Being responsible is fun, alcohol poisoning is not
If you enjoy drinking, it’s important to know your limit and stay within it. Know what your tolerance is and what your body and mind can handle.Not knowing how to drink responsibly can lead to dangerous situations for yourself, your friends and family, and bystanders too.It is important to make sure you are always in control of the situation and to not let alcohol take control of you.
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The following list has some tips for drinking responsibly.
- Make a game plan for the evening.
- Spend your time with friends you can trust.
- Have a buddy system with at least one other friend to keep each other safe.
- Know your limits before you begin drinking.
- Plan for how you will get home before you go out drinking:
a) Do not drink and drive under any circumstances.
b) Plan to take a cab, public transportation with a buddy, or have a friend or family member who has not been drinking pick you up. - Do not drink illegally: if you’re underage, you should not be drinking.
- Never drink on an empty stomach; always eat before you begin drinking.
- Don’t drink if you’re not in a positive frame of mind.
- If you’re on any prescription medications, check with your doctor before you drink.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day prior to drinking and throughout the night.
- Always know what is in your drink. Never accept drinks you didn’t see opened or made.
- Pace yourself:
a) Most bodies metabolize about one drink per hour
b) Know your body’s limit. - Make sure you are comfortable with your surroundings.
- Don’t give in to peer pressure:
a) It is okay not to drink at all.
b) Keep the same drink in your hand throughout the night so that it appears you are consistently drinking — this can discourage people from bugging you to drink more than you want to drink. - If you’re starting to feel drunk, stop drinking.
- If you have had too much and feel sick, lay on your side in a safe space and make sure you tell your buddy that you’re not feeling well.
- Never accept a drink from a stranger.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended.
- Know your limits while you’re drinking.
- Have fun!
Photo by Mariah Bridgeman/The Ontarion.