How to party (and get home in one piece)

Partying with friends is one of the best ways to create great memories, but having a good time doesn’t have to mean rolling the dice with your own safety. Planning ahead and being aware of potential risks means you’re less likely to get into trouble, and more likely to end the night on a high note.

Understand the risks

No one plans for things to go wrong at a party, but when alcohol, drugs, or late nights are involved, you’re more likely to see risky or even illegal behaviour. This could look like:

• driving under the influence 

• people becoming aggressive or violent when drunk or on drugs

• drink spiking (adding extra alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink without them knowing)

• unsafe or non-consensual sex

• drug overdose or alcohol poisoning.

Being aware of what could go wrong will help you make confident, informed decisions in the moment and reduce the chance of things going wrong. Keeping the risks in mind doesn’t mean expecting the worst; it just means you're prepared to look after yourself and others.

Make a plan to get home

There’s nothing worse at the end of a big night than not knowing how you’re going to get home. One of the easiest ways to stay safe is to sort out how you’ll get home before the night begins. 

Being caught without a plan can lead to risky decisions, like jumping in a car with someone who shouldn’t be driving. Put some money aside for a taxi or Uber, or arrange a lift from someone you know won’t be drinking or using drugs.

Look out for your friends

Agree to check in with a friend throughout the night. Whether it’s a quick message or finding each other at the party, staying connected means you’re both more likely to stay safe. 

Pace yourself

Knowing how much you’ve had and sticking to your limits can help you stay in control. Get your own drinks, keep them with you, and never accept anything from someone you don’t know well. Having some food before and during the party also helps slow down alcohol absorption.

For more tips, check out how to drink but not get drunk .

Good sex = safe and consensual sex

Sex should always be consensual, safe, and something you actually want to do, not something you stumble into while drunk or high. Alcohol and drugs can make it harder to give or receive clear consent. If it’s not an enthusiastic yes, it’s a no. Need a refresher? Revisit our guide to sexual consent.

Remember: if there’s a chance you might have sex, bring protection with you (such as a condom or dental dam) and use it. Check out our guide for safe sex for more info.

Be drug aware

Remember that there is no safe level of use of illegal drugs. You can never be sure of what’s in a drug and how strong it is, or of the effect it’s going to have on you. 

The safest choice is to not take drugs. However, if you choose to use, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of harm:

• Always know what you’re taking and how much.

• Tell someone what you've taken, so they can get the right help for you if anything goes wrong.

• Avoid using drugs alone or in an isolated environment.

• Avoid mixing substances, especially alcohol and other depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids, heroin).

• If you can't feel the effect, don't take more. The drug may take time to have an effect and you may end up taking too much.

• Don't inject drugs, and never share injecting equipment.

• Take a break from use. If you don’t feel that you can stop taking drugs, but are feeling overwhelmed by your usage, then try mini-breaks. A day without using, then a weekend, then a week.

• Look after your mates. If they look like they're getting into trouble, seek help. The police won't be involved if you've sought medical assistance. Call 13 11 26 (the Poisons Information Line ) for more information in a pinch.

• If you need help from emergency responders, always let them know what you've taken. Being honest will help them act quickly and effectively.

Partying can be a fun and memorable experience, especially when you take a few simple steps to keep yourself and your friends safe. By planning ahead, staying aware, and supporting each other, you can enjoy the night and feel good about it the next day.