Reducing Risk

Don't drink beverages that you did not open yourself.

Don't share or exchange drinks with anyone.

Don't take a drink from a punch bowl.

Don't drink from a container that is being passed around.

Don't leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom, or making a phone call.

If you realize your drink has been left unattended, discard it.

Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (e.g. salty taste, excessive foam, unexplained residue).

Appoint a designated "sober" person when you go to parties, clubs or bars. Have a plan to periodically check up on each other.

If one of your friends appears very intoxicated, gets sick after drinking a beverage, passes out and is difficult to awaken, seems to be having difficulty breathing, or is behaving in an uncharacteristic way take steps to ensure your friend's safety. If necessary, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.

If you see or hear that someone is "dosing" a drink or punch bowl, intervene. Warn potential victims, discard the drink, and/or get help.

Warn friends about high-risk situations, such as clubs where "dosing" is known to have occurred.