We imagine the dance flooring needs to be a spot of connection, pleasure, and security. These similar pillars information the mission of Finish Overdose, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit devoted to stopping drug-related deaths by means of training, medical intervention, and public consciousness.
Throughout EDC Las Vegas 2025, EDM Maniac linked with Anthony “A.J.” Banuelos, the Finish Overdose group’s director of group engagement and coaching, to speak concerning the work they’re doing to advertise hurt discount within the digital music group. From free naloxone distribution and overdose response coaching to their partnerships with main pageant manufacturers like Insomniac, Finish Overdose has established itself as a life-saving trailblazer within the scene.
On this interview, we talk about why their presence at festivals is so necessary, how artists and promoters may help, and the easy steps each raver can take to look out for one another. Plus, Banuelos shares private tales that underscore why this mission issues greater than ever.
EDM Maniac: For these unfamiliar, what’s Finish Overdose, and what’s your core mission?
Anthony: Finish Overdose is a nonprofit group primarily based in Los Angeles, California, working to combat towards drug-related overdose demise by means of training, medical intervention, and public consciousness. So on the training facet, we like to coach people on the indicators and signs, what to search for, and in addition the steps to take; What to do, medical intervention; we cowl the Good Samaritan legislation that protects you within the state.
We wish you to be snug and assured with getting medical help on the way in which, and we additionally distribute naloxone, aka Narcan, the remedy that they use to reverse an opioid overdose, without cost. And public consciousness. We’re simply destigmatizing the dialog.
EDM Maniac: Why is your presence at music festivals like EDC so necessary? What sort of affect have you ever seen thus far, and what different festivals do you attend to boost consciousness and educate?
Anthony: There’s no higher place to attach than a music pageant, proper? These most affected from drug-related overdose deaths are 18 to 45, so we really hit our age demographic right here at music festivals. Additionally, it’s a enjoyable, participating solution to incorporate public well being. It’s not a boring, lifeless setting. We hope to be in any respect festivals all throughout the board.
Particular shout out to Insomniac—we companion with Insomniac, we’re in any respect Insomniac occasions, elevating consciousness, and we actually give attention to the academic facet. Simply educating people, so in the event that they ever discover themselves in a scenario, they’re a bit extra snug and assured that they may do their half to save lots of a life.
EDM Maniac: What’s one story or second that basically affirmed the significance of your work?
Anthony: I discuss this on a regular basis—it’s simply the gratitude that headliners or any festivalgoers categorical after they take this coaching. We hear it a number of instances, “Hey, you’re the primary sales space that we come and see;” “We really love what you do.”
Once you really feel that gratitude, that makes it value it proper there, after they’re identical to, “Oh my God, we love you a lot, thanks a lot.” And it’s identical to continuous on-line, individuals going like, “We love Finish Overdose.” We love you too.
EDM Maniac: What function do you assume artists and promoters can play in supporting hurt discount and overdose prevention?
Anthony: They’ve the platform to boost consciousness. They’ve an enormous fan base. No matter they are saying, people or followers will pay attention. So I feel utilizing that platform for the higher and simply talking up, elevating consciousness on sure conditions.
Their attain is far-reaching. Their fan base is throughout. Tons of individuals take heed to their music. They tune in, and in the event that they hear a message that their favourite artist has to say, that that’s necessary as a result of individuals are gonna take heed to that message.
EDM Maniac: What are some methods ravers can look out for one another even when they’re circuitously concerned in a company like Finish Overdose?
Anthony: If it’s one other particular person, one other headliner, one other raver on the market, if you happen to see one thing, inspect one other particular person. It’s all concerning the P.L.U.R. group. That’s what this group revolves round—looking for each other.
There are occasions after I’m strolling, anyone could be sleeping on the ground: “Hey, excuse me, are you OK? You alright?” They’re like, “Yeah, I’m good, I’m simply taking a nap proper now.” And I’m like, “OK, cool, I’m simply checking on you.”
So I feel that’s actually necessary. Don’t be afraid to name for assist. Don’t be afraid to be like, “Hey, this particular person wants help,” regardless of the case could also be. I feel simply checking up on each other, ensuring everyone’s okay, and simply spreading love and kindness, ?
EDM Maniac: How do you strategy conversations with individuals who could not see hurt discount as a precedence?
Anthony: Yeah, we’ve really had a few these conversations. I’ve been coaching outdoors of right here, and I simply inform them my expertise, my story. I’m at present 4 years clear and sober from any minor mood-altering substance. I’ve overdosed up to now, and the one motive why I’m right here at the moment is as a result of anyone did their half to save lots of my life.
Simply having these open conversations with individuals. It may very well be a pal; it may very well be a member of the family; it may very well be a whole stranger. You simply by no means know. Anytime we have now these conversations, it undoubtedly opens up their minds. It may very well be anyone, anytime, wherever, and normally after that, they’re normally like, “You realize, we’ll take the coaching.”
EDM Maniac: Thanks a lot for every thing that you simply do and for being so influential on this area.
Anthony: Thanks. After all, you’re so welcome. I simply wish to thanks and everyone for having us right here at the moment.
For extra details about Finish Overdose, go to endoverdose.internet or attain out by way of e-mail: admin@endoverdose.internet.
Featured picture courtesy: Finish Overdose. Credit score: Canvas Insurgent Journal.
