Controlling Your BAC
- Pace your drinking, allow time between drinks.
- Consider alternating non-alcoholic "decoy" drinks with those containing alcohol, i.e. drinking plain orange juice every other drink.
- Don't drink on an empty stomach. Foods with fats and/or proteins slow alcohol absorption.
- Keep track of how much you are drinking. Know how much alcohol is poured into every glass.
- Dilute distilled beverages, don't drink them straight. After the first few drinks, reduce the amount of alcohol in each drink. Your taste buds will be dulled and you won't be able to tell the difference. Switch to "light beer" (be sure it is a low alcohol one - or try the "non-alcohol" beers) or "low alcohol" wines after the first few drinks. (Again, your taste buds will be dulled and you won't be able to tell the difference.)
- Be aware of possible interactions between alcohol and other drugs (including certain foods and over-the-counter medications).
- Drink only if YOU want to, don't let others dictate your choice.
- Keep active. Don't just sit down and drink all night. If you keep active, you will drink less and will be more aware of your level of intoxication.
- Keep out of "Chugging" contests or other drinking "games." Stop drinking before the party is over, to allow your liver time to burn off some of the alcohol. Drink non-alcoholic beverages the last hour or so.
- Keep in mind that an added ice cube, a slightly smaller glass, or a "decoy" drink will go undetected by others. This may help you to resist the well-meaning efforts of others at the party who can't stand to see someone without a drink in their hand.
- Remember: Careful planning of a party can increase the pleasure for both the guests and the hosts. BAC's are good measures of the amount of pleasure (or discomfort) that will result from a particular pattern of drinking. BAC's in excess of 0.125% will NOT increase the pleasure, only the discomfort.
Responsible alcohol use means that you won't be sorry in the morning.
