“With the festive season upon us, it is timely to consider the impacts of risky consumption of alcohol,” said Gail Legg who is the senior nurse manager, Drug and Alcohol Services.

Ms Legg recommended partygoers remember the following tips to stay in control:

• Always drink in moderation and never drink to get drunk

• Alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks

• Eat before and while drinking

• Have one or two alcohol-free days each week

“People should be aware of what they are drinking and of how much they are drinking as alcohol content can vary dramatically between beverages and different container or glass sizes,” Ms Legg said.

Ms Legg said drink-spiking is a concern, with dangerous consequences for victims.

“Alcohol is one of the most common substances used in drink-spiking, with spirits often added to non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks making a person’s drink much stronger than they realise,” Ms Legg said.

Party-goers are urged to plan their night out and tell people where they are going and to buy their own drinks and know what they are drinking when they get there.

It is always wise to remember, if someone offers to shout, go to the bar with them and do not drink anything you did not open, or see opened or poured.