For many of us, alcohol plays an integral role in our social lives Especially on New Years Eve. For Brits & North Americans certainly, drinking is one of the most popular past times. But unlike other hobbies, practice doesn’t necessarily make you any better at it. In fact, the more you do it, and the worse your habits are, the more you put your health and well-being at risk.
No matter how accomplished or experienced you may think you are in the ‘art’ of drinking, it can be easy to let alcohol get the better of you – and before you know it, you’re saying and doing irrational things you wouldn’t normally say or do.
When out on the town this holiday season, there are steps you can take to ensure things don’t get too messy. So, here’s what to do to help you stay safe, sensible and around in the new year:
Line Your Stomach
Alcohol has a much stronger effect when consumed on an empty stomach – so before you go out, make sure you have a decent meal inside you. It’ll help to soak up the fluids you’re about to consume. If you’re in a rush to meet your friends and haven’t got the time to rustle something up, why not kill two birds with one stone and agree to meet up somewhere that serves food?
Don’t Mix
Forget the old ‘beer before wine is fine’ adages. If you want to be able to remember the rest of the evening and get home in a reasonable state, don’t mix your drinks – at all. Strong mixers and shots are often the final straw. If someone approaches you wielding a tray of Jägerbombs, don’t be afraid to chicken out. The resultant silliness and likely hangover just aren’t worth the kudos points for bravery.
Keep Your Friends Close
It’s always important to keep track of your friends when on a night out. If you or they have consumed a fair amount of alcohol, you’ll want to ensure they get home safely, and vice versa. If you think you may have lost someone, give them a call or ask around. However don’t ask people who are too drunk or you could get into a fight.
Know Your Limits
Knowing when to stop isn’t always easy, as alcohol can often have a delayed effect – particularly if you’re playing catch-up and drinking at a fast pace. So be sure not to rush, and drink at your leisure. When you feel as though you’ve had enough, stop. Remember, a night out is an experience you and your friends are supposed to enjoy – it shouldn’t be a test of your endurance.
And Finally…
Be careful when it comes to sex. Again, this isn’t something you should feel pressured into, drunk or not. And you certainly shouldn’t take a more relaxed stance on sex, or using protection, just because you’ve had a drink. STD’s are a common problem in the world still. So if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it – and don’t let yourself be forced into it.
If you do happen to go a little over board on the big night please check out our article for the morning after…How To Cure A Hangover ! Happy New Year!
Richard Owen recently had a painful injury after a night out and was prescribed pain relief tablets by his doctor and as bad luck would have it this inspired his recent article. Now, Richard never goes overboard on a night out.
About Douglas Smythe
