Minimising Risks With Alcohol & Drugs

Parents are often anxious about possible use of alcohol and other drugs by young people. Risk-taking increases under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

Sex without a condom with casual sexual partners is more likely to happen when a person is affected by alcohol or other drugs.

Parents can help by setting some boundaries for their children about alcohol use. You can negotiate with your child that they:

Eat a meal before driving
Pour only their own drinks or allow only trusted people to buy drinks for them
Have a trusted person stay to mind their drinks when they are dancing/away from their drinks
Never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs
Having a non-drinking or drug-taking friend with them to ensure their safety and get them home
Always have taxi money and a cellphone or a phone card for emergencies
Know they can call you any time of the night or day and you will be supportive even if annoyed
Plan ahead with you about how to handle potential emergencies