Party Safety

Decision Making

The following are ways you can hel[p protect yourself from unsafe situations:

Remember that you don't have to use alcohol or other drugs to have fun.
Eat well before you leave home. A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.
Drink in moderation. Don't let others top up your drinks and go for low alcohol options wherever possible.
The best way to avoid drug-related problems is not to use at all. If you do, make sure you know what you're taking and find out how to reduce the risks of overdose or injury. Never mix drugs with alcohol or other drugs.
Trust your own judgement. Don't let peer pressure sway you into doing anything you don't want to do. It's okay to say no.
Stay close to friends you trust.
Don't get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.
Remember that your judgement may be impaired if you've been drinking or taking drugs - don't take risks you may regret.
Leave for somewhere safe if you feel unsafe at a venue or party.

If you're going out with friends to party, safety suggestions include:

Know where you're going and how you're getting there.
Plan how to get home - for example, take enough money to share a taxi.
Have a backup plan to get home - for example, ask someone's parent if they will pick you up if you can't get a taxi.
Decide to stay together in a group and look after each other.
Don't leave drinks unattended and don't accept a drink from a stranger. Don't take your eyes off your drink.
Decide on a drink limit and stick to it. Occupy your hands with soft drinks or water once you've reached your limit, so you're not tempted to keep buying alcohol drinks.
Avoid drinking games.
Remember that it is illegal to drink alcohol on the street or in a public place or to carry or use illicit drugs. Even if you're drunk (and not just actively drinking) in public, the police are able to place you in custody.

Alcohol and some drugs can lead to physical fights and assault. Suggestions include:

Pace yourself so that you don't lose control as a result of using alcohol or other drugs
Decide with friends beforehand to look out for each other.
Don't get into a verbal argument if someone aggressively confronts you. Walk away.
Don't go off with a person you've only just met. Stay in the public place. If they interest you, get a phone number.
Seek help and advice from your doctor, a social worker or alcohol and drug worker if you tend to pick fights when you're drunk or on drugs.

Drugs can cause many health problems including overdose. Safety suggestions include:

Educate yourself about drugs and their effects.
Don't assume that medications are a safer option than illegal drugs. Medications can be dangerous, even life threatening, if used incorrectly.
Remember that illegal drugs are not manufactured to a precise formula like medicines. An illegal drug may be much stronger than you expect. It may not actually be the drug you think it is, but may contain something else.
Be aware that mixing alcohol and drugs can put you in extreme danger of overdose. The depressant effects of alcohol can mask the effects of stimulant drugs like speed.
Never use alone and don't share needles.