The London social scene can offer you many new experiences. It is important to get out and enjoy yourself, but do try to think about the implications of too much alcohol or taking drugs.

Drink

• Before a night out, make sure you have a decent meal to line your stomach as this will stop the alcohol being absorbed too quickly into your system.
• While you are out drink some water or a non-alcoholic drink every couple of hours.
• Try not to mix your drinks.
• Know your limit and avoid keeping up with those who drink fast (they're expensive company to keep!)
• If you start feeling ill, ask a friend to take you home and stay with you until you feel better.
• The day after drinking alcohol try to avoid coffee and greasy food. Try to eat healthy food and re-hydrate your body with lots of water.
• Try to have at least one alcohol free night per week.

Drugs

Where drugs are concerned, the safest option is not to take any.

• If you're using drugs, make sure you're with people you trust and in an environment where you feel safe.
• Keep hydrated by drinking water, but monitor your intake because drinking too much water can also be dangerous.
• Avoid alcohol if you have taken drugs, or will be later in the night.
• Don't buy or take drugs from people you don't know, you have no idea what you're taking.
• Remember the legal implications of taking/possessing drugs and the subsequent effect on your future (i.e. health, study, career and travel).
• The day after taking drugs try to avoid coffee and greasy food. Try to eat healthy food and re-hydrate your body with lots of water.

As well as drugs affecting you physically, they can also affect your mental well being. For more information about drugs and mental health, please click here.

If you are worried about the effects alcohol or drugs on you, or the amount you are taking, you can contact your doctor, or our Student Health Advisor on 020 7514 2988, or our Mental Health Adviser on 020 7514 6231.

Useful Organisations:

Drinkline: 0800 917 8282

National Drugs Helpline: 0800 776600

TheSite.org

Addaction (info on local drug services): 020 7251 5860