You do not have to use alcohol or drugs to have fun, however, if you do decide to use them it is important to make yourself as safe as possible. Here are some tips on how to minimise the risk to you and your friends.
PACE YOURSELF
Don’t feel pressured to drink at the same pace as others; know your limits and avoid over-drinking for your own safety.
DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Don’t drive under the influence and never get in a car with an intoxicated driver. Plan your journey home before hand e.g. getting picked up by parents, siblings etc. Make sure you have money put aside for a taxi home, just in case.
BE CAREFUL OF PRE-DRINKING
Avoid pre-drinking to prevent yourself from getting too drunk too early.
EAT BEFORE DRINKING
If you know you’re going to be drinking, eat a substantial meal before hand. Also, alcohol and certain drugs can increase the risk of dehydration. To avoid, drink water or soft drinks between alcoholic drinks.
CALL 999
If you’re worried about the safety of yourself or someone else, seek help immediately – dial the emergency number. If someone is unconscious put them in the recovery position.
AVOID MIXING
Don’t mix different types of drugs and alcohol or mix drugs with alcohol.
DON’T DRINK TOO MUCH WATER
When taking MDMA (Mandy), don’t drink more than a pint of water per hour, as this can be deadly.
DANGERS OF XANAX
Xanax can make you very relaxed and tired, therefore putting you at a greater risk of being taken advantage of. Mixing with alcohol can cause heart and breathing problems – being potentially fatal.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLIRTING AND HARASSMENT
Being under the influence can make it difficult to give consent or determine what consent is.
Sexual harassment includes:
- Unwanted touching/groping
- Unwanted attempts to kiss someone
- Persistent pestering
- People exposing themselves publicly
DON’T BE LEFT ALONE
Stay close with friends that you trust, don’t leave anyone by themselves. If you are leaving your group, ensure someone knows where you’re going and let them know when you will be back.
DON’T LEAVE DRINKS UNATTENDED
To avoid drink spiking, always keep your drink with you, and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t trust.
Symptoms of drink spiking include:
- Visual problems
- Confusion
- Vomiting/sickness
- Unconsciousness
- Dizziness
If you suspect that yours or someone else’s drink has been spiked, speak to a member of staff, someone you trust or dial the emergency number
IF YOU WOULDN'T DO IT SOBER, DON'T DO IT DRUNK
Being under the influence does not give you an excuse to act inappropriately or cause harm to others. This includes insulting/shaming another person, on social media, or to their face. When under the influence, your judgement can be clouded so try to think before you act.