Partying is often considered one of the more responsible aspects of being a teenager. A time to have fun, drink some water, and hang out with friends. However, this isn’t always an accurate portrayal. When partying goes bad, it can be very ugly for everyone involved.
The truth about most underage “parties”, especially in college, is that these gatherings often turn into uncontrolled binges fueled by alcohol and illegal substances. This can result in serious legal problems and dangerous situations for the partygoers. It is therefore important to party responsibly to avoid these risks.
Here are four tips for responsible partying:
Pace yourself
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to drink or do drugs just because everyone else is. Drink water and eat food to help slow down the absorption of alcohol. Moderation is key.
Watch your surroundings
Be aware of who you are with and what is going on around you. Make sure you know where your drink is and keep an eye on your friends. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to leave.
Know your limits
If you’ve never had alcohol before, start with a small amount and work your way up. Be aware of the effects alcohol has on your body and mind. If you can, bring a friend or two with you so that you can have companions during and after the party.
Use common sense
If something feels wrong or too risky, it probably is. Trust your gut instinct. You must be vigilant and watch out for each other.
Avoid taking risks
Whether it’s drinking and driving or doing risky activities, staying safe is key to responsible partying. Don’t drive when you’re drunk to avoid problems such as road mishaps. In case you can’t help but drive, get some rest before you hit the road.
In some cases, you might be asked by the authorities to pull over and prove that you are not drunk while driving. In this case, you might need to contact your trusted DUI attorney right away to provide the legal assistance you need.
Have a plan
Know what you will do if things get out of hand. Remember, it doesn’t matter how ready you think you are. Even the most prepared people can lose control under the right circumstances. If your partying becomes dangerous or life-threatening at any point, don’t be afraid to call for help. Getting help is the responsible thing to do.
Get to know the place
Research the venue, and if possible, take a look at the guest list to know who will be attending the party. Familiarize yourself with the possible routes to and from the venue. Check if there is enough parking space.
Party Etiquette
It’s a good idea to make sure your party space is clean and tidy before guests arrive. If you’ve allocated a group of people to clean up, make sure they know when the party is over and how long they have to do their job. Keep your music at a reasonable volume. People will either leave or complain about the noise if it’s too loud. Try playing some games for entertainment during the party. People can also use them as an excuse to talk to strangers.
If people are coming from outside your neighborhood, have a set of rules so that they know what is expected of them while they’re at the party. It’s a good idea to let parents know if there will be alcohol or drugs at the party and provide them with your contact information if they need to get in touch with you. If someone is uncomfortable or feels like they’re in danger, make sure they know they can leave and that they won’t be in trouble.
The best way to party responsibly is to have a plan and stick to it. Be aware of the risks involved in partying and realize that there are things beyond your control, often due to alcohol or drug use. You can never be too responsible when it comes to partying because you could lose your freedom, even if it’s just for a weekend.
By following these tips, you can avoid the most common problems that happen at a party. Remember to have fun and try not to be a wet blanket. If you see someone being irresponsible, don’t hesitate to guide him or her in a different direction.
Most of all, remember that it’s okay to say no. Saying no will protect not only your life but the lives of others as well.
If you are going to a party, it is important to do so responsibly. That means knowing your limits and not pushing them. It also means having a plan in case things go wrong. If you are drinking, have a designated driver or take public transportation. And most importantly, be aware of your surroundings and don’t let yourself get into danger. Party responsibly and have fun!
