Drugs
The only way to stay safe around drugs at Schoolies is to say no and not use them. Drugs are not worth the risk!
Not only are drugs illegal, but they are dangerous—even life threatening. Remember that Schoolies is all about having a good time and celebrating your achievements with your friends. Make good choices so your Schoolies experience is about creating great memories, not bad ones.
What am I taking?
When it comes to drug making/manufacturing, there is no quality control so you can never know where they’re made, who made them, or what they contain. More often than not, they can include ‘fillers’ such as chlorine, veterinary tranquilisers, talcum powder, or everyday household cleaning chemicals.
How will it affect me?
Every time you take drugs, you’re gambling with your life. Not only can you never be sure of what you are taking but more importantly, you never know how your body will react. Just because a drug hasn’t had any effect on your friends doesn’t mean that you will have the same experience.
The effects of drugs can be inconsistent and unpredictable—effects can vary between people or can give different results for the same person on different occasions.
Schoolies is an exciting time, it's a time to have fun. It's a great you know, exciting time to be leaving school and getting out on your own but also, it's really important just to make some smart choices around, particularly around alcohol and drug use. In terms of alcohol I think that people need to make sure that they pace themselves, that they, if they are drinking - if they do choose to drink that they drink slowly, that they look after their friends particularly if they're intoxicated.
The Queensland Ambulance Service would like to just remind all school leavers that alcohol is actually still considered a drug. Although it's an acceptable drug in the Australian culture, it still does have detrimental impacts to your health and wellbeing - both in the immediate term with excessive consumption in one-night, long-term use can then lead to further health problems.
Again if you're thinking about drinking while at Schoolies, we probably ask you to consider what you're drinking history has been like in the past. If you've never had a drink, it might not be the best time to start when you're in a new environment.
In terms of drugs, there's no safe level of drug use. Unfortunately the drugs that people are buying that you don't know where they come from, so unlike prescription drugs that you get from a pharmacy, these are drugs aren't made in your best interest - they're made by people who are interested in making money so, unfortunately we don't know exactly what's in them and you can have some significant side effects. Particularly with drugs and pill taking, the effects on different people can be very different and the drugs themselves can be very different as well, again there's no standard dose to these drugs so, some people can go out and have a bit of a fun time, some people can be left you know very unwell and you know, deeply unconscious.
When the Ambulance Service talks about illicit drugs, we're also talking about misuse of prescription medications. Prescription medications and alcohol often don't mix, the effects of the prescription drugs can be changed with the introduction of alcohol so again, if the medication isn't designed for you and hasn't been scripted to you, you shouldn't be taking it, and if you are on prescription medications to see your GP before you attend Schoolies and just have a talk to with your doctor about what the effects may be.
The other risk with drug and alcohol is the disinhibition that you get from it, so it does lead to you doing more risky behaviours. Your level of ability to you know, judge risk gets reduced so, and you're already at an age where risk-taking is part of growing up so I guess that means that you can sort of get yourself into trouble and get yourself into situations that you wouldn't normally do if you hadn't had that mix of drug and alcohol.
If your plan was to not drink and not to take illicit substances, we applaud that decision.
Stay true to your beliefs and values in that regard, and if you feel pressure, do seek help and support. If you're concerned about the wellbeing of a friend, if they're passed out or unconscious or even just appear to be sleeping too heavily because you believe they
might be under the influence of drugs or illicit substances, don't be concerned about calling the Queensland Ambulance Service. We're not the Police. We're there to help and we would much rather come and find out that there is nothing wrong than to find out later that there was some major issues that we could have prevented that might cause some permanent harm to the person.
Calling the Ambulance isn't the end of your Schoolies.
We're not the Police. We're not going to prosecute or judge you or your friends for the decisions that you've made, we're just there to make sure that you go home safe to your families.
If you choose to take drugs
- There is no safe level of drug use, taking drugs is always risky.
- Stick with your friends as drugs can affect your judgement—they can also get you help in the event of an emergency.
- Stay hydrated by taking small sips of water (it’s important not to drink more than 500ml in an hour).
- Tell a friend what you have taken. In the event of an overdose or negative reaction, it will make it easier for emergency services to treat you.
- Don’t mix drugs including alcohol, prescription medication, or caffeine.
- Start small. Try a test amount first and then wait two hours.
- Avoid taking large amounts of any drug.
- Don’t drive or swim as drugs can affect your judgement and reflexes.
- Drugs and depression don’t mix. They can heighten your mood and make your symptoms worse.
- Misuse of legally purchased substances (e.g. inhaling nangs) is not risk-free and can be harmful to your health.
- In an emergency, don’t risk it—always call Triple Zero (000). Getting help for a friend can be one of the best things you can do for them.
The Safer Schoolies team does not condone the consumption or possession of illegal drugs, or the misuse of legally purchased substances or prescription medication.
It’s okay to say no
Even if you have made the decision that drugs won’t be a part of your Schoolies experience, you may still get offered drugs or even feel pressured to take them. It’s normal to want to be with your mates, feel included, and avoid conflict so we get it—saying no can be really hard.
