Mandi Mace on Safety at College Parties and Avoiding Date Rape
I'm sure you've heard this a million times just like I have
, but drugs and alcohol really do affect the decisions you make (and obviously you shouldn't be doing drugs anyway). Alcohol is often a large part of the social aspect of college life for even the most responsible students. It is so important as a young woman that you're extra careful if you drink. Here is some of the best advice I've gotten since starting college about drinking:
Never allow someone else to get your drink for you and watch it be poured into your cup if you're not the one pouring it.
Never let your drink leave your hand and if it does, don't drink it.
Never taste or drink someone else's drink even if you know them.
If you taste a sip of your drink and it tastes slightly funny, get rid of it! Make sure you don't leave it out because someone else may drink it if you do.
If you're at a bar or club, always get your own drink right from the bartender and make sure you watch him or her make it. I wouldn't even trust a cocktail waitress because you don't know her and you don't know if someone else managed to slip something in on her way by.
Don't take drinks from open bottles. Only accept sealed drinks in things like single-serving bottles or cans.
Never leave your drink at your table in a club or bar even if your friends are at the table. Most clubs don't allow you to bring your drink into the bathroom with you, so it's probably best to finish your drink before leaving your table.
Never take a drink that's been poured from a pitcher or punch bowl. You never know what's been put in it!
It's really important to remember that some of the most common drugs used in date rape have no color, odor or taste (which is largely why they're used), so just because something seems safe doesn't mean it is.
Remain aware of everything around you (which is another reason you shouldn't drink too much). If a friend gets drunk, ask your friends to help get her home. You don't want your friends to put themselves at risk for date rape either.
Keep an eye on your friends' behavior. If you notice something odd and suspect someone slipped something into one of their drinks, call 9-1-1 and don't leave them unattended!
If you're with a date, decide whether or not they seem to be respectful enough not to try anything once they get you in their car or back to your place. If you feel even the slightest bit uneasy, call a friend and find another way home!
Don't go home with random strangers you meet at parties, bars or clubs. Even if your friends seem to know them, you never know.
Consider carrying drink testing strips. My sister got them for me when I first went away to college. You can easily keep them in your purse and all you have to do is dip one in your drink. They'll turn colors if your drink has been spiked.
If you're the one throwing the party, make sure that your guest list doesn't get out of control. Don't allow your friends to endless invite everyone they know. Make sure that your friends take you seriously and that you have a plan if any uninvited guests show up.
Make sure you plan to have food, not just drinks, at your party. Also, provide non-alcoholic drinks like water and soda, too.
Limit the amount of alcohol you provide and the amount that's brought in. People can't drink excessively if it isn't available!
Organize designated drivers or taxis before people start getting tipsy.
Whether in your apartment or out for the night, keep a
self-defense product on you at all times and make sure you never drink so much that you can't safely use your Mace, pepper spray,
stun gun or
TASER!
Mandi Mace on Safety at College Parties and Avoiding Date Rape
By: iZapmen.com
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