Going out tonight? Here is a simple checklist of things to keep your night-out fun
and safe.
Before heading out to a party
- Eat a full meal. Eating high protein foods
will slow down the absorption rate so alcohol won’t hit your system
all at once.
- Find out how you’re getting to the party and how you’re
getting home safely. There
are many options out there such as having a sober designated driver,
using Bill’s
Bus, or calling other Santa Barbara taxis.
- Set a limit on how many drinks you’ll have. Keep track of
your drinks by recording
it on your phone, arm, or even just telling it to a friend
-- this way you know
when you’ve had enough.
- Plan on using the buddy system with your friends. By
sticking together and leaving together it will help prevent unwanted
hook-ups or
anyone being left behind.
- Think about whether or not you’re drinking for the right
reasons. It’s fun to celebrate a birthday or a special occasion but
if you’re drinking
to reduce stress, get over a breakup, or release anger, remember
that alcohol is
a depressant and will only amplify the feelings you already have.
At a Party:
- Keep an eye on your drink and your surroundings. Trust
your instincts.
- Pace yourself
and alternate your drinks with water or any other non-alcoholic
beverages. It takes your liver about 1 hour to process each
alcoholic drink, depending
on your size, food consumed, and other factors.
- Don’t mix your drinks. Stick with
one type of alcohol. Alternating different types of alcohol will
raise and lower
the sugar in your bloodstream, which can make you sick and put an
end to a fun night.
- Be cautious of drinking games. When playing them, it’s hard
to judge how much
you are drinking and in how long of a time span.
After a Party:
- Leave with your
friends.
- Drink lots of water to counteract the dehydration from the
alcohol and
to prevent a hangover the next day.
- Make sure everyone gets home safely.
- If
any of your friends are still very intoxicated, don’t leave them
alone. Be sure
to check on them throughout the night since their BAC (Blood Alcohol
Concentration)
can still rise even though they’ve stopped drinking. Know the signs
of Alcohol
Poisoning
in case your friend needs help.