Party Safe

In Australia, you may hear the term “a standard drink”. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol regardless of the size of the container (glass, bottle, can) or type of alcohol (beer, wine, spirit). For example :

	375ml can or bottle full-strength beer = 1.4 standard drinks
	150ml wine = 1.4 standard drinks
	30 ml spirits = 1 standard drink

For more information see the NSW liquor and gaming website.

It is recommended to have only a maximum of 4 drinks a day. We know that when you go out partying you may drink more than this amount, so to ensure you stay safe you can:

• Stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks
• If you are not a big water drinker, you could have a soft drink or Gatorade
• Carry some hydralyte (electrolytes) sachets with you, which could help prevent being hungover the next day as well!
• Make sure you eat before or during a big session
• Keep in touch with friends and be aware of how everyone in the group is doing (don’t run off without telling your friends where you are going)
• Don’t accept unknown drinks from people and do not leave your glass unattended.
• Most drink spiking occurs from people you know, only accept drinks from people you really trust or purchase/pour your own

It’s a serious offence to drink and drive over the legal alcohol blood limit or have certain drugs in your system. There are certain restrictions depending on your license:

• Learner and P-plate drivers:  Zero alcohol in your system
• Full license: Under 0.05 (usually 1 or 2 standard drinks)

Police carry out random roadside testing for other drugs, and depending on what they are, this could be illegal and result in serious repercussions. When drinking and partying make sure you arrange for a carpool with a sober person or take an Uber, taxi or public transport.

• Uber app
• Taxi app
• Public transport

In NSW, it is illegal to posses most party drugs.

Drugs can be very unpredictable so if you or your friends are feeling unwell, call an ambulance – you will NOT get into trouble, they are there to help you!

If you or your friends are going to take drugs, here are some tips to help keep you safe:

• Make sure you stay hydrated and drink water
• Have a dedicated sober person who can look after you if needed
• Be aware that drinking alcohol and mixing other drugs can be very harmful
• Be aware of the law and risks you take if you consume and possess drugs

Check out DanceWize for current drug alerts and other helpful information.

Vaping may seem popular and can appear like an easy, safe way to smoke, unlike traditional cigarettes. However, this is not the case. Vapes are not safe. They contain the same, if not more levels of nicotine and other harmful chemicals found in weed killer, bug spray and other cleaning products.

What are you vaping?

• The nicotine in 1 vape can = 50 cigarettes
• If you vape you are 3 times as likely to take up smoking cigarettes
• Vaping has been linked to serious lung disease
• Vape aerosol is not water vapour. The main ingredient in vapes is propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glycerol
• Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray

Check out this video about vaping.

Going to the pub or out to a club is a fun, exciting way to make new friends, relationships and have fun adventures. Below are some tips and tricks on going out:

• Make sure your phone is charged and if possible, bring a portable charger with you
• Write down someone’s number on a card just in case you lose your phone and can’t remember anyone’s phone number
• Make sure your Opal card is topped up or you have money for a Uber ride home
• Have a Plan B you can fall back on if things change or you get separated from your friends
• Let someone know where you are going before you go out partying
• Look out for your friends and let someone know if you are splitting up from the group