5 of 43

Write now Article Tools

Date rape drugs are usually dropped into a beverage; they dissolve and are ingested causing the victim to become unaware of what is happening to him or her. This is a very scary and very real threat for teens these days, especially at parties. If you are not careful someone could drug you and prey on you in your vulnerable state. People are out there looking to take advantage of anyone they can. This is often difficult for teens to remember and understand.

Protecting yourself from date rape drugs and other bad situations is all about paying attention to what happens around you, trusting your "gut" feeling about people and being aware of the situations you choose to put yourself in.

- The most obvious way to keeps your drink from being contaminated is to keep it with you at all times. If you leave your drink unattended for any amount of time don't continue drinking it, you have no way of being sure it wasn't altered in any way.
- Trust your intuition. If someone seems strange or if strange things are happening don't continue "dealing with it". If the situation seems "off" get out of there. If someone is acting creepy get away from them and remove yourself from the situation as fast as possible. When you feel like something is wrong it usually is so trust yourself and act on your intuition.
- Whenever you go out to parties or other social gatherings take a trusted friend with you. This is often referred to as the buddy system and is wise for first dates, parties and any situation where you will not know and completely trust the people you will be with. Your friend will be able to look out for you and he/ she will know if something strange or unsafe is happening to you. Stay together no matter what. There is safety in numbers, you and your friend have a good time while looking out for the safety of one another.
- Don't put yourself in situations where you will not be safe. If people are doing things that you will be pressured to do when you do not wish to maybe you should rethink putting yourself in the situation. "Raves" are one of the parties or situations I have chosen to NOT participate in because I don't feel the people will be "in line" with I want for myself. For my generation many drug laced candies, foods and beverages are freely handed out at these "raves" and I am not into drug use so these parties are not best for me and my choices.

The best way to protect yourself is to apply all these concepts when you are out. Know what you are and are not okay with, don't let people make lifestyle decisions for you through peer pressure and association. Stand up for your beliefs regardless of what others think and be aware of what is happening around you when you are out. If something doesn't feel 100% right it probably isn't and you should trust your instincts. Keep a trusted friend with you when you are in an unfamiliar situation and think things through before making a decision.

Learning to deal with life is what being a teen is all about. Unfortunately, there are many people and situations in life that you need to protect yourself from. Going out and experiencing some of these situations is the best way to learn and grow but you must always be thinking about the big picture. Use your common sense, be cautious and trust only yourself at first. Know how far you are willing to go and don't ever let anyone trick you or force you to do things you are not okay with.

Learn more about this author, Talina Norris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Teen advice: How to protect yourself from date rape drugs?
We want to hear your view. Write now!