Partying sounds fun. But sometimes, parties get out of hand.
Here are seven risky scenarios and ways to work around them.You already know that it's illegal if you're underage. But alcohol is often part of parties -- and some teens drink so much that they put their lives at risk.
"I've seen people come in barely breathing, they can't remember what happened the night before, they've thrown up, fell over, or peed on themselves, and ended up in the hospital with a plastic tube in their nose. There's nothing sexy or attractive about that," says Yale University ER doctor Darria Gillespie, MD, MBA.
And the earlier you start using alcohol or other drugs, the more likely you'll be addicted later on, Gillespie says.
What to do: Stay calm and say no. Pretty soon, people will forget about whether or not you're drinking. Bring your own cup to the party, filled with fruit punch and covered with a lid. That way you can say, "Thanks, I've got one," and change the subject, says Amee Nash, LPC, a counselor and community educator who has worked with teens and addiction for more than 10 years.
Or blame your parents, Nash says. Try one of these lines:
"If I do, this is the last time you'll see me at a party.""I'll lose my car if I get caught.""I was just grounded, so I don't want to get in trouble again."Be aware that it wouldn't be hard for someone to slip something into your drink, such as a date rape drug like Rohypnol or GHB. So stick to nonalcoholic drinks, pour the drink yourself, and don't leave it unattended.
"Whatever is going to help you stay safe, do it," Nash says.
Apart from drinking games, there are some other dangerous party games you should absolutely never play.
