Body
Creating a drinking plan before you go out can keep you safe and ensure you have a good time.
- Set a realistic goal for the night. Before going out, it's important to set a limit on how much you will drink. You can enlist friends for support in helping you accomplish this goal. Tonight I will drink no more than ___ drinks in ___ hours.
- Know how much you're really drinking. Standard serving sizes are:
- Beer = 12 ounces (355 mL)
- Wine = 5 ounces (150 mL)
- Liquor (a shot) = 1.5 ounces (45 mL)
- Alternate alcohol with water. This helps to ensure you're staying hydrated and not drinking too quickly.
- Eat before you go out. Alcohol absorbs into the bloodstream more quickly on an empty stomach. Eating a meal before going out helps to slow down this process.
- Use the buddy system. Always go out with a group of friends and establish rules. For example, if you arrive together, you'll leave together. Know what to do (such as calling the police, SafeRides, or Uber) if your friend needs help.
- Know the signs of alcohol poisoning. If you see these signs, call 911!
- Cold/clammy skin
- Unresponsive/Passed out
- Pale skin
- Vomiting
- Shallow breathing
- Use strategies for counting drinks.
- Wear a bracelet for each drink you plan on drinking on one wrist. Move one to your other wrist after each drink.
- Keep a tally in the notes section of your phone.
- Hang on to the tab or cap of each drink you have.
- Drink smart!
- Know that flavored vodkas aren't chasers.
- Limit carbonated beverages.
- Avoid drinking games.
- Practice refusing drinks.
Tips modified from addictionrecovery.org.