As the countdown to New Year’s Eve celebrations begin, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation is encouraging Australians to plan ahead and follow some simple steps to help make a healthier and safer start to 2020.  

Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor AM said bringing in the new year should be enjoyable and safe for everyone, however risky alcohol and other drug consumption increases the chance of accidents, injuries and violence.

“We want everyone to have a happy, healthy and safe start to the new decade. People celebrating can do some really easy things to help prevent or reduce the risk of alcohol and other drug-related harms,” Dr Lalor explained.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s top tips for people planning on consuming alcoholic products over the new year period include:

1. Avoid driving and swimming. If you are consuming alcohol, the safest option is not to swim or drive. If you are heading out, assign a designated driver or pre-organise alternative transport home, such as a rideshare or taxi.

2. Set a drinking limit and stick to it. The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends drinking no more than four standard alcoholic drinks on a single occasion to avoid injury or illness. Avoid drinking in rounds and don’t let others top up your glass, as you may lose track of how many drinks you’ve had.

3. Keep hydrated and out of the sun. Drink water or other non-alcoholic drinks between alcoholic beverages. If you are consuming alcohol in the daytime, remember to use lots of sunscreen and keep in the shade, as drinking can increase your risk of sunburn.

4. Don’t consume alcohol on an empty stomach. Eat food before and while drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol in your body.

5. Get up and move. Occupy yourself to help reduce the amount of alcohol you’re consuming, for example: play pool, sing karaoke or hit the dancefloor.

If you are planning on consuming illicit drugs, remember that there is no safe level of drug use. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s advice includes: 

1. Get the facts before consuming. Find out as much as you can about the drug you are intending to take. Check out the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Drug Facts pages or use the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s confidential Text the Effects service, by simply texting the name of a drug to  0439 tell me (0439 835 563).

2. Start small. Avoid taking large amounts of any drug. Have a test amount first and wait two hours before taking more. This is to see if you experience any adverse side effects and to help you understand how strong the drug is.

3. Stick with your mates. Avoid using drugs alone. If you have an adverse reaction, you want someone around to help.  Drugs can also prevent you from thinking clearly, so it's important to stay with people you trust to help avoid risky situations.

4. Don’t mix drugs. Taking different drugs at the same time, including alcohol, prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs, can have unpredictable effects and increases the risk of accidents, injuries and overdose.

5. Avoid swimming or driving. Just like alcohol, illicit drugs can affect your reflexes, response times and judgement, so the safest option is to not drive or swim. This includes when you are coming down from drugs, as some substances can take a while to leave your system.

Dr Lalor also noted that it was extremely important for people to call triple zero in an emergency.

“Calling triple zero in an emergency could be the difference between life and death. It doesn’t mean Police have to be involved,” Dr Lalor explained.

More safe celebration tips can be found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website.

For drug information or support, people can visit www.adf.org.au or call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s DrugInfo line on 1300 85 85 84. The confidential service provides drug information and puts people in touch with relevant support and health services in their state and territory.