Have fun & stay safe this Summer
The sun is shining and lockdown is easing. Whilst we hope the gradual move towards a ‘new normal’ is a good one for you, we want to share ideas to keep you safe both over the holidays and beyond.
Whatever your plans are this summer whether that’s hanging out at home or going away… remember to protect yourself all the way.
The summer is a peak time for unintended pregnancies and/or STIs. Whatever you plan to do, here are some top holiday hints for a safer summer:
- Unsafe sex (anal, oral & vaginal sex) can lead to STIs and/or unintended pregnancies – be prepared. Use a condom every time.
- If you are travelling abroad this summer, be sure to take condoms with you. Join the Come Correct, C-Card scheme for FREE condoms. You can find your local services by clicking here.
- Remember oils, including sunscreen can damage condoms – use a water base lube only.
- Stomach upsets can make the contraceptive pill less effective.
- Ensure both partners CONSENT to sex. Each partner needs to have the freedom and the capacity to make their choice. If you are under the influence of any substance, it is best to not have sex. CONSENT needs to be given for each sexual act – anal, oral and vaginal sex. Just because someone has agreed to one type of sex, doesn’t mean they’ve agreed to all types of sex.
Drinking alcohol
You might be more likely to use alcohol or drugs because you’ve not seen your friends for a while or because you’ve not had the opportunity during lockdown. However, if you do, you should be extra careful, because when you don’t use alcohol for a while your tolerance goes down. That means that your body is not used to the alcohol so the effects will be much stronger, even if you only consume your usual amount. You can lose control quickly without realising it and this can lead to you doing things or taking risks that you otherwise would not. Be aware that mixing alcohol and drugs can be very dangerous and should be avoided - you can’t know how they will react with each other and everyone is different so what is safe for one person may not be safe for another.
Stay safe – It’s always cooler to be able to speak in coherent sentences, say no before enough is enough. There’s no need to drink just because your mates are, or try drugs just because they’re available. However if you do use drugs or alcohol, be extra careful and visit Talk to Frank for post-lockdown advice.
Stay hydrated – the sun can knock you out. Avoid dehydration by refilling your water bottle regularly, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. Avoid snacks with salt such as crisps and peanut, salt makes you thirsty and you will drink faster.
Buy low alcohol drinks – most alcoholic drinks now have a low alcohol option such as wine.
Eat a meal – before you start drinking (full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol).
Be aware that mixing alcohol and drugs can be very dangerous and should be avoided – you can’t know how they will react with each other and everyone is different so what is safe for one person may not be safe for another. (https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/).
Taking drugs and inhalants
You may be able to buy laughing gas like it’s harmless but that doesn’t mean it’s true. “Legal highs” or NPS (New Psychoactive Substances) such as Nitrous Oxide have actually been illegal since 2016 and are so for a reason. Although the effects of the gas aren’t long lasting, you could cause yourself some physical damage like losing your balance and hitting your head, so if you’re doing it make sure you’re sitting down. Mixing laughing gas and alcohol can be deadly – as can taking the gas direct from the canister (this can starve your brain of oxygen) which is why most people use balloons.
Don’t inhale the canister all at once – as you put yourself at risk of ‘freezing your lungs’ and not being able to breath, use balloons but don’t share your balloons as you will be inhaling other people’s vapours (risk of Covid 19).
Inhale whilst seated – just in case you feel light-headed or faint.
Make sure you take breaks – between each canister to reduce the risk of blackouts.
Remember that illegal drugs can vary in strength and purity – unless drugs have been tested, you can never know exactly what is in them or how strong they are.
Watch your drinks – drink spiking is when a person deliberately adds alcohol or another drug to your drink without you knowing. This can make you drunk or feel ‘out of it’ unexpectedly. Don’t share with or accept drinks from people you don’t know or trust.
For more information on drugs in general Talk to Frank.
Taking cannabis
Smoking cannabis can affect your emotional wellbeing i.e. paranoia, anxiety, depression.
It’s best to use as little tobacco as possible (as you risk becoming dependant on nicotine).
Don’t smoke someone else’s cannabis/joint (i.e. don’t share – risk of blood borne viruses although no current cases proven when you get ‘cotton mouth’ you lick you lips this may run the risk of Covid 19 being transmitted).
Wash hands before you roll, ensure you roll on a clean surface, to reduce the risk/spread of Covid 19.
Holding the smoke in your lungs doesn’t get you higher it is just damaging to your lungs.
Turning point – offer a range of health and wellbeing services around the country to support you.
The Mix – help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
FRANK – helps you find out everything you might want to know about drugs (and some stuff you don’t).
