Alcohol and Drug Safety
You can’t watch over your children all the time, but you can understand them and try to give them as much guidance as possible to help keep them safe and happy. You should learn some tips for setting smart rules and expectations.
Alcohol
Binge drinking involves drinking a lot of alcohol in one sitting, which could lead to alcohol poisoning or severe intoxication. Both of these conditions can be fatal.
Call an Ambulance
You should call an ambulance if:
- You can’t wake someone up who has passed out from drinking too much
- Someone starts vomiting in their sleep
- They start to have seizures
- They have slow and irregular breathing and heart rate
- They are blush, pate and/or have cold skin
Mixing Alcohol with Energy Drinks or Drugs
Alcohol is a depressant, while energy drinks are a stimulant. Energy drinks can mask the effects of alcohol, which can lead to drinking too much without realizing it.
Mixing alcohol with drugs can also have serious effects, such as accidental overdosing or even death.
Community Contacts
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, there are organizations in our community that can help:
- Victim Services can find a community partner that can assist you with your needs.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is a great resource to answer any specific questions you may have
- Narcotics Anonymous: Drug Problem? We can help. We've been there. Helpline (888) 811-3887, info@gtascna.org
- The Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy is a terrific local agency to connect with resources and learn about emerging trends
- Portage Community Outreach offers support to youth (12-20) and their families impacted by substance abuse
Drugs
Prescription drugs and street drugs are always changing. It is important for parents to be up to date on what drugs are out there. The following are resources that can help you:
- Drug-Free Kids Canada's Drug Guide for Parents is an excellent online resource that provides current and comprehensive information.
- Narcotics Anonymous: Drug Problem? We can help. We've been there. Helpline (888) 811-3887, info@gtascna.or
- The Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy is a terrific local agency to connect with resources and learn about emerging trends