High school is a new step in teenagers’ lives. It comes with a lot of work, but also a lot of thrilling experiences. These experiences can be really fun; however, they involve uncertainty. Within school, these new experiences can be very controversial and are rarely discussed, and when they are, it’s done at a surface level and not from a student’s perspective. We have decided to start a new article series to create a guide, so you can enjoy and have fun during your teenage years while also staying safe, both emotionally and physically.

Switzerland is unique because it is one of the few countries where you can start consuming alcohol at 16, which makes drinking culture a big part of Swiss teen life. You will most likely be invited to nights out at bars or hangouts where alcohol is provided. At some point in your teenage years, you will be offered a drink, and there is no shame in saying yes to that drink, like the narrative adults like to push. A lot of people say yes, and there is nothing taboo about it; it is perfectly legal (if you are over 16). 

However, there is a safe way to drink and there is a dangerous way to drink. Knowing what is dangerous or not comes a lot from experience. The point of this article is to serve as a guide for your first time drinking, covering the do’s and don’ts of the drinking world and what is essential to keep in mind. 

1. Always make sure at least one adult is aware that you will be drinking.

I know it’s scary to tell your parents you’re drinking, but it is incredibly important to let them know and to tell them where you are going. Having a conversation beforehand is best because they can offer their own advice. That way, if something goes wrong, there is an adult aware of what is going on and can know what to do to help. However, if your parents would prefer you not to drink, respect their rules, trust me when we say one drink is not worth getting in loads of trouble.

1. Always keep your phone charged/have a way to charge it

This is crucial; this way, if something happens, it is very easy to contact someone for help.

1. Never do it alone

Once again, this is so that if something happens, there is someone else there to help you out.

1. Keep an eye on your drink.

Unfortunately, as much as we would like to believe everyone is a good person, there are some real creeps out there. It is important that you always have one eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. If something looks or tastes slightly off, DO NOT DRINK. If someone offers to buy you a drink, make sure you go to the bar with them while they order, so you know what is going into your drink. This is so that your drink does not get spiked (giving someone else drugs or alcohol without permission or knowledge).

1. Try to avoid mixing alcohols. 

One of the main things that causes people we know to get sick is that they mix different alcohols. Our general rule of thumb is to stick to just one type of alcoholic drink (beer, wine, cider). Mixing alcohols can lead to increased effects, often causing blackouts and feeling sick. Also, the hard alcohol is called ‘hard’ for a reason so be careful.

1. Make sure you feel safe and that you make your friends feel safe

If you are ever in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, for example, getting into a car with someone under the influence, leave. Your gut feeling is what you should follow when drunk. This extends to making your friends feel safe. If you or somebody else is doing something that causes discomfort in a friend, it is imperative that you listen to them and stop what you are doing or get them out of their situation. 

1. Drinking is not the root of fun; it just enhances it

It is a common misconception that drinking is the sole purpose of fun when on a night out. Trust us, it isn’t. Drinking simply allows you to feel more relaxed, so don’t let yourself feel pressured to drink if you don’t want to.

1. Make sure you have a full stomach while drinking and regularly drink water (Rule of thumb: one glass of water for every thing of alcohol )

The second thing that mainly causes the people we know to get sick is drinking on an empty stomach and avoiding water. Before you go to a place with alcohol, make sure to have a full meal beforehand, and go out to dinner with friends. The key to not getting sick is drinking water, so make sure to stay hydrated as much as you can. As soon as the hit of nausea starts, you want a bottle of water asap. 

1. Know your limit: just because one of your friends can drink a lot doesn’t mean you can… Start slowly.

If you have never drunk before, you need to take it slow because not knowing your limit and accidentally drinking too much can land you in the hospital (Extreme, but it does happen more often than you may think). Better safe than sorry, the less is better. We are all different people, and we all have different limits based on experience, genes, weight, and gender, so just because your friend can drink a lot doesn’t mean you can. The important thing is not to get cocky or let your ego get the better of you. Nothing is embarrassing about not being able to drink a lot, and if you’re friends tell you the opposite, you need to get yourself some better friends. We can guarantee you that what’s more embarrassing than not drinking a lot is…throwing up.

1. Be careful with shots; they don’t kick in immediately, so it can trick you into drinking more.

Shots and drinking from the bottle are the most dangerous parts of drinking because you will take some and won’t immediately feel it, so you’ll take a few more shots, then BAM. When you first start doing shots, wait at least 30 minutes before taking another. (Of course, if you have done them in the past and know your limit, it is different, but waiting is crucial when you don’t yet know.)

1. Medication

If you take any medication regularly, you need to consult your doctor to ensure that you can drink. Some meds, when mixed with alcohol, can be dangerous; the same case for over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol (though if you’re taking it, you’re probably sick, and drinking while sick is not a great idea). If you take any meds while drinking, such as stomach medications for nausea, once again, check the back of the box. Or our go-to is quickly asking ChatGPT.

What to do if you or a friend does get sick:

1. Don’t leave them alone
2. Make sure they drink plenty of water
3. Make sure they stay awake
4. Contact a trusted adult. You may get in trouble, but you’ll get in more trouble for a dead friend
5. If they pass out, call the ambulance.