• Having a plan before you go out, including how to get help if needed and transport options. This might involve choosing a designated driver who doesn’t consume any alcohol or other drugs.
• Ordering your own drinks, and keeping them with you. This is a good tactic to avoid drink-spiking as it will make it much harder for someone, whether it’s a stranger or someone you know, to get near enough to your drink to contaminate it.
• Avoiding getting too drunk by spacing your drinks out, drinking something without alcohol in it, and drinking slowly and sensibly.
• Avoiding fights, and trying to resolve them without becoming aggressive.
• Remembering to practice safe sex strategies if you decide to have sex. Check out our topic page on contraception for more info. 

Party safely at your place

If you’re having a party at your place, try to have some plans to deal with unexpected stuff. Know what you will do if someone drinks too much or if gate crashers turn up. It’s a good idea to have a couple of house rules to keep people safe (as well as making sure your place doesn’t get trashed).Make sure you know the laws in your state or territory relating to giving alcohol to people under the age of 18. In a number of states, such as Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, it is an offence for a person to supply alcohol to someone who is aged under 18 years on private property without parental consent.

You should also let your neighbours know you’re having a party, and be ready to deal with their concerns and keep them happy. This is particularly important when it comes to keeping the party noise down to a minimum. A quick way to annoy your neighbours is playing loud music at 3am.

Drugs and partying

People at parties or on nights out sometimes take drugs.  find out more about drugs to learn about some of the common effects of the different kinds of drugs. If you’re having a party and you don’t want guests to consume drugs (particularly if it’s a big one with people that aren’t your close friends), it’s worthwhile saying that up front on the invite.

If you choose to take drugs at a party or on a night out, try to let someone know what you’re taking. This way a friend can help you if something goes wrong.

Emergency contacts

If something goes wrong it’s important to keep in mind the contacts that you may need. If there is an emergency where someone is injured, someone gets really unwell, or if you feel that the party or your night out is getting out of control, don’t hesitate to call Emergency Services.

• Emergency Services (for emergencies only) 000
• Poisons information centre – 13 11 26