Experience
Newcastle

Tips to party safely

Hints to drink less

• Eat well before and while you are drinking. This slows the absorption of alcohol.
• Try low alcohol drinks instead.
• Space your drinks with water or soft drinks between to pace yourself.
• Use small glasses.
• Be aware of the standard drink measures and safe drinking levels.
• Finish your drink. Don’t let others top you up so you can keep track of your drinking.
• Keep active by dancing or playing pool or – you’ll drink less.
• Remember that its ok to say no. You don’ have to keep up with others drinking pace. Alcohol effects differ with gender, food eaten and fitness.

Take care of others

• Pre-arrange to stay together in a group with your friends and to look after each other.
• Support those who want to drink less and do not encourage excess drinking.
• Others may not want to drink or take drugs. Be respectful of their decisions.

Be safe

• If drinking, organise a lift with someone who is not drinking or stay over.
• Leave a place where you don’t feel safe but not alone - stay with friends.

In an emergency

• Do not hesitate to phone 000 in an emergency. Delays can mean serious consequences.
• If someone collapses turn them on their side to keep their airway clear and stay with them till help arrives.

Remember things can go wrong when partying

• Unprotected sex
• Drink spiking
• Assault
• Drug overdose
• Injury
• Drink driving offence

Preloading

• Preloading doesn’t save money as your judgment is already clouded and you are likely to drink more than you intended and so spend more money.

Want feedback on your use of alcohol? eCheckup is is an online survey that allows university students to enter information about their drinking patterns and receive feedback on their use of alcohol.