ALCOHOL & DRUG SAFETY AT BOARDMASTERS BY CAILIN WHEATLEY
As much as we want you to be safe and have a good time, we know things don’t always go as planned even if you take the correct precautions. We want to reassure you that there is always help when you need it, so don’t struggle in silence. Drugs and alcohol affect your state of mind, and stop you from making correct or safe judgements. So here are a few guidelines to follow if you find yourself in unsafe situations at the festival:
be, or feel in any way abnormal, let a friend know your concerns and seek help from the medical tent ASAP– this also applies when taking drugs: don’t feel ashamed if you experience a bad turn, experimenting is normal and you should seek help ASAP if you feel funny, scared, or out of control. Good communication between friends, and being self-aware is important, especially when intoxicated, as you may be unaware of how you are acting. Listen to what your friends have to say about how you’re acting, as well as politely letting them know if they are not acting appropriately/not how they normally would – you never know, they might need your help.
Try to leave valuable belongings at home. If it’s a necessity, keep your cash, cards, and other valuable belongings on you. Even during the night Try to stay in groups or with a festival buddy, to decrease the risk of them being stolen – make don’t wander off on your own. sure to keep a note of your bank’s number on hand to cancel/freeze any stolen cards. Keep your phone charged. If you end up in a situation away from your pals, try and get in contact If camping, set your tent up near a marker with them. Or make meeting points at specific times point so it is easy to find in the dark, maybe near a within the festival. well-lit area or pole. Meeting new friends at a festival is all part of Avoid padlocking your tent, as thieves may the fun but remember they are strangers so assume there are valuables in it. avoid taking anything they might offer you. If you find a stranger in your tent when returning Don’t leave your drink unattended. to it, stay back and call for emergency rather than If you feel more intoxicated than you set out to interrogating them. 29
