Being safe when interacting with substances, including alcohol, is extremely important! Tips like staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and eating before you drink are staple rules to ensure a good night and a good morning (or afternoon, we’re not judging) for the next day. A general rule of thumb: For every standard alcoholic drink, aim for one non-alcoholic drink. Water is your best bet but if you prefer juice or pop, that works too! Electrolyte drinks/packs are also great. You can also try to set a limit for yourself and stay within it, you know yourself best.
Test your substances
Know how your substances interact
Practice Safer Substance use
Safewalk Block Party hours: 9 PM – 3 AM (call 604-822-5355). Campus Security is available outside of these hours for support (604-822-2222).
Spontaneous nights can still be fun with a planned way to go home! Whether it would be to take public transit, using Safewalk (604-822-5355), budgeting for Uber/cab costs, or carpooling home with your sober designated driver, having an idea of how to get home is a great way to make sure you end the night on a good note!
Signs can include:
Symptoms can look different for anyone. If you have any doubt, call 911. At Block Party, you can also alert event staff. There will be paramedics on site.
This can mean so many things. From carrying safer sex supplies, new and single-use safer substance use supplies (e.g. needles, pipes, straws, etc.), charging your phone or bringing a portable charger, to investing in some ear plugs. There are lots of ways to create a better time for yourself and your friends. At Block Party, AMS Peer Support will have ear plugs, safer sex supplies, fentanyl test strips, and more. You can also visit ams.ubc.ca/peersupport to order your supplies for free in advance. Being prepared can also mean eating before you go out or bringing cash for emergencies.
A safe night looks different for everyone. You can decide what you need for a fun and safe night.
Whether it’s for getting home safe (splitting ride-share costs will be cheaper), using substances, or going to the washroom together, having a friend by your side means you can help keep each other safe and have fun together. Before an event, decide on a meeting point in case you get separated.
We were taught the Buddy System at a young age for a reason. Have each other’s backs and keep an eye on each other. It’s not cool to leave them alone, especially if they’re feeling unwell. Get help from staff at the event. If your friend is not in the right headspace, keeping them company would be a good idea.
Consent is extremely important for going-out etiquette. Flirt respectfully! Is someone too intoxicated to consent? Leave them alone tonight. Learn more about consent here.
For outdoor events, like Block Party, the weather can impact your ability to have fun. With the sun out during the day, it might be fine to not bring a jacket but when it gets dark (and possibly rainy), it can get really cold. A lot of people ditch the jacket because they want to showcase their fun outfits or because it’s annoying to deal with if you’re not wearing it, but the weather is still cold enough in April to need outerwear.
Noticing the locations of bathrooms, exits, and first aid tents would make your experience better. Being able to know where everything is can come in handy when you need something, whether it is to use the washroom, knowing where medical staff are, or if you just have a question.
Combining acetaminophen and alcohol can cause liver damage. For pain relief, opt for alternatives like ibuprofen (Advil) instead.
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