I still remember my first big party in college. There are lights, music, and drinks everywhere. As a person with zero experience with alcohol, I was eager to fit in and have fun with friends. However, I soon realized that without a plan, happiness can quickly turn sour. Fast forward a few years, and I’ve learned how to enjoy a night out without losing control. In our social culture, drinking often accompanies celebrations and gatherings. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the well-being or safety of others. If you tend to have more bad times than good times when you’re out partying, this guide is for you. Read on to learn seven tips for drinking responsibly while still having fun.
Also Read: 5 Telltale Signs Your Bartender Isn’t Making Your Cocktails Right
Here are 7 Tips to Remember for Fun and Responsible Drinking
1. Know Your Limits
Let’s face it, we all have that one friend who thinks they can handle more alcohol than they actually can. However, knowing your limits is very important. Alcohol affects everyone differently based on factors like weight and metabolism. To understand your tolerance, start by observing how your body reacts to alcohol. Maybe after two drinks, you start to get really drunk. If this happens, it is a sign that you will slow down. Keeping a mental and physical tab on your drink can help you stay in control. Remember, there’s no shame in not drinking anymore once you’ve reached your limit.
2. Eat Before Drinking
Here’s a top tip that I’d like to get you up to speed: don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach. If you haven’t eaten anything, your body absorbs alcohol faster, making you drunk. Eating a solid meal before going out can reduce the absorption of alcohol. This helps you enjoy the night without getting too drunk. Make sure you eat a healthy meal before drinking alcohol. Plus, it will give you the energy to dance the night away!
3. Stay Hydrated
There’s a reason why my “more experienced” friends recommend drinking water when drinking alcohol. Confused why? Alcohol is a diuretic, which means you will lose more water than usual. This is why you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night after drinking. To solve this problem, make it a habit to drink water between drinks. A simple trick is to replace each drink with a glass of water. This will keep you hydrated and even save you from that unpleasant morning hangover.
4. Choose Quality Over Quantity
The popular phrase “less is more” applies to drinking. Instead of indulging in cheap options and drinking a variety of drinks, choose quality. Ask for a well-crafted cocktail or a fine wine. When you focus on the taste and experience, you automatically drink more slowly and enjoy it. In addition, high-quality drinks have fewer impurities – which can cause intoxication.
5. Plan your trip
This is a no-brainer – don’t drink and drive! Always have a plan for how you will get home. Arrange for a sober driver, use a ride-sharing service, or rely on public transportation. Knowing you have a safe way to get back home without worrying about the consequences can help you relax and feel happier. So, before indulging in a drink, make sure your transportation is sorted.
6. Mixed Thoughts
Ask anyone – a friend, an experienced elder, or even a bartender – and they will all advise against mixing different types of drinks because you never know how they will end up. Stick to one type of drink at night to manage your alcohol intake better. Also, remember the mixer. Sugary sodas and energy drinks can mask the taste of alcohol, making you drink more. If you prefer mixed drinks, choose natural juice or low sugar.
7. See Friends
Drinking responsibly isn’t just about you; it’s also about looking out for friends. Keep an eye on your friends and make sure everyone is having fun without overdoing it. If you see someone drinking too much, step in and offer help. Get them water, get them home safely, or just be there to support them.
See also: 5 Low-Sugar Mocktails For The Weekend That Don’t Mess With Taste
Do you have any other tips to remember about drinking responsibly? Let us know in the comments below!