We've all been there. We've all hit the sauce a little too much every now and then. If not, we've witnessed someone do so. Whether it's you or someone else that had too much to drink, here are some tips on how to handle alcohol properly and have the most fun out of it.
1. Preparation
My father always told me to have a spoonful of butter before drinking. This is because you get drunk faster if you're hungry and all the alcohol can hit you all at once. Having an empty stomach on top of that just simply adds salt to the wound. At that point, the situation can become more of a medical problem rather than a good time. Another point of preparation is accommodation. Where are you staying for the night? Do you have a ride home? Do you have anything planned for the next day? These are the kind of questions you need to ask yourself before drinking. The last thing you want is to complete a long to-do list hungover. Speaking of hangovers, it can't hurt to always keep a bottle of Advil handy.
2. Limits
Alcohol Poisoning is real. There is such a thing as having too much fun. We all have an alcohol limit which varies amongst person to person. For some, it's obvious while others not so much. Does that mean you should try to find out what your limit is? Absolutely not. Obviously, most people don't drink for that purpose, but you never know. That's why knowing is power. If you know your limits, you can still have a good time without endangering yourself and others around you.
3. Good Company
Let's be honest. Most alcohol tastes horrible, and nine times out of ten you're not drinking alcohol for the taste. You're probably drinking alcohol for the effects. It's really important to be drinking with good friends and family because they're essentially your safety net. Plus, you'll have a lot more fun if you're drinking with them. They'll take care of you if you've gone past your limit simply because you'd do the same for them. Drinking alone or with strangers can be kind of dangerous especially if you don't know how your body reacts to certain drinks. Good company offsets the taste of alcohol.
4. Pressure
It's going to happen sooner or later. Someone is going to pressure you into drinking more or drinking something you don't want to drink. Saying no can mean the difference between life and death. If you're with good company, they aren't going to force you to drink. Sure you may get a couple of comments from them, but they're only words. There are a lot of valid reasons to not drink. Besides, your friends may thank you later when they need someone to drive them to Taco Bell.
5. Memories
A lot of things happen when you're under the influence. That's why it's also important to enjoy the moment and capture it as well. Some good memories can actually happen while you're drinking with those you care for. Then getting the chance to reflect on them years from now is always so sweet. At the same time, you'll have to be careful about what memories you make. We've all seen how many accidents occur because of alcohol. They cause regrets more than memories. Alcohol can be a potion or a poison depending on how you use it.
Alcohol is not a requirement for a happy life. Healthy lifestyles never include alcohol, but it somehow makes its way towards us. When that happens, just be responsible and hold on to your common sense as long as you can. If you can't make sure, someone you trust does retain theirs. Memories will be made and regrets will never occur as long as you be responsible.
