Drink Thing

Alcohol and you

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Tips and advice

Tips and advice

If you choose to drink, here are some simple tips to help you be safer around alcohol.

Do some planning...

  • Plan where you're going and with whom
  • Set limits about how much you'll drink
  • Know what you are drinking
  • Plan how you are going to get home
  • Always tell family or friends where you are going

Before you drink...

  • Always eat something before drinking - having a full belly means alcohol will be absorbed slower.  Avoid salty snacks, they make you thirsty!
  • Have a glass of water Start with a big glass of water to quench your thirst before you start drinking alcohol.

When you're drinking...

  • Drink at you your own pace - Don't try to keep up with your friends
  • Avoid "rounds" and drinking games– they encourage you to drink more than you'd like.
  • Drink water or other non-alcoholic drinks between alcoholic drinks –this helps you pace your night and keeps you hydrated.
  • Go for "low" alcohol drinks - such as light beer or standard spirits rather than alcopops or pre-mixes. 
  • Keep track of how much you are drinking - don't let people top up your drinks, you'll lose count.
  • Switch to water or other non-alcoholic drinks - don't feel pressured to keep drinking if you're ready to stop.
  • Protect your drink and your friends' drinks from spiking

Seriously...

  • Stay Connected. Never use alcohol alone.  If you're drinking at a party stay close to your friends and don't be afraid to ask for help.
  • Don't ride, drive, or swim and watch out when crossing roads, and don't get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or using other drugs.
  • Mixing alcohol with other drugs and medication can have really unpredictable effects.
  • Feeling depressed?  Alcohol can make you feel worse. Instead of drinking, try exercise or a chat to tackle stress or anxiety.
  • In case of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) – the ambulance officers are only interested in saving lives.

On a final note…

  • Sobering up takes time. Nothing, not even cold showers, exercise, black coffee, fresh air or vomiting will speed up the process.
  • There is no safe level of alcohol use, please take care and look after yourself and your mates

If you feel like you need some help, talk to your parent, teacher or health professional, or here's a list of confidential services you can call where someone will be able to discuss your worries and help you work out what to do.

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