11 December 2007

Party-goers warned to beware of risk drinking during the festive season

NSW Health Minister, Reba Meagher has given a warning to partygoers this festive season to be aware of the dangers of risk drinking and the potential for drink-spiking.

"With the festive season upon us, it is timely to consider the impacts of risky consumption of alcohol," Ms Meagher said.

Ms Meagher recommended partygoers remember the following tips to stay in control:

• Always drink in moderation and never drink to get drunk
• Alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks
• Eat before and while drinking
• Have one or two alcohol-free days each week

"People should be aware of what they are drinking and of how much they are drinking as alcohol content can vary dramatically between beverages and different container or glass sizes," Ms Meagher said.

"The reduction of risk drinking is a key priority for the NSW Government. There are clear strategies set out in the NSW State Plan with the aim of reducing risk drinking to below 25 per cent by 2012."

Grants worth more than $2.8 million, provided by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation Ltd (AERF) and rolled-out in partnership with the NSW Government, will help to achieve this key State Plan priority.

Professor Ian Webster AO, Chair of AERF, said the partnership between AER and the NSW Government was key to the implementation of practical steps towards reducing alcohol-related harm in the community.

"We welcome this Government's commitment to addressing alcohol misuse issues through prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement programs," Professor Webster said.

"Together, there is a commitment to improving public safety over the long term."
Ms Meagher said that drink-spiking is also a growing concern, with dangerous consequences for victims.

"Alcohol is one of the most common substances used in drink-spiking, with spirits often added to non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks making a person's drink much stronger than they realise," Ms Meagher said.

Ms Meagher urged party-goers to remember the following tips:

• Plan your night out and tell people where you are going
• Buy your own drinks and know what you are drinking
• If someone offers you a drink, go to the bar with them
• Don't drink something you did not open, or see opened or poured

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au