, the body's thermostat function fails, trapping heat and leading to a potentially fatal condition. "Overheating is one of the causes of death we see when someone is poisoned by a substance," Bøgevig stated.

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Overheating is one of the causes of death we see when someone is poisoned by a substance.

The warning comes as Denmark experiences temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit), coinciding with major music festivals like Roskilde Festival, Copenhell, and Tinderbox. Officials are urging attendees to be aware of the amplified risks, noting that severe overheating can occur within 15-20 minutes of drug consumption, leading to confusion, impaired consciousness, and an inability to care for oneself.

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But when the surroundings are so hot, you cannot get rid of the heat.

Possession of recreational drugs remains illegal in Denmark, regardless of intent for personal use or sale. The combination of high ambient temperatures and drug intake creates a particularly dangerous scenario for those engaging in substance use.

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So this is a warning that is important to send to those who might have thought about having an evening on, for example, their usual amount of cocaine. They are running a significant risk in the next few hours while it is so hot.