Party Safer Tips
Last revised: May 29, 2025
Share the Party Safer tips below with your friends before your next night out or event!
On this page:
Stay with friends you trust and look out for each other
Help each other stay safer by choosing to respond thoughtfully in potentially harmful situations. Before going out, learn about Bystander Intervention Strategies.
If you notice something that doesn’t feel right, tell a trusted friend or family member and/or get help from security, venue or event staff.
Look out for:
- Catcalling (sexually suggestive, threatening or harassing remarks)
- A person being followed or cornered
- Unwanted touching
- Something being added to a drink (see information on drink spiking)
- Bullying or harassment (offensive comments, jokes, threats, emotional or physical intimidation)
- Physical violence (see information on violence prevention resources)
- Signs of intoxication (learn about signs of intoxication and overdose in the free Party Safer training available 24/7 on Olearn.Ottawa.ca).
Understand consent
Consent is the active process of freely, willingly, and enthusiastically agreeing to engage in something, like a sexual activity, without manipulation or threats.
Consent is not just about saying “yes” or “no” once. Consent is specific and needed for every activity at a particular time. Always get consent for any new activity or any activity at a later time.
Everyone has the right to change their mind – a person can choose to end their consent at any time.
Consent is not to be assumed. A person cannot give consent if:
- They are asleep or unconscious
- They are being pressured, threatened or forced
- They are too young to give consent
- The perpetrator abuses a position of power, trust or authority
For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s Understanding Consent webpage.
Practice safer sex
Are you sexually active or planning to be? Practice safer sex with condoms, dental dams and lubricant! This can help prevent Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs). Visit www.SexitSmart.ca for safer sex supplies information and access free STBBI testing services at GetaKit.ca.
Plan a safe ride to and from
Substances can make it harder to focus, move, and react quickly.
Make a plan for going out and getting home safely:
- Ask a trusted family member or friend for a ride
- Take public transport or use a rideshare service
- If there’s a well-lit path, you can also walk with trusted friends
Using substances? Don't drive, bike, scooter or skateboard. If you walk, make sure you stay as visible as possible to other road users and stay with trusted friends. Do not get in the vehicle of a driver who has used substances. Take care of each other!
Start low, go slow and drink water
Substances can affect people in different ways. It can take time to feel the effects of alcohol and drugs.
You can reduce risks by starting with a small amount and pacing yourself.
- Alcohol: For information on lower risk alcohol use tips, visit: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Alcohol.
- Cannabis: For information on lower risk cannabis use tips, visit: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Cannabis.
- Tobacco and vaping: For information on tobacco and vaping, visit: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/TobaccoAndVaping.
- Opioids, Stimulants and More: Information on opioids, stimulants and more is available.
For information on naloxone and harm reduction services, visit StopOverdoseOttawa.ca.
Stick to one substance at a time
The combined effects of substances can increase impairment and put people at risk of harms like overdose, violence, theft, accidents and injuries.
To reduce risks:
- Avoid mixing substances like alcohol, drugs, prescription medications and caffeinated beverages
- Take breaks between using different substances
Know the signs of an overdose and carry naloxone
An overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 or their local emergency number for help.
For information on where to access naloxone, visit StopOverdoseOttawa.ca.
Learn the signs and symptoms of different types of overdoses and how to respond:
| Substance | Signs and symptoms may include | How to respond |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol |
|
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Do not let your friends “sleep it off.” Call 9-1-1 immediately, and place them in the recovery position. |
| Cannabis |
|
Do not leave them alone, try to remain calm, and encourage them to eat and drink water. If symptoms are severe, or if they could be a danger to themselves, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. |
| Opioids/ "Downers" (i.e., oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, etc.) |
|
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 right away, and then give naloxone to temporarily reverse the effects of the opioid overdose.
If you need to leave the person alone, place them in the recovery position. For more information, visit www.StopOverdoseOttawa.ca. |
|
Stimulants/ "Uppers" (i.e., speed, methamphetamines, crack, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, etc.) Hallucinogens (i.e., LSD, ketamine, magic mushrooms, etc.) |
|
An overdose is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately, and stay with the person if it is safe to do so. Help them remain calm and relaxed in a safe, quiet, dark room. Apply ice to the back of the person’s neck and encourage them to drink water.
If in doubt, give naloxone. Party drugs can be cut with fentanyl or carfentanil. For more information, visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) website. |
Respect substance use choices
Saying “no” can be hard under social pressure. Be a supportive ally and don’t make others feel guilty for their substance use choices.
Struggling to say “no”? Try:
- Planning a response and being direct about your choices
- Using humour
- Changing the subject
- Offering an alternative
- Walking away
Need help?
For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Support is available for you, your friends and family!
Check out the resources below: