Like most of you, I love hanging out with friends and enjoying the start of a new school year. But I鈥檝e learned that staying safe while partying makes the good times even better.
Here鈥檚 what my crew and I do to keep things fun without any drama:
Make a plan
We decide where we鈥檙e going, who鈥檚 with us and how we鈥檙e getting there and back. No surprises.
Keep our ID on us
Always handy to have it, just in case.
Stay connected
We swap numbers so no one gets left behind or lost.
Be pre-game smart
If we鈥檙e drinking before going out, we bring snacks and water, pace ourselves and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Pick one substance
If we鈥檙e out for a while, we stick to one substance 鈥 mixing stuff isn鈥檛 worth the risk.
No pressure
No one should feel pushed to drink or do anything they鈥檙e not into. Chill vibes only.
Watch out for each other
We stick together and keep an eye on our drinks. One of us usually stays sober to look out for the group.
Consent matters
Simple 鈥 make sure consent is clear, enthusiastic and can be withdrawn at any time.
Safe ride home
Whether it鈥檚 the bus, a taxi or walking with a buddy, we make sure everyone has a safe way home. No one rides with a driver who鈥檚 been drinking or using.
Check in
We text or call once we鈥檙e home to make sure everyone made it back safely.
That鈥檚 it! Once we know everyone鈥檚 good, I down some water and grab a snack to avoid feeling like death the next morning.
Let鈥檚 have fun, but let鈥檚 also look out for each other!
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