Responsible Drinking: How to Have Fun and Stay Safe

We all like a good night out, but drinking the wrong way can ruin the fun. Responsible drinking means you get the buzz you want while keeping risks low. Below are simple habits you can start using tonight.

Know Your Limits

Everyone processes alcohol differently. A good rule is to count how many standard drinks you have and stop before you feel the buzz turning into a wobble. If you’re not sure what a standard drink looks like, think of a 330 ml bottle of beer, a 100 ml glass of wine, or a 30 ml shot of spirits. Keep a mental note or write it down on your phone.

Set a personal limit before you start. It could be two drinks before dinner and one after. When you hit that number, switch to water or a soft drink. This tiny pause helps you see how you feel and prevents you from going overboard.

Smart Choices When You’re Out

Never drink on an empty stomach. Eating protein, carbs, or fat slows alcohol absorption, so you stay steadier. A quick snack like nuts or cheese can make a big difference.

Stay hydrated. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. It keeps you from feeling too drunk and helps avoid a nasty hangover the next morning.

Watch the pace. One drink per hour is a safe benchmark. If you’re in a busy bar, ask the bartender to serve you a smaller pour or a low‑alcohol beer. Those little tweaks keep the night enjoyable.

Watch out for peer pressure. If friends push you to finish a drink, politely say no. You’re in charge of your own body, and a simple "I’m good, thanks" works fine.

Plan your way home. Have a designated driver, book a rideshare, or use public transport. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve had any alcohol. It protects you and everyone else on the road.

Know the signs that you’ve had too much: slurred speech, trouble walking, or feeling nauseous. If any of these show up, stop drinking, sip water, and give yourself time to recover before heading out again.

Being responsible doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It just means you’re looking after yourself and the people around you. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll wake up feeling good instead of regretting a night that got out of hand.