Tips to help you say no:
- Simply say no and let the person know that you really mean it.
- Stand up straight and make eye contact when saying no.
- Be prepared with an excuse just in case e.g. nah, not tonight / I’m not feeling great / I’ve got plans for tomorrow I don’t want to ruin.
- Change the subject.
- Remove yourself from the situation.
- Find something else to do with other friends.
Remember, the human body is not designed to party for seven days straight. Got a mate who doesn’t want to party? Be a good friend and sit this one out with them.
Prescription medication tips
Only use prescription medication for its intended purpose. Intentionally misusing or mixing different types of prescription medication can be really dangerous.
- Don't wing it. If you're going to be taking any kind of prescription medication during Schoolies, make sure you visit your GP beforehand so you can chat about the impacts of mixing alcohol with your medication.
- Tell your mates. Make sure you're open with your friends so that someone knows what type of medication you're on (in case of a medical emergency).
- It's up to you. Make sure you're clear on dosage instructions, are able to store or safely carry your medication if needed.
- Have a backup. Life can get busy so why not set a reminder in your phone of when you need to take your medication.
In an emergency
Getting help for a mate who is having a bad reaction to drugs is one of the best things you can do for a friend. Stay with them and call Triple Zero (000). It’s better to spend a few minutes checking than a having a lifetime of regrets.
Signs someone might need medical help:
- unconscious or collapse
- aggressiveness, paranoia, extreme agitation, or distressed
- slow or shallow breathing (less than 6 breaths per minute)
- can’t be woken from sleep
- choking
- pale or blueish skin
- seizure or shaking
- vomiting.
Remember, the more accurate you can be about what has been taken, help can be provided to your friend quicker and more effectively.
Ambulance officers and paramedics will NOT notify the police when they respond to an emergency where illicit drugs are involved unless:
- there is a risk to physical safety
- a death has occurred at the scene
- a person has suffered a violent injury such as a stabbing or shooting.
Ambulance officers and paramedics are not the Police. Your safety and that of your mates is their main priority.
Fines and the law
Regardless of where you are planning on celebrating Schoolies in Australia, the consumption and possession of illicit drugs is illegal.
If you get caught by the police and charged with committing an offence, you will be dealt with in the criminal justice system. Having a criminal record can drastically affect your future. It can remove opportunities such as getting a job or being allowed to travel to other countries.
Throughout Queensland, all times of the year but especially during Schoolies, there are going to be lots of officers from both Queensland Police Service wh will be in uniform and in plain clothes, and also officers from the Office of Liquor and Gaming, roaming throughout Surfers Paradise, throughout Broadbeach and your licensed venues.
They're there to ensure public safety. If they do approach you, they can ask your name, your address, and your date of birth and yes, you do need to supply those things.
They can also ask to see inside bags, to look inside your water bottles anD things like that. You do need to allow those. All the Officers, whether they're in plain clothes or in uniform, will be carrying ID. If an Officer does approach you, yes you can ask for that ID but when you do ask for the ID, make sure you do it respectfully.
So during Schoolies, it is important to remember that not everyone chooses to drink alcohol, however, if you do choose to drink alcohol, there are certain laws that you need to be aware of.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland—that's not just during Schoolies, but that's all-year-round in Queensland. If you are under the age of 18, you are deemed to be a minor and that means you cannot be in possession of alcohol.
It doesn't matter whether that's in a public place or private residence, you still cannot be in possession of that alcohol. Even if it's in your bag or you're carrying it for a friend, that is still being in possession of alcohol.
If you are over the age of 18, you cannot supply a minor with alcohol.
It is also an offence to be drunk and disorderly in a public place or on a licensed premises.
If you are caught committing any of these offences, hefty penalties do apply.
It's important to remember that drugs are illegal and that's for so many reasons but none more important than your health.
Taking an illicit substance can lead to major health ramifications, not only short term but in the long term too.
If you are in possession of an illicit substance, it is an offence.
If you are caught committing this offence, you will be dealt with under the criminal justice system. That then can lead to charges being laid, going through a court process, and in the end, you can have a criminal record.
If you do have a criminal record, that can lead to future job prospects being affected.
It can also lead to travel plans being affected, and also future studies.
Just think twice about taking drugs. Don't let one silly mistake ruin your future.
Important to remember:
- It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. Police often do roadside testing for both alcohol and drugs during Schoolies.
- Police can search you for illegal drugs if they have reasonable cause to suspect that you have some in your possession.
- Possessing, producing, or supplying others with illegal drugs is a serious criminal offence.
- Possessing an implement (e.g. bong, cannabis pipe, needle) that is used for smoking or taking illegal drugs is an offence.
- It is illegal for you to give someone prescription drugs, other than as prescribed.
- Selling or supplying tobacco to someone under the age of 18 years of age is illegal.
- If you are caught committing an offence you will be dealt with in the criminal justice system.
The penalties associated with these offences can be harsh depending on the quantity and type of drug involved—especially if you commit a drug offence overseas.
Did you know? The possession and consumption of illicit drugs is illegal in Australia. Drug convictions can affect employment options and your ability to travel overseas.