We all love letting loose, going out for drinks, heading out to paint the town red, and dancing until our feet beg for mercy. Who wouldn’t enjoy a good party? However, at which point does a party stop spelling, “FUN!” and start screaming, “DANGER!”? And when it does, are you really prepared for it?
Partying could be a number of things which includes clubbing, attending raves, going to a house party, a festival, a concert, an event, you name it. Whichever you choose to do, it’s good to consider how you can keep yourself (and your friends) safe. And just how dangerous can it be? Here are some risks you might want to think about and how you can immediately minimize its threats to your safety:
1. Drink driving.
Do a bit of planning before you head out. Decide where you’re going, what you’re doing, know your transport options and plan on how you’re going to get home just in case your designated driver decides to have one drink too many. If you’re going to be the one driving, pace your drinks. It’s not only about your personal safety but also the ones who are going to ride with you in your car. On top of that, roadblocks are usually aplenty on weekends. Best you sober up before attempting to drive home.
2. Getting (your drink) spiked.
This is not an entirely uncommon risk. Drugs can be used to spike your drink such as sedatives and GHB. Most of them often go untraced because they have no smell or taste. Always buy your own drinks so you know what you’re getting and keep an eye on your drink at all times! If a stranger offers you a drink and attempts to clink glasses with you, grab your own drink and firmly say, “It’s okay, I’ve got my own drink. Cheers!”.
3. Sexual assault.
Your safest bet is to really think about what you’re willing to do and how far you’re willing to go before you walk into a party. However, when you’re intoxicated, other things come into play. You might want to get your friends (a few girlfriends, better yet if there are guy friends you trust) to stick with you at all times to avoid being taken advantage of.
4. Drug or alcohol overdose.
“Yum yum that Long Island Tea tastes good. Maybe I’ll have some more!”. We don’t condone this at all. If you have to drink, drink at a low-risk level. Meaning, set limits for yourself and stick to them, alternate between non-alcoholic drinks with alcoholic drinks, drink slowly (take sips, not gulps, and don’t binge), and always eat before drinking. If you’re going to take drugs, that’s your prerogative. But please know beforehand exactly what you’ll be getting yourself into.
5. Inter-personal violence.
Under the influence of alcohol, a lot of things might seem like a good idea at that time. If someone else tries to start a fight with you or any of your friends, it’s important that you or your friend don’t retaliate. Try not to aggravate the situation, keep calm or calm your friend down, and back off immediately.
Perhaps the best advice we can give you is to always stick together in a group and keep an eye out for each other for the entire night. Don’t leave anyone unattended and remember to keep your friends informed of your whereabouts if you’re going to step away from the group, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
And of course, remember to have fun!
