"FOR THE RECORD"

Video and Facilitator Guide for Youth ages 16-19

Alcohol and parties are often synonymous for youth. Potential problems associated with this mixture are well known, particularly the risks of drinking and then driving and the risks of sexual assault. But the risks to the person ingesting large amounts of alcohol are not as well documented. Hangovers, blackouts, vomiting and unconsciousness are accepted as part of partying behaviour, particularly for young people, and even expected as part of coming of age. What we don't talk about is that all of these are all examples of alcohol toxicity or poisoning.

  

In June 2000, a young filmmaker, Jay Prychidny, witnessed an incident of alcohol poisoning at his "after-grad" party. Jay says, "I was faced with the responsibility of dealing with a friend who had passed out due to alcohol poisoning. My friend, for some unknown reason, had decided to try to beat her record of thirteen tequila shots. So, determined to meet this goal, she stayed in one chair all night, continually drinking until her record was tied and eventually beaten. About ten minutes after her last shot, she vomited all over her date and stumbled to the bathroom and locked the door.

  

When I finally unlocked the door, I was greeted with a horrifying image that I will not soon forget. Her face had gone completely pale white and had dark circles under her eyes. She had been lying in her own vomit and her hair was plastered to her face."

  

This video replicates the event as well as the confusion around how to respond appropriately. This guide will support the teacher/facilitator in examining key issues concerning parties and alcohol consumption and lead youth in coming up with "Safer Partying" practices.

PAD gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, which receives annually $100 million in government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative.