Boom Guide
KOSMICARE
Harm Reduction and Keeping You Safe
Kosmicare is here to help keep you safe.
The Kosmicare Association was conceived in 2016 from a trailblazing project that began at Boom in 2002. This non-profit peer support group is focused on harm reduction, promoting a number of interventions at the festival, including drug checking.
Substances are not legal in Portugal, although due to the Portuguese decriminalisation laws, projects for risk minimisation, such as the ones promoted by the Kosmicare Association, are allowed. The Kosmicare at Boom is funded by Boom Festival and is done under a forward-thinking legal context and also due to a special permission granted by the Portuguese Governmental Agency for Drug Issues (SICAD).
Substance usage, whether legal or illegal, carries problems and dangers. Please be aware of the risks that can ultimately be harmful to your life.
Feel free to reach out to contact@kosmicare.org for any enquiries.
Be kind to yourself.
INFO HUB & DRUG CHECKING
- Information on where to find the Drugs Info Stand / Drug Checking will be released closer to the festival.
- Here you will find advice on substance use risk reduction practices through information, material distribution, peer work and also a drug checking lab.
- Drug Checking is offered through a special permit issued by the Portuguese authority SICAD. You can benefit from feedback concerning the illicit substances you are planning to use in a totally safe and anonymous way. Drug checking is a very useful strategy in minimising the risks and negative effects associated with the use of unknown uncontrolled substances.
- Given that in most events across the world substance use is common and highly prevalent, at Boom we take responsibility and take care of Boomers by providing top innovative services such as these.
- Taking drugs carries several risks and it’s important to consider them before making decisions regarding its use. Always respect your mind and your body, seek accurate information and STAY SAFE.
- At this hub you can also get other specific health related materials like condoms and safe sex related information.
- Care for your hearing: There are earplugs available at the Kosmicare Hub, however we advise all Boomers to bring good quality earplugs, preferably custom moulded to your own ears.
PSYCHEDELIC EMERGENCY HUB
- The Kosmicare Psychedelic Emergency Hub is located at the Camping Village, next to Boom Medical Services and the Boom Bus Station.
- At Kosmicare Psychedelic Emergency Hub you can find a team of multilingual and multi-skilled professionals and volunteers, including psychologists, therapists and psychotherapists from various holistic and conventional orientations, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, nurses, homeopaths, most of which are also just fellow Boomers. All of them are prepared to assist you in case a difficult experience emerges, whether it is associated with drug use or not.
- If at a given point you, a friend, someone you just met, or even a stranger is having a difficult time, look for a Boom staff member, Steward, Kosmicare Psychedelic Emergency Hub, Kosmicare Info Hub, or medical staff nearby.
- The Kosmicare Psychedelic Emergency Hub works closely with Boom Medical Services and other relevant services operating inside and outside the festival.
