Drinking and you
A few drinks at the weekend. You and your mates are out in town, having a laugh - anything could happen. That might be closer to the truth than you think. If you drink to get drunk, drink above recommended daily amount or drink more heavily than you're used to, you can't be sure what the effects or consequences could be.
To listen to Jay's experience click here
To listen to Laura's experience click here
Drunk
Alcohol exaggerates your mood good or bad, the more you drink the easier it is to do something you regret.
The more drunk you become, the more vulnerable you are to the advances, be they sexual or aggressive, of others, to having your drink spiked, your possessions pinched or doing yourself a serious injury.
It is recommended that you should not regularly drink more than 3 - 4 units of alcohol a day for men, 2 -3 units of alcohol a day for women. There is no safe limit for those under 18.
If you do find you've overdone it, keep off the booze for 48 hours to give your body time to recover and minimise the risk of future harm.
For more information on alcohol or drugs call Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS) on 01245 493311 or email eypdas@childrenssociety.org.uk. You can pop into their drop in service every Wednesday from 3pm - 7.30pm at their offices located at 114 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6LF
Spiked
Both women and men are at risk of their drinks being spiked.
Watch your drink being poured, keep your drink with you and watch out for your friends. Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know or trust and don't share or swap drinks. If you suddenly feel odd or unusually drunk, ask someone you really trust to get you home safely.
Remember although you need to watch out for drugs, it's more likely someone will sneak vodka into your drink or buy you a double when you ask for a single.
For more information on alcohol or drugs call Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS) on 01245 493311 or email eypdas@childrenssociety.org.uk. You can pop into their drop in service every Wednesday from 3pm - 7.30pm at their offices located at 114 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6LF
Pulling
That person you're pulling might look fit after a few drinks. But what about in the morning? And can you be sure you'll use a condom?
Don't be surprised if you can't perform after a heavy night drinking; alcohol acts as an anaesthetic and makes it harder to achieve an erection or orgasm.
Over time, heavy drinking can lead to impotency, smaller genitals and a lower sperm count.
For more information on alcohol or drugs call Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS) on 01245 493311 or email eypdas@childrenssociety.org.uk. You can pop into their drop in service every Wednesday from 3pm - 7.30pm at their offices located at 114 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6LF
Getting Home Safely
At the start of the evening plan how you'll be getting home. Keep enough money for the journey home or agree who will drive and not drink.
Don't leave your friends and go off with someone you don't know.
Don't get into an unlicensed cab, a strangers car or with someone who has been drinking.
Avoid walking home alone or through dark unsafe areas. If you think you're being followed cross over the road and see if they follow - if you are still being followed don't hang about, get to a public place and call a mate to meet you or the police.
For more information on alcohol or drugs call Essex Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS) on 01245 493311 or email eypdas@childrenssociety.org.uk. You can pop into their drop in service every Wednesday from 3pm - 7.30pm at their offices located at 114 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6LF
Condoms
As well as stopping you from getting pregnant, condoms are the only type of contraception that can protect you against STIs. One in nine people has had an STI so the chances of catching something are higher than you might think.
If you follow the instructions and use a new one every time you have sex, condoms are 99% effective.
You can buy condoms in lots of places including chemists and supermarkets. You can also get them for free from your local young person's sexual health clinic, GUM clinic or Family Planning clinic.
Carry one - if you have sex, make sure you don't take unnecessary risk.
For more information or to find details on local services visit www.ruthinking.co.uk or www.essexc-card.co.uk
Pregnancy
Caring for a baby is a major responsibility and life-changing for anyone, regardless of age.
A condom or other type of contraception should always be used to avoid unplanned pregnancy or STI's.
For more information or to find details on local services visit www.ruthinking.co.uk
STI
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) affect both boys and girls and are passed on during sex. The most common include Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Genital Warts and Herpes.
You can't always tell by looking if you or your partner has an STI so if you're worried that you may have caught one you should visit a doctor or clinic as soon as possible.
Most STIs are easily treated.
The best thing you can do to prevent getting an STI is to always use a condom during sexual activity. Condoms are the only contraception that protect against both STIs and pregnancy
For more information or to find details on local services visit www.ruthinking.co.uk
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection amongst young people. It often has no symptoms, so get checked out!
It's a big deal because it can lead to infertility. You might not want a baby right now, but that may change as you get older - and it's an infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics so there's no need for it to affect your health in the future.
For more information or to find details on local services visit www.ruthinking.co.uk or www.ruclear.nhs.uk
Source: The above information has been sourced from "Drinking, you and your mates" a Home Office and Department of Health publication and also from www.ruthinking.co.uk
