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Tips For Staying in Control
Alcohol affects everyone differently so it is important to know how alcohol affects you as an individual. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to stick to them. If you know you will be drinking alcohol, proper planning will mean you are less likely to get yourself into trouble or end up doing something you later regret.
Talk to someone in your family that you have a good relationship with or if this is not possible an older friend who you can call on for assistance if something goes wrong. Too often young people panic and sometimes quick intervention can save someone’s life or prevent a situation escalating out of control.
There is always the option of not drinking. If you make this choice; feel clear and proud of it and if your friends chose not to drink always support this decision.
If You Decide to Drink:
- Set limits for yourself and stick to them. Learn about Standard drinks.
- Start with a non-alcoholic drink. Make every second drink a non-alcoholic drink and drink lots of water.
- Drink slowly. Take sips, not gulps. Have one drink at a time so you can keep track of your drinks - avoid 'topping up'.
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Remember that 'alcopops’ (sweet-flavoured pre-mixed drinks) often mask the taste of the alcohol, but they do not mask the effects. They are often higher in alcohol content than types of drinks
- Eat before or while drinking, and avoid salty snacks, which make you thirsty.
- Don’t get into playing sculling or drinking games. Avoid rounds or shouts as they can increase the pressure to have to keep up with the group.
- Stay busy — don't just sit and drink. This is where dancing is great.
- Be assertive — don't be pressured into drinking more than you want to.
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Plan how you will get home before you go out and always have designated driver who will stick to the agreement that they won’t drink, money for a taxi or arrange someone to pick you up.
- Mixing alcohol with other drugs such as pot or ecstasy can increase your chances of getting messy and sick.
- Have at least two alcohol-free days a week
What To Do In A Emergency?
Police do not attend drug related medical emergencies unless ambulance officers call for help, there is a risk of violence or a death occurs.
If you think someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning don't worry about what the person will think when they sober up, do something right away! Do not delay, dial 000. You can also call 112 from a mobile phone (without credit or range).
A person who has been drinking and experiences symptoms of alcohol poisoning, needs medical assistance. Call an ambulance if your friends is:-
• unconscious and cannot be woken.
• has cold, clammy unusually pale or bluish skin.
• breathing slowly or irregularly - usually this means less than 8 times a minute or 10 seconds or more between any two breaths.
• vomiting while passed out and does not wake up during or after.
ALWAYS LOOK AFTER YOUR FRIENDS!
If someone is really drunk and seems to be sleeping if off, DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE. There is always the risk that they might vomit and choke to death so roll them on their side in the Recovery or Safety position to make sure their airways are clear. If they are sitting in a chair, DO NOT let their head fall back as this will also cut off their airways.
References
National Alcohol Indicators Bulletin 6
National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Western Australia
Trends in Youth Alcohol Consumption and Related harms in Australian Jurisdiction 1990 – 2002 Tanya Chikritzhs & Richard Pascal
http://www.ndri.curtin.edu.au/pdfs/naip/naip006.pdf
National Alcohol Indicators Bulletin 7
National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Western Australia
Underage Drinking In 14 – 17 year olds and Related Harms In Australia
Tanya Chikritzhs, Richard Pascal & Paul Jones