Staying Safe While Having Fun | Waterloo Regional Police

While you don’t need to drink alcohol or use drugs to have fun, there are ways to protect yourself if you decide to.

Know where you’re going, and how you’re getting there and home.
Additionally, have a backup plan for how to get home. I.e., make sure a parent can pick you up in case your friend can no longer drive you.
Eat before you leave; a full stomach slows down the absorption of alcohol.
Decide on a drink limit and stick to it.
Remember that it is illegal to drink alcohol or carry and use drugs in public.

Stay together with your group and look out for one another.
Drink in moderation – pacing yourself allows you to keep control and avoid taking risks you might regret.
Do not leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from a stranger.
Do not leave with a person you just met.
Do not get into a verbal argument if someone aggressively confronts you; walk away.
Trust your own judgement.
Do not let peer pressure sway you to do anything you do not feel comfortable with.
Leave the venue or party if you feel unsafe.

Educate yourself about drugs and their effects.
Never mix drugs and alcohol.
Do not assume that medications are a safer option than illegal drugs. Medications can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Illegal drugs are not manufactured to a precise formula like medication. An illegal drug can be stronger than you expect or contain unexpected substances.
Never use alone.