Alcohol and other drugs and WorldPride

Sydney WorldPride is a wonderful opportunity to socialise and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. We know that some people may choose to use alcohol and other drugs at events. Using alcohol and other drugs affects your ability to assess risks and make decisions.

It is important to plan ahead, know your limits and look after yourself and your mates.

• If you're drinking alcohol, keep track of how many drinks you've had to avoid injury or making yourself sick. It’s a good idea to have water between each alcoholic drink.
• Using illicit drugs comes with risks. You don't know the purity, what other things have been added to them, the strength or how it will affect you. Avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs. If you use drugs, tell someone you trust what you've taken.
• At some larger music festivals during Sydney WorldPride (Mardi Gras After Party, Domain Dance Party, Bondi Beach Party and Rainbow Republic) additional harm reduction services will be available to help people to stay safe while celebrating. Look out for the ACON Rovers, a team of volunteers providing support and information to help partygoers stay safe. You'll find them wearing bright pink vests roving at events.
• Medical services are available at major events during Sydney WorldPride. If you or a friend needs help, remember to tell the medical staff about any alcohol or other drug use so they can provide the best possible care. You won’t get into trouble by seeking help.
• Be aware that police will be conducting drug detection operations during the Sydney WorldPride and Mardi Gras Parade as well as the after party and other festivities.

How can you support someone showing signs of not being OK?

• Make sure you’re familiar with the signs that someone may need help – such as feeling really hot / overheating; rigid muscles; tremors or spasms; confusion or disorientation; difficulty breathing; vomiting; unconsciousness (visit Stay OK for more signs and symptoms).
• Get help fast. At festival events, get help from an ambulance officer, ACON Rover or the medical service. At other locations, phone emergency services on Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
• If someone is upset or agitated, try to calm them and move them to a quieter area while you get help.
• If they're unconscious, try to get a response from them by calling their name.
• If you don't get a response, put them in the recovery position and call for help.
• Stay with them. Ask someone to go get help, check that they are breathing and try to cool them down while you wait for help.
• Don't wait. Get help fast if you experience the symptoms or see the signs of overdose.
• Don't leave someone alone if they are unconscious – put them in the recovery position and ask someone else to go get help.
• Do your best to remain calm while you wait for help with them.

More information

• For more information on how to have a great time at Sydney WorldPride events, visit Stay OK.
• To find out facts about alcohol and other drugs, visit YourRoom.
• For drug and alcohol information, education, and harm reduction during Sydney WorldPride, visit ACON’s Sydney WorldPride 2023 – Pivot Point portal.
  
• The NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peer-based drug user organisation, offering strategies for harm reduction and current issues relating to drug use in Australia.
• Need help with an alcohol or other drug issue while you are in Sydney for WorldPride? The Alcohol and Drug Information Service can assist you to find a health service that can help you. Call the hotline on 1800 250 015.