Keep safe this Christmas party season
Warwickshire County Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) are advising party-goers not to ‘over do’ their drinking at this year’s Christmas celebrations – and have come up with some seasonal safety tips.
Many people like a drink or two at a party, but alcohol makes you more relaxed and could affect your judgement.
The Drug and Alcohol Action Team are therefore warning people not to let alcohol endanger their personal safety this Christmas.
Kit Leck, Manager of the Warwickshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), said: “Research shows that people who have been drinking are more at risk of being the victim, and the perpetrator, of attacks, robberies, muggings and sexual assaults.
“There is a lot said about the dangers of drinks being spiked with drugs. However, the reality is that alcohol alone is far more likely to put you at risk this Christmas.”
The DAAT’s top tips for staying safe whilst having fun over the festive period are:
- Plan your journey home.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be home if possible.
- Eat something before you drink.
- Try not to drink in ‘rounds’ – you could end up drinking more than you think you have or planned to have.
- Try to pace yourself and avoid binge drinking – set yourself a limit before you head out and then try to stick to it as far as possible.
- Don’t mix alcohol and drugs.
- Try to avoid ‘top up’ drinks like wine so that you can keep track of how much you have drunk.
Kit Leck said: “Remember to watch how much you’re drinking. Alcohol is the most common rape drug, as people’s drinks can easily be spiked with more alcohol than they think.
“Be aware of your tolerance to alcohol. If you feel odd, nauseous or unusually drunk after a couple of drinks when normally you’d feel fine, go somewhere you feel safe.”
The Drug and Alcohol Action Team’s advice on drink spiking is:
- If you are with a friend you trust, tell them why you’re worried. Get them to help you home and ask them to stay with you until the drug has worn off.
- If you are alone or with a stranger, go to the pub landlord or manager and ask for their help. Wait in their office while they ring your partner, a friend or a taxi to take you home safely.
- Don’t let a stranger help you – they could be the person who spiked your drink.
- Never ever leave a drink unattended. If you go to the toilet or out for a cigarette, take your drink with you or finish it off before you go. If for whatever reason you have left it unattended, do not drink it.
- If a stranger offers you a drink do not accept it. Even if workmates or acquaintances offer you a drink make sure you see it either poured or opened and ensure that no one touches it except the barperson prior to drinking it.
- Remember many of these drugs are tasteless, odourless and some are colourless.
- If you meet someone new at a party, don’t go home with them. Don’t invite them back to your home or accept a lift from them. Arrange a second date in a public place to get to know the person better.
- Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, there may be a reason – don’t give them personal details bout yourself and don’t arrange a second date.
A group of organisations including Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire PCT, local service providers, Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire Probation Service and the District and Borough Councils launched a new Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for Warwickshire earlier this year, with the aim of making the county an even safer place to live and visit.