Not everyone chooses to drink alcohol.

Reasons for not drinking alcohol can include religious views (e.g. alcohol is forbidden by Islam), medical reasons (conditions such as diabetes), being pregnant, not liking the taste or how it makes you feel.

In fact over half of young people surveyed in Portsmouth stated they had never been drunk.

 

Safer drinking tips – If you do choose to drink

• Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated
• Always have your mobile with you
• Drink slowly & pace yourself to avoid alcohol poisoning
• Eating isn’t cheating. Eat before you drink 
• Make sure you’re in a safe environment. If you don’t feel safe – leave
• Always stay with your mates and look out for each other
• Know how you’re getting home, don’t walk alone or get into unlicensed cabs
• If someone passes out put them in the recovery position & dial 999. Stay with them until help arrives.
• Never get into a car if the driver has been drinking
• Keep an eye on your drink, don’t take a drink from a stranger and remember drinks can be spiked with alcohol or drugs

Alcohol can be a real loser, you can;

• upset your friends or family
• get into a dodgy sexual situation 
• risk a trip to A&E with alcohol poisoning
• do something you really regret
• get into an argument, fight or get a criminal record
• get addicted
• have an accident, injure yourself or even kill yourself

Local support

Alcohol Advisory Service

Young people can self refer you can send a non urgent telephone message or text to 07836 619329 or 023 9234 2264 Or You can email via: info@areyousorted.co.uk

SWITCH

A local service for young people overcoming drugs and alcohol;

Call:023 9282 5140 Text:07973 460389