Staying Safe

Get in the habit of keeping an eye on your drink- and your friends' drinks!

This advice might seem obvious to some of you hardened party lovers but we all do stupid things when we're pissed and have spent all our money.

Remember:

• Don't share other people's drinks.
  
   
• Don't steal drinks!
  
   
• Don't accept drinks from strangers or people you don't trust.
  
   
• If someone wants to buy you a drink, go to the bar with them so you can be sure of what you get.
  
   
• Drink bottles and keep your thumb over the top to stop anything being put in.
  
   
• Don't leave your drink unattended.
  
   
• Take your drink to the toilets and the dance floor with you.
  
   
• Non-alcoholic drinks like coke, tea or coffee can also be spiked.
  
   
• Drug rape can happen in bars, nightclubs, house parties or social events.
  
   
• If you notice that your drink has been moved or looks different then don't drink it.
  
   
• Keep an eye on friends' drinks as well.
  
   
• If you start to feel out of control, sick, very sleepy, losing consciousness or dizzy then stay with friends and ask them to take care of you. You need to get help IMMEDIATELY as the effects of a spiked drink can quickly become worse. 
  
   
• If you don't feel well and a stranger tries to separate you from friends or take you somewhere isolated then resist as mush as possible. Scream for help, kick, push, do everything you can to avoid being alone with them.
  
   
• Don't accept help from strangers or someone you don't feel comfortable with.
  
   
• You could also ask the bar person for help or ask them to call you a taxi but in a busy bar they might not be much help. If a friend collapses or loses consciousness then stay with them and call an ambulance right away.
  
  
• See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of other support organisations.

Contact details for rape crisis centres in Ireland.