Protective Drinking Behavior
If you choose to drink, drink safely
Try These Protective Behaviors
- Avoid drinking games.
- Eat before you drink. Eat while you drink. Heavy meals and protein slow down the absorption of alcohol.
- Use a sober driver – someone who has not had any drinks. Decide who this is BEFORE you go out.
- Decide on a set number of drinks BEFORE you start partying.
- Sip and savor your drink – don’t gulp it.
- Pace yourself to one drink per hour or less.
- Keep track of how many drinks you have.
- Agree with a friend before hand to let you know when you’ve reached your limit.
- Alternate alcohol with water, or other non-alcoholic drinks.
- Don’t drink something if you’re not sure what kind or how much alcohol is in it.
- Avoid taking any kind of over the counter medication during and after drinking. Alcohol combined with over the counter medications such as cold medicine can intensify the effect of the medication and cause adverse reactions.
- See drinking as something extra, not as a remedy for boredom, stress or emotional crisis.
- Be sure there is adequate food readily available to all guests.
- Have non-alcoholic options available.
- Plan the party to focus on something other than alcohol.
- Arrange alternate transportation for guests as needed.
