Tips for Safe Partying

Celebrating that A+? Meeting and greeting a new social club? Watching the big game? You'll probably be invited to lots of parties over your student life, and you want to make sure to get the most out of them. College and university parties can be a lot of fun if you plan ahead.

1. Plan your drinking: Decide ahead of time if you're drinking at all, how many drinks you'll have, what you'll be drinking, and how late you'll stay. That way you won't be peer-pressured into doing too many shots or partying until 4 a.m. when you have work the next day!
2. Pour and measure your own drinks: This way, you can control not only what goes in your glass but also how much. If you're drinking beer or coolers, always open your own can or bottle. Don't leave drinks unattended.
3. Balance drinking: Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and eat plenty of food. Not only will this help your body process the alcohol and keep you from getting crazy, it also does wonders for preventing hangovers. Avoid salty snacks as they'll just make you thirstier.
4. Have an exit strategy: Always know before you start partying how you are planning to get home, and have a back-up plan. Have a DD, bring money for a cab, or plan to stay overnight. Drinking and driving is never worth the risk. 
   
   

   (TIP: If you have to drive to a party but don't want to drive home, look up cab services that drive your car for you, like Ontario Designated Drivers or Over The Limit. You'll get home safely AND have your car the next day when you need it.)

5. Be a good friend: It's all well and good to take care of yourself, but keep an eye on your friends too. Never let a friend drink and drive, and make sure they have a safe way home.
6. Leave time to sober up: Coffee, a cold shower, or an energy drink will NOT sober you up. The only way to sober up is with time. Get a decent night's sleep. How long it will take to sober up depends on your metabolism, how many drinks you had, how quickly you had them, and many other factors.

Visit DrinkSmart for more information on alcohol consumption and safe practices. As they say, "Don't let your drinking do your thinking."

Hosting a party? Check out MADD's Safe Party Guide for tips on keeping your guests under control.