Stay in control this party season
With the party season in full swing, health services in Warwickshire are advising revellers to take a responsible approach to alcohol in order to stay safe this Christmas.
The number of people binge drinking is likely to increase over the festive period. This brings with it a number of risks, not only to health but also to the personal safety of individuals is the reminder from NHS and Warwickshire County Council.
“The Christmas and New Year period is a time where everyone wants to celebrate and enjoy the festivities,” said Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, portfolio holder for community protection.
He continued: “However, the consequences of binge drinking means that people can be putting themselves at unnecessary risk. By observing a few simple tips, Warwickshire residents can make sure that they can have a safe and enjoyable party season.”
10 top tips for staying safe this festive season:
Avoid drinking in rounds or getting involved in drinking games.
Eat before you go out or buy some food on the way.
Have a safe upper limit for how much you are going to drink and stick to it.
Alternate between alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.
Never mix drugs and drink; this is potentially lethal.
Plan how you are going to get home with your mates and stick to them.
Make sure your phone is charged before you go out.
Keep some money separate for transport or emergencies.
Book a taxi before you go out or make certain you have minicab numbers in your phone.
Find out the times of the bus or train so you’re not waiting about too long or miss the last one altogether.
The county’s Young Person’s Substance Misuse Service and Respect Yourself Campaign support the message and are urging teenagers to ensure a Merry Christmas by staying in control when it comes to alcohol and safe sex. Spokesperson Amy Danahay added: “These tips are just as relevant to young people as adults and we hope they will take them on board.
“Whilst Christmas is traditionally a time for merry making, we hope young people will put safety first this festive season. We want them to remember that they don’t have to drink to have a good time, but if they do to be responsible, and if they choose to have sex to use contraception to help protect themselves against pregnancy and STIs.
"Young people can find out more about staying safe and in control at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/studentsafety.”
More information about alcohol and support services in the county is available from Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/alcohol.