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Studying or travelling overseas can be an incredible experience – new cultures, new people and new places to explore. But while you’re out making memories, it’s important to stay safe, especially when it comes to drinking alcohol. A good night out shouldn鈥檛 turn into a medical emergency or worse. Here鈥檚 what you need to know to sip safe abroad.
Methanol poisoning is real. And deadly.
In some parts of the world, alcohol production isn鈥檛 as tightly regulated as it is in Australia. That means harmful substances like methanol, a toxic form of alcohol, can end up in your drink. Just one shot of methanol can be fatal. Australians have died or become seriously ill from methanol poisoning in popular travel spots across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Contaminated drinks often come in the form of home-brewed spirits, cocktails or suspiciously cheap 鈥渂rand-name鈥� bottles. Labels can be fake, and cheap doesn鈥檛 always mean lucky.
If you feel fatigued, dizzy or experience blurred vision or nausea after a night out drinking, don鈥檛 brush it off as just a rough hangover 鈥� it could be methanol poisoning. These symptoms usually worsen over time. Get medical help immediately if something doesn鈥檛 feel right.
To reduce the risk:
- Choose sealed pre-mixed drinks
- Avoid homemade or unlabelled spirits
- Be cautious with cocktails
- Stick to reputable venues – but remember, no place is 100% risk-free
Watch out for drink spiking
Spiking doesn鈥檛 just happen in movies. It happens to real people, in real places 鈥� and the outcomes can be devastating. Spiking involves adding alcohol or drugs to someone鈥檚 drink without their knowledge or consent.
To protect yourself and your mates:
- Watch your drink at all times.
- Only accept drinks you鈥檝e seen poured 鈥� don鈥檛 let someone 鈥渟urprise鈥� you with a shot.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Don鈥檛 accept drinks from strangers 鈥� it鈥檚 not rude, it鈥檚 smart.
- Know the symptoms of being spiked: confusion, nausea, drowsiness and memory loss.
- If in doubt, ditch the drink.
And most importantly 鈥� don鈥檛 be the one who spikes a drink. Adding more alcohol to your friend鈥檚 glass when they鈥檙e not looking isn鈥檛 funny or generous. It鈥檚 reckless.
Plan how you鈥檙e getting home
Late-night transport in unfamiliar places can be risky. Before heading out:
- Decide how you鈥檙e getting there and back
- Check public transport schedules
- If using taxis or rideshares, choose well-known services
- Avoid overcrowded or sketchy-looking transport
- Steer clear of ferries or boats after dark
Stick together
It鈥檚 easy to get separated in a crowded bar or street festival. But getting lost in an unfamiliar city, especially while under the influence, can be dangerous.
- Keep each other鈥檚 phone numbers saved
- Know where your friends are
- Share your accommodation info
- Set check-in times if you split up
- Don鈥檛 leave a drunk mate alone 鈥� especially if they鈥檙e vulnerable
A night out should be fun, not fatal. Stay sharp, look after each other and if something feels off, trust your gut.
Stay vigilant and always check for the latest updates.
