Going out tonight

The checklist for a great night out with your mates.

Risks

Alcohol affects the parts of your brain that control judgement, concentration, coordination, behaviour and emotions. If you are binge-drinking, you may be at greater risk of:

  • Becoming a victim of crime, e.g. rape, domestic violence, mugging or assault
  • Being involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour, e.g. fights, domestic violence, vandalism or theft
  • Having an accident, e.g. a road accident, fall, accident at school/ college or accidental fire
  • Damaging relationships with family or friends, girl/ boy friends
  • Unintended pregnancy or getting a sexually transmitted infection
  • Doing rubbish at school/ college or in exams
  • Your sports performance being affected

Here are a few tips to help you and your friends enjoy your night out

  • Have some food before drinking  and keep the drink mixing to a minimum
  • Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before going out
  • Have enough money for the fare home; put it somewhere separate so you don't accidentally spend it on that last vodka.
  • Make sure there is someone who knows where you’re going and how you plan to get home
  • Clubbing safety- stay with your friends and keep an eye on your drink
  • Drink water on a regular basis- before, whilst drinking and after drinking alcohol. It will also help your hangover in the morning
  • Look out for your mates- that’s what good friends do!
  • Watch out for those beer goggles - they look gorgeous now, but will they look the same tomorrow morning?
  • Carry a condom and know how to use it
  • Know your limits!
  • Don’t walk home on your own
  • Taxi safety- use a taxi firm which you know or have used before and watch out for the unlicensed taxi
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Things you can do to help if someone has drunk too much:

  • Sit them down on the floor propped up against a wall, do not lie them down. If they are sick whilst lying down, they may choke on it.
  • Get them to drink some water, don’t force feed it to them though.
  • Keep them warm - drinking alcohol reduces your body temperature.
  • Stay with them and reassure them.  Alcohol affects people in different ways; you may find that they are crying and upset or feeling aggressive.

If someone is sick:

  • Sit them down on the floor propped up against a wall, do not lie them down. If they are sick whilst lying down, they may choke on it.
  • Make sure that they get home safely.
  • Once home, make sure they lie on their side in case they throw up while they sleep.
  • If they are very sick they may need someone to keep an eye on them through the night.

If someone passes out:

  • Try to wake them by shouting and pinching them.
  • If that doesn't work roll them onto their side, making sure that their head is tilted back so their airway is open to breath.
  • Try to keep them warm and loosen any tight clothing that might be restricting their breathing.
  • If their breathing is shallow and they feel cold and clammy then call 999 immediately and wait with them until the ambulance arrives.
  • If they stop breathing, ring 999. They will need resuscitation - if you aren't comfortable doing that, try to find someone who is.