Party Smart Tips

Regardless of your alcohol or recreational drug use intentions, consider these tips for your night out or in.

1. STICK WITH ONE KIND OF ALCOHOL
   Drinking various types of alcoholic beverages throughout the night can cause stomach issues. Drinking one kind of alcoholic beverage can help a person better moderate how much alcohol they consume and prevent unsafe spikes in BAC. Also, making the choice to drink one kind of alcohol sets your intention to have a better, safer night and avoid problems.

2. PACE DRINKS TO ONE OR FEWER PER HOUR
   Our bodies process around one standard drink per hour. Pacing drinks will keep your BAC within a safer range.

3. KEEP TRACK OF HOW MUCH YOU'RE DRINKING
   Standard serving sizes are 1.5 oz of 80 proof liquor, 12 oz of 5% alcohol beer, and 5 oz of 12% alcohol wine. Each has the same amount of pure alcohol. However, bars, clubs, and friends may not always serve drinks according to standard serving sizes. Know how much alcohol is in your drink and keep track of how many standard drinks you consume.

4. HAVE A FRIEND LET YOU KNOW IF YOU'VE HAD TOO MUCH
   Hold each other accountable and look out for each other. Intervene if someone is behaving in a risky way.

5. EAT BEFORE AND DURING DRINKING
   Having food in your stomach slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.

6. SET A LIMIT
   Setting a limit can help prevent someone from drinking more than they intended to, and help to avoid bad experiences and negative outcomes that can result from drinking.

7. CHOOSE NOT TO DRINK
   Just because alcohol is available and people around you are drinking, doesn’t mean you have to be drinking too, or drinking at the same rate as others. Make a choice based on what’s comfortable and safest for you.

8. AVOID DRINKING GAMES
   Drinking games encourage excessive alcohol consumption and can cause dangerous levels of intoxication. Don’t feel pressured to participate in a drinking game. Have a plan for what you’ll say to turn it down.

9. ALTERNATE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITH ALCOHOL BEVERAGES
   This will help you stay hydrated and help keep your BAC at a safer level.

10. STAY WITH THE SAME GROUP OF FREINDS
    Starting and ending the night with the same group of friends can help prevent someone from ending up in an unsafe situation.

11. HAVE A PLAN TO GET HOME SAFELY
    Whether it’s a ride-sharing app, designated driver, taxi, or walking, plan ahead for how you will get home safely.

Mixed Drinks and Mixed Signals

• Avoid caffeine and energy drinks. These types of drinks mask effects of alcohol, and you may drink more than you would otherwise.

• Avoid carbonated alcoholic drinks (e.g., rum and Coke). Carbonation will speed up the absorption rate of alcohol into the bloodstream and raise your blood alcohol level at a faster rate than normal.

• Don’t mix alcohol and other drugs. This may result in unexpected and unwanted effects.

Can I Buy You a Drink?

• If need be, bring your drink with you to the restroom, and conveniently and discreetly pour out some or all of it in the sink or toilet.

• Know your sexual intentions and communicate your limits firmly. The sooner you communicate your position on sex, the easier it will be for your partner to hear and accept your decision.

• Remember alcohol and other drugs can impair your ability to make sound sexual decisions.

• Just because you’re a man doesn’t mean you don’t have to be careful. Men can be attacked too.

• It’s never a good idea to leave a bar or party with someone you’ve just met. As nice as the person may seem, you never really know for sure—especially if you’ve been drinking and your judgment is impaired.

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right to you, it probably isn’t.

What’s the Tab?

• Avoid turning to alcohol in an attempt to reduce stress, to feel more comfortable, or to escape problems. Try to find alternative activities that will reduce stress.

• Record how much you spend on drinking.