Staying Safer Around Alcohol
Alcohol units
Quick fact
Binge Drinking
What binge drinking can do
Binge drinking can have severe and lasting effects on young people. It can impact brain development, mental health and social behaviour.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol because their brains are still developing. Binge drinking during adolescence can lead to permanent changes in brain structure and function.
Mental health risks
Binge drinking can be associated with a higher risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Young people who engage in binge drinking may be more likely to experience emotional problems and may find it harder to cope with stress.
Alcohol can also make existing mental health conditions worse.
Know your limits
Decide how much is right for you and stick to it.Stay hydrated
Drink water regularly to help your body cope.Pace yourself
Drink slowly and give your body time to process the alcohol.Avoid mixing alcohol with drugs or medication
Mixing can be dangerous and unpredictable.Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Helps you pace and stay hydrated.Plan how to get home
Arrange a safe way home before you go out.Eat before and while drinking
Food can slow the effects of alcohol and keep you feeling better.Be mindful of peer pressure
It's okay to say no. True friends respect your choices.
Festival Safety
Zero-tolerance policy
Many festivals have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs, and carrying illegal drugs can lead to refusal of entry.Dehydration
Dehydration is a common issue at festivals. It is essential to stay hydrated and be vigilant about the drinks you consume, especially on a hot day.Spiking
Spiking drinks can occur, so it is important to be aware of the drinks you consume.Safe spaces
Event planners should promote harm reduction information and provide designated safe spaces for attendees to seek support.Spiking
Spiking is a crime.
The law states that it is a crime to maliciously administer, cause to administer, or cause to be taken by any other person any poison, destructive or noxious thing, such as to endanger their life, cause them grievous bodily harm, or intentionally injure, aggrieve or annoy them.
This can happen by:
- Adding something to your drink
Mixing into food
Adding to a vape
Injection or needle
Spiking prevention tools:
Direct peer pressure
Direct peer pressure occurs when peers explicitly encourage or offer alcohol, such as at parties or social gatherings.
Young people may feel compelled to drink to avoid social exclusion, ridicule or feeling like an outsider. This can include situations where drinks are refilled without asking, or when peers expect participation in drinking activities as a condition of social inclusion.
Indirect peer pressure
Indirect peer pressure involves modelling behaviours. Young people may observe peers drinking and see it as normal or as a marker of social status.
For example, seeing popular people or social media influencers consume alcohol can create the impression that drinking is necessary to fit in or be considered “cool”.
Why young people can be vulnerable
Young people are especially vulnerable to peer pressure because their social identity is closely tied to peer groups.
The desire to conform and gain approval can override personal judgement and increase the likelihood of risky behaviours like underage drinking.
Peer pressure can also contribute to stress, anxiety and depression, which may further exacerbate alcohol use as a coping mechanism.
How to say no confidently
Use a simple “No”
Give a reason for your refusal
Divert the conversation
Use humour
- Repeat your refusal