The reality is that a lot of people tend to drink quite a bit at festivals - try to know what your limits are! you are the best judge as to how much is enough - you know how your body reacts and how your mind reacts - respect what your body tells you! Don't drink on an empty stomach or mix it with drugs, prescription or otherwise (you could make yourself very, very sick - lying on the ground vomiting isn't pretty ) if you really overdo it you can get alcohol poisoning and that can be a tad serious - you will need medical help if this happens - but you will be at risk as even your close mates might not recognise the warning signs - especially if they are out of it too - might sound boring but it is a good idea to temper it with non-alcoholic drinks and food - you might still be plastered but try to be safely plastered.

Silly things are much more likely to happen when people get very drunk, accidents, losing or quarrelling with friends and getting lost are just a few of the hazards you'll be more likely to encounter - okay we know it's actually quite rare but remember what can happen - a young man got thrown out of a budweiser event where he had been plyed with lots and lots of booze - his body was dragged out of a canal days later - there have been other similar tragedies - don't let it happen to you or your mates - no one wants things like that to happen so try to have fun AND be safe as well.

If one of your mates does drink too much, don't leave them alone or let them wander off (however annoying they might be, and we do know how annoying very drunk people can be) encourage them to re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks, e.g. water. If they do pass out, lay them on their side with a clear airway (the recovery position) and send someone to get help. Be wary of accepting an open drink, like a can, from a stranger - people have been 'spiked' and subsequently robbed and/or assaulted - girls - be especially on your guard.

Drugs are just as illegal on-site as off-site and there will be police around, many in undercover operations - to be honest festivals are not the place to experiment with stuff for the first time. You might not get the effect you expect, you can easily put yourself at great risk, even if you think you're used to a particular drug, you may get ripped off or sold some dodgy gear. Don't know what it is? Don't take it!
If things do get bad, If you do freak out or want some information, then get to the welfare point or to the Samaritans, it's a safe haven, you won't be judged, no-one will preach to you and it will provide a safe space if you're having a bad time - it's absolutely confidential.

"Herbal Highs" may be legal at this time, but can still make you feel nauseous or anxious, get some advice at the stall if you decide to buy them. If the stall-holder seems not to know or care - go somewhere else! Welfare or Information Points may be able to advise you about these things. Medical evidence is beginning to suggest that these 'legal highs' are not as safe as many people would believe, be cautious as always.

A needle exchange may be found at welfare and/or first aid at some events.

If you want some more detailed advice before the event, about any drug, in confidence, you can contact the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00 or visit there website at www.ndh.org.uk There are more resources on our Up Against It page.

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