These are some ideas about how to look after yourself and your friends.

Going out

• Plan to go out in a group and go with people you feel safe with. Go with people you know will look after you and have your best interests at heart.
• Let someone know where you’re going and what time you’ll be back. If your plans change, let them know.
• Take a mobile phone, phone card, or correct change with you in case you need to call someone.
• Arrange for one or two people in the group to stay sober and straight – or at least at a level where they’re in control. These friends can listen, look out and help other friends stay safe and make safe choices.

Getting there and back

• Leave together if you can.
• Walk each other to bus/train/tram stops, cars and car parks and wait together in well lit areas.
• Go with people you trust, even if you’re just walking to the bus stop.
• Check public transport timetables so you’re not waiting around.
• Sit up the front near the driver – if you feel threatened push the stop or emergency button, or speak with the driver. Be aware of who gets on and off with you.
• Book rather than hail a taxi so there’s a record of your ride, especially if you or your friends are intoxicated. If you do hail a taxi, take a note of the taxi company, the taxi number, or the license plate (write it down or program it into your mobile). If you are on your own, sit in the back seat on the passenger side, not in the front.

While you’re out – look after yourself and your friends

• Whatever your choice of drugs or alcohol they can affect your ability to make decisions, so manage how much you consume. Space your drinks with non-alcoholic beverages.
• Drink spiking can and does happen – always get your own drink and watch it being poured. Many drugs used in drink spiking are odourless and tasteless and so you may not be able to tell that something has been added. Never leave your drink unattended and dispose of it if you think it tastes odd.
• Keep an eye on your friends, if you think they seem drunk or are behaving out of character given how much you know they’ve had, they may have had their drink spiked. Stay with them and don’t leave them alone. Seek medical attention – get them to a hospital, doctor or call an ambulance if it’s an emergency.
• If your friends have had too much to drink, encourage them to drink water or eat something. If they have gone somewhere to chill out or sober up check whether they are alone or with someone – are they safe?
• If a friend looks uncomfortable with someone ask if they’re okay and give them an 'out' (have a pre-arranged code word or phrase that you can use).
• If you see one of your friends harassing or making someone else feel uncomfortable see if you can find a way to intervene.
• If you are leaving with someone, ask yourself whether you really trust them and are sure they won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do. Will they take 'no' for an answer?
• If you are going home with someone different – let someone know. Introduce them to your friends.
• If your friend is leaving with someone they don’t know well – are they too drunk or out of it to know what they’re doing? Check whether they’ve got safe transport, access to a phone, and whether they are safe.
• Always follow your instincts and listen to your alarm bells – if you don’t feel comfortable try to get out of the situation (eg excuse yourself, walk away or approach someone who can help you). If it’s too late – focus on surviving.

Keep safe and have fun!

This information is taken from the Friends look after friends/Party Safe pamphlet – produced by Yarrow Place, Primary Health Care Advancement Program, Adelaide University, University of South Australia, SA Attorney General’s Department, printed January 2001.