Partying safely

There’s a good reason for this. In fact, there are a few good reasons why drinking alcohol is illegal for people under 18 years of age, why illicit drug use is illegal and why people are discouraged from binge drinking:

• Your brain and body are going through a really important growing phase – drinking and drug use can affect your developing brain and your overall health
• It can mess with your judgement and decision making skills – meaning you could end up in a risky situation and not be able to make good choices in order to get out of it
• Being intoxicated makes you vulnerable – it puts you at increased risk of being assaulted or seriously hurt
• Some people use alcohol and drugs as a way of coping or just to have fun – but it can be highly addictive which can be very hard to recover from.

• Remember it’s illegal to purchase alcohol under 18 years of age. And it’s illegal for somebody else to buy you drinks when you’re under 18 years old.
• Have a responsible parent or adult with you when you try alcohol for the first time.
• Try non-alcoholic or low alcohol drinks. Pace yourself with a ‘spacer’ (e.g. water) in between drinks.
• Don’t top up your drinks before finishing them. You want to keep track of how much you’re drinking.
• When you’re ready for another drink, pour it yourself rather than letting someone else do it for you so you know exactly what’s in it.
• Drinking games can put you on the fast track to getting drunk and losing control of yourself. If you want to try a drinking game then swap the alcohol for a non-alcoholic or low alcohol drink.
• Watch your drinks and don’t leave them out in the open. Someone might sneak drugs into your drinks (‘drink spiking’). You could feel really drunk, dizzy, tired or faint. Tell a friend or adult straight away if you have any of the signs of drink spiking.

• A ‘medicated drug’ is bought with a prescription from a doctor. While ‘non-medicated’ drugs are unregulated and illegal, so you never know what you’re going to get.
• It’s illegal for anybody of any age to use a non-medicated drug. This is usually what people are referring to when they say ‘drugs’. They’re also called ‘illicit drugs’.
• Both medicated and non-medicated drugs can be deadly.
• To learn more about different types of drugs check out our Drugs and Alcohol article.
• When someone sells or offers you drugs you never really know what’s in them e.g. if they’re ‘pure’ or ‘cut’ drugs, which can have different effects. It increases the risk that you could have a bad reaction.
• Sharing needles used to inject drugs is never a good idea. They may not know they have a disease such as HIV or hepatitis which you might end up getting.
• Because illicit drug use is illegal, if you get caught it could lead to an arrest, charges and you could go to court. If a conviction is recorded it can impact on your future plans like travel and employment.
• Mixing alcohol and drugs together can increase the risk that something could go wrong. It can even be life threatening.
• If you use a drug make sure a friend or someone you trust (who isn’t taking drugs) knows about it. They can be there to help if something goes wrong.

Warning signs:

• ‘Gate crashers’ or people you don’t know join the party
• Increased yelling, shouting, swearing or someone saying things to provoke another person into a fight
• Someone already tried to start a fight with you or somebody else
• Heavy drinking or drug use which can lead to people losing control

Tips to stay safe when a fight is brewing:

• Keep a respectful distance and avoid eye contact with ‘gate crashers’
• Have a clear pathway to the exit if things get out of control
• If somebody tries to start a fight, apologise and make your exit
• Don’t try to reason with someone who is intoxicated – just walk away
• If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave
• If a friend is getting into a fight, try distracting them away from the situation if you can
• If you feel threatened or unsafe get help immediately

Unplanned sex:

• Heavy drinking or drug use affects your ability to make decisions. Avoid getting ‘plastered’ or ‘smashed’ and stay in control of yourself. If you do get very intoxicated, try to do it in a safe place with people you trust.
• Unplanned sex means that you might not be prepared e.g. not have condoms. This can lead to unplanned pregnancy or you might end up with a sexually transmitted disease.
• You might have a sexual experience with somebody and then regret it when you’re sober. This can impact your relationships and might lead to conflict, embarrassment and a loss of trust.

Sexual assault:

• Sex should never be forced on someone.  Sex should only happen when both people consent.
• If you feel pressured to have sex you have the right to say ‘no’ if you don’t want to do it and to be respected for your choice.
• Recognise when you are pressuring someone for sex. It’s not ok to put your own needs above the needs of somebody else for your own sexual pleasure.
• Remember, if you are sexually assaulted it is NEVER your fault. No matter how drunk or vulnerable you may be. It’s never ok and it’s illegal. Talk to someone you trust and get support.

There’s always going to be risks involved when partying. We’ve outlined a few of them here. Use this information to make good choices next time you’re at a party.

And remember, staying safe doesn’t mean not having fun – you can do both! It’s about making smart choices and doing what’s right for you.

For more support and information give us a call today. Talk to one of our counsellors on 1800 55 1800, start a WebChat or send us an email.