Drug and alcohol support at Schoolies

Schoolies is meant to be a blast. Celebrating the end of high school with friends, laughs and making good memories. If alcohol or drugs are part of your plans, a few simple choices can help keep you, and your crew safer. If things ever feel off Lives Lived Well are here to help, with no judgement - just support.

Smart tips – don’t let the party crash you!

• Pace yourself - know your limits and keep track of how much you’re drinking.
• Water is your best mate - sip water between drinks to avoid dehydration. MDMA and Meth raise your body temp and alcohol dehydrates you.
• Don’t mix stuff - combining alcohol with drugs (or mixing different drugs) can cause life-threatening reactions.
• Look out for your mates - stick together and check in on anyone who seems out of it.
• Have at least one sober friend who can stay clear-headed and help if something goes wrong.
• Don’t sniff alone and don’t sniff and smoke - use in a safe place with less risk of sudden events or shocks. Don’t smoke when sniffing as the substances used are highly flammable.
• Don’t take drugs from strangers and avoid  risky situations. If someone tries to start trouble, walk away.

Mixing substances - why it’s risky

Different substances affect your body in different ways. Mixing them can lead to dangerous reactions that can be very serious and life-threatening. Look out for breathing problems, extreme overheating, paranoia, fainting, or worse. If someone’s breathing strangely, collapses, or has seizures, call 000 straight away.

• Alcohol and cannabis = potential nausea, vomiting, anxiety and paranoia
• Alcohol and MDMA = risk of dehydration and overdose
• Inhalants and alcohol = risk of passing out, suffocating and choking on vomit
• Inhalants and MDMA = risk of additional pressure on heart, high blood pressure, disruption of heart race
• Hallucinogens and alcohol = vomiting and reduced coordination
• Hallucinogens and MDMA = increased heart rate, increased chances of experiencing a "bad trip", increased anxiety.

Overdose signs - act fast

Call 000 if you see:

• Someone having trouble breathing
• Very slow or rapid heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Extreme overheating or heavy sweating
• Severe hallucinations.

Paramedics prioritise your safety, they won’t call police about drug use. Your health comes first.

Do you need help?

If your use is causing fights with family and friends, messing with school or work, or you feel like you can’t stop, it might be time to talk to someone. You don’t have to do it alone.

We’re here for you

Lives Lived Well runs the Youth Outreach Drug & Alcohol Program for people 12–25 across the Gold Coast. We offer free, confidential counselling, medical withdrawal support and residential rehab options if needed, all aimed at keeping you safe and helping you make changes that work for you.

Call us on 1300 727 957 or drop into our Burleigh Heads centre at 191 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220.

Have a great Schoolies, look after each other, and get in touch if you need support!