Island Health warns current graduates of excessive drug and alcohol use

Graduation season is officially in full swing.

While the day is all about celebrating accomplishments and letting go, simple steps need to be taken in order to ensure everyone’s safety.

Island Health is encouraging young graduates to make safe and sober choices.

According to Island Health, the current illegal drug supply in B.C. is poisoned with fentanyl.

To ensure that this milestone is one to remember, avid using drugs and excessive alcohol.

Everyone is encouraged to create a safety plan that can include:

• Making sure your cell phone is charged in case of an emergency.
• Planning a safe ride home – never get into a vehicle with someone who has used drugs or alcohol, and watching out for friends and getting help if someone is over-consuming.
• Watching out for friends and getting help if someone is over-consuming.

“Young people are too smart these days to buy into those Hollywood movies where graduation parties, fuelled with alcohol and drugs, are portrayed as glamorous and the only way to mark this wonderful accomplishment,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer.

“As a paediatrician, I can tell you the reality can be anything but glamorous, alcohol poisoning is extremely dangerous. And spending the night in the Emergency Department, throwing up on your date and ruining her prom dress or losing the deposit on a tuxedo rental is not how you want to conclude this special occasion.”

Always plan a safe ride home!

We may not be able to stop you from drinking, but we can try to prevent impaired driving.

For more information on substance use and what recourses are available, visit the Victoria Island Health website.