Drug & Alcohol Safety
If You Decide to Drink, Considerations
- Plan your drinking. Think about how much you want to drink before you drink. Remember that food, attitude and the environment affect your susceptibility to alcohol.
- Take care of yourself. Don't put yourself in a situation where other people might have to take care of you, as they might not be there.
- Be aware that alcohol and drugs compromise your awareness and your ability to identify and act on your feelings. They also increase the opportunity for victimization. Studies have shown that being under the influence of alcohol/drugs is a contributing factor in many date rapes.
- Be aware that drinking games put you at risk for binge drinking, since most games encourage drinking a lot in a short period of time.
- Don't ever force or pressure anyone to drink, or spike drinks. This is rude, harmful and could be fatal. Respect others' decision not to drink.
- Don't drink and drive. If you're in a group, designate a non-drinking driver who is responsible for getting everyone home safely.
- When socializing, pair up with other friends. Stick together and don't let a friend go off alone with someone they've just met.
Know What to Do in an Alcohol Emergency
If you're with someone who has had too much to drink, don't let the person drink more. Help the person avoid dangerous situations such as driving, wandering outside and sexual encounters. Drinking too much alcohol can result in serious medical problems. Do not allow the person to just "sleep it off". Call 911, and seek medical attention immediately. If the person is unconscious, put the person on his / her side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs. Stay with the person until help arrives.