>LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR MATES
>WHEN IS TOO MUCH DANGEROUS?
>HOW CAN YOU HELP?
>IS YOUR DRINKING BECOMING A PROBLEM?
>GET IN TOUCH TO GET HELP
Never leave a drunk mate alone. They could end up stranded, robbed, sexually assaulted or making bad decisions about getting together with someone.
Help them into a cab or walk them home.
No matter what your mate has said or done when they’re smashed, stick by and help them out. Friendships and much more could be at stake.
If you see any one of the following seek medical help immediately:
- A person is unconscious and pinching, poking or shouting at
them won’t wake them up
- Their skin is cold, clammy, pale or bluish/purplish (this means
they’re not getting enough oxygen)
- They're vomiting, but not waking up
- They're breathing very slowly (if there’s more than 10 seconds
between each breath it’s life threatening)
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Call 000 immediately (112 for mobiles) and stay with them until the ambos
arrive.
Ambos are there to help, not dob. They could save your friend's life.
While you're waiting, roll the person onto their side and open their mouth to clear
away any fluid or vomit. If the person isn’t breathing and you know CPR begin immediately.
If the situation is less serious, give them some water, help them into a cab or, if you are sober, drive or walk them home.
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When you drink alcohol on a regular basis sometimes it’s difficult to know
whether you’re actually drinking too much.
If over time you find you need to drink more to get the same effect, you could have a drinking problem.
Some tell tale signs are:
- Getting into hassles at school, work or home
- Feeling hungover in the morning
- Thinking about alcohol a lot during the day
- Feeling edgy
- Sweating, shaking, vomiting or feeling anxious and depressed
when you don’t drink
If these symptoms sound familiar, or you’re drinking because you’re stressed, depressed or to escape from your life, talk to someone about it - a mate, family member, doctor or counsellor. Rather than solving problems, drinking alcohol can make them worse.
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If you think you or a mate have a problem call (02) 9361 8000 – NSW only.
- 24 hours
- Completely private
- FREE
To get help in other states Start here
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