If you think that responsible drinking begins and ends with finding a designated driver, you have a lot to learn. Drunk driving is just one of many ways that you can get hurt, hurt someone else, wind up in jail or get your drunken antics posted on social media, possibly ruining your reputation and your career. Responsible drinking isn’t that difficult; it just requires a little education and forethought.
- Know your alcohol content. One drink is more complicated than you may think. You may have heard that “one drink” means one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot of hard alcohol, and that the amount of alcohol in each is generally equal. Not true. Beer can range from about 5% to 15% alcohol, depending on the type and brand. Wine can range from about 8% to about 23%. Hard alcohol is labeled in “proof” which is twice the alcohol content. 100 proof is 50% alcohol. Some cocktails, such as margaritas, contain more alcohol than a mixed drink like a rum and coke.
- Know when to slow down. You may have also heard that you should have no more than one drink per hour. One drink per hour can still put you over the legal limit for driving or public intoxication.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
- Drink lots of water as you drink your alcoholic drinks.
- If you are going out or to a party, don’t drink alone. Drink with people you know and trust.
- Even if you are with people you know and trust, always keep an eye on your drink to make sure no one slips you something.
- Always have a plan for how you will get home. Have a designated driver or plan to take a cab. In fact, even if you have a designated driver, be prepared to take a cab if your designated driver falls through for some reason. Never plan on walking home alone after you have been drinking, and never drive to a bar or party hoping you’ll find a ride home.
- Do not take a ride from a stranger or someone who has been drinking.
- Do not drink while taking prescription medications without clearing it with your doctor first.
- Do not try to chug a beer or down a bunch of shots. You may not feel much right away but you could wind up with alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.
- Do print out our Stay Safe guide to help keep you and your loved ones safe after an accident.
About Altrumedia
