Safe Practices for Social Gatherings
Safe Practices for Social Gatherings
Whenever people gather and consume alcohol or other substances there are potential concerns everyone should consider and have plans in place to prevent problems. The following list of suggestions are some of the things that help us celebrate and socialize in less dangerous or risky ways.
- Know your limit & plan ahead.
- Eat food before and while you drink.
- Sip your drink (slow down).
- Skip a drink now and then and substitute with non-alcoholic drink (another great tip is to have a glass of water with your drink, and sip on that between sips of your drink).
- Beware of unfamiliar drinks.
- Appoint a designated driver.
- Respect the rights of individuals who do not wish to drink.
- Keep track of how many drinks you are consuming.
- Space your drinks.
- Drink for quality vs. quantity.
- Avoid drinking games.
- Plan ahead for transportation — don’t drink and drive!
- Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
- When ordering a drink at the bar, watch the bartender make your drink so you can know how much alcohol you will be having.
- Alcohol and sex do not mix — drunken sex is not consensual sex.
- Careful what you combine, most drugs and alcohol do not mix well. Be sure to read all warning labels.
- Try using a phone app such as BACcards, which contains information to Gonzaga’s Center for Cura Personalis. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/baccards.com/id894761403?mt=8
Occasionally a community will experience an uptick in the suspected or reported incidents of drink spiking, and the incidents of sexual assaults. The best way to combat being a victim of drink spiking is to not ever leave your beverage unattended. As a bystander there are a number of things you can do to help others stay safe.
- If you see someone’s drink being spiked, let them know
- If you see someone spike an unattended drink and walk away, throw away the drink
- If you see someone exhibiting the effects of being drugged, offer them help
- If you realize someone has been drugged, seek medical attention
- If you see someone with drugs and they tell you their intention, alert authorities
Stay safe and look out for each other. Please remember Zags Help Zags.
There are number of resources available on campus to help you or people you know who have issues with substance use and or have been the victim of being drugged and assaulted. Here are some helpful links:
Center for Cura Personalis
www.gonzaga.edu/student-life/ccp/Wellness-And-Prevention-Education.asp
www.gonzaga.edu/student-life/ccp/Alcohol-Other-Drugs.asp
Title IX Office
Gonzaga University
Coordinator
509-313-6910
Investigator
509-313-2227
Lutheran Services
Gonzaga University representative
Kerri Hadley
509-342-8564
509-624-7273 (24 hr. services)
http://spokanecrimevictimservicecenter.com/
Campus Security
Gonzaga University
509-313-2222
1st Call for Help
800-690-6639