Dating is a common activity among teens, and you shouldn’t be discouraging it when they come of age. However, you need to ensure that your teenager stays safe when he or she is out there. Thus, it is important that you always watch out for the signs of drug use in teens to avoid things turn ugly. In addition, educate them with the following ideas to ensure their safety.
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Buddy System
It’s not just for going in the water. The buddy system is valuable for protection from sexual predators as well—Check-in with each other every 20 minutes. If something weird or strange happens, leave the location immediately.
Stay Together
Although the buddy system is good, sticking together with your friends is even better. People who seek to sexually assault women are generally looking for the loner, someone whom they can easily approach and get off to themselves—parties of two or more help to discourage this kind of unwanted attention.
Contact Police
If you recognize or see a drug or packaging at a party or other location, leave immediately and contact the police with details.
Designated Driver
It’s always best to have a non-drinking friend with you. This person can help get you out of there if something happens to you, such as becoming the victim of a date rape drug. Time is of the essence here. Date rape drugs take effect within minutes of ingestion.
Avoid Raves
Never go to raves or all-night dance clubs and parties. You are just putting yourself in harm’s way. These are places where people go to do more than just dance. Illicit street drugs are all over the place. If you’re not immediately affected, you could still be in danger due to the violent behavior, paranoia, and intoxication that these drugs pose in the other attendees.
Don’t Talk to Older Men
This may sound odd, but it’s really not. Many times, you may be in a place that’s unfamiliar, and someone will start talking with you that seems at first harmless. They may look like a businessman, your uncle, or your neighbor. They may truly be just looking for conversation, but that’s been a disastrous mistake many young, and unsuspecting women made. Protect yourself, and don’t talk to these men.
If Your Drink Tastes Odd
Maybe, you have stayed with your drink and done your best to protect it, but if it tastes odd, it may be a sign that someone has tampered with it. Gather your friend and leave that place immediately. Watch for signs of further intoxication (without reason), and get to an emergency room.
Recognize the Signs
If you, or someone with you, have been slipped a date rape drug, there are certain signs to look out for. The individual will appear more intoxicated with very little or no alcoholic intake. They may be dizzy, uncoordinated, and unable to speak properly. They may appear to be falling asleep.
Discuss the Effects with Your Friends
Make sure that all your friends are equally aware of the signs of date rape drug effects and watch out for each other.
Have an Escape Plan in Place
Before you go anywhere with your friends or alone, be sure you have an escape plan in place. This can be a simple as a pre-arranged phrase that lets your friends know there’s danger and you have to leave. It can also mean you call 911 or have a designated driver to get you away safely. Knowing what to do in case of an emergency – and the danger of being slipped a date rape drug certainly qualifies – will better prepare you in the event you have to move quickly.