Think Twice Before You Drink That

It’s important to kick back and relax – go to the bar, dance a little, blow off steam.

Picture this: You’re out a party, laughing, dancing, having a good time chatting it up with your friends when the server comes over to hand you a Cranberry Cosmopolitan. She informs you, “This is from the gentleman at the bar.”

As much as you’d love to meet a nice guy, as tempting and flattering as that may be, you’re wise not to accept the drink.

Unless you personally witnessed the bartender pour your drink and then you kept your eye on it from the time it left the bar until it was presented to you, politely decline the offer.

If you know yourself well enough that you don’t think you would decline the cocktail simply because you don’t want to hurt the guy’s feelings, then accept it if you must; but do not drink it. Certainly, think twice before you drink that.

Don’t let your alcohol-induced, social-gal spirit or diminishing bank balance cloud your judgment. Decide to follow this advice before you ever take one sip liquid cheer. While you’re a little buzzed it may be too easy to convince yourself that it’ll be okay, just this one time.

How many times have you left your drink unattended at the table while you went on the dance floor or to the bathroom?

Please think twice before you do that again. Never leave your beverage unattended. Drink it before you leave the table; or simply get a fresh drink once you return.

I get it that drinks aren’t cheap and you’re not about to not drink one that you paid for. However are you willing to take that risk? It’s naive to think it can’t happen to you. I’m not asking you to be paranoid. I’m encouraging you to be aware.

Why is it important to have custody of the beverages you ingest?

Street Cocktails also known as Date Rape drugs include GHB, Rohypnol (”roofies”) and Ketamine (”Special K”) which are frequently used to create an environment favorable to the commission of sexual assault on unsuspecting victims. Victims may be rendered physically helpless without the ability to rebuff sexual overtures or recall the incident even after just a few hours.

This isn’t just something that happens on Law and Order SVU. These date rape drugs don’t contain any obvious smell or taste that would affect the appearance of your drink, which makes them undetectable and potentially very dangerous. Your best defense is to know what you are drinking.

Make a pact with your friends to watch each other’s backs and also keep an eye on their drinks. Be especially alert to any odd behavior exhibited by friends and know that they are watching for the same in you. Anyone exhibiting characteristics described above could pose a risk to you and themselves.

Drinking responsibly has taken on an additional meaning. Have fun; but be safe.

Here’s to a safe night out.