Drinking alcohol can be a fun and social experience, but it’s important to do so responsibly to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Excessive drinking or binge drinking can lead to impaired judgment, accidents, alcohol poisoning, and other serious risks. To ensure that you are always drinking safe levels of alcohol, refer to our alcohol intake guidelines for a bird’s eye view of responsible drinking.
This guide provides practical tips to ensure that you and your friends can enjoy alcohol safely while avoiding dangerous situations.
-
Planning ahead: set yourself up for a safe night
- Know your limits – Everyone’s alcohol tolerance is different, so drink at a pace that suits you.
- Eat before you drink – Drinking on an empty stomach speeds up alcohol absorption, increasing intoxication levels.
- Stay hydrated – Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to prevent dehydration and slow down alcohol consumption.
- Have a game plan – Arrange a safe way home, whether it’s a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service.
-
Drinking responsibly: how to pace yourself
- Stick to standard drinks – Understanding alcohol content in different beverages helps prevent overconsumption.
- Avoid binge drinking – Drinking too much, too quickly can increase the risk of blackouts and alcohol poisoning.
- Watch out for spiked drinks – Never leave your drink unattended and don’t accept drinks from strangers.
- Know when to stop – Recognise signs that you or a friend have had enough and encourage responsible drinking.
-
Looking out for your friends
- Recognise signs of alcohol poisoning – Symptoms include vomiting, confusion, slow breathing, or unconsciousness. If someone exhibits these signs, seek medical help immediately.
- Never leave a drunk friend alone – Make sure they get home safely and are in a secure environment.
- Help friends make safe choices – Prevent risky behaviours like drunk driving or wandering alone at night.
- Be the responsible one if needed – Sometimes, stepping in to help a friend can prevent serious harm.
-
Getting home safely
- Never drink and drive – Even if you feel okay, your BAC might still be over the legal limit. Use a personal breathalyser to check your BAC.
- Pre-arrange transport – Always have a plan for how you’ll get home safely in case you cannot drive.
- Stick together – Walking home alone, especially at night, can put you at risk. Stay with trusted friends.
-
The morning after: recovering safely
- Hangover myths vs. real solutions – Hydration, rest, and eating a good meal help more than quick-fix remedies.
- When can you drive after drinking? – Alcohol can stay in your system for hours. If unsure, use a personal breathalyser before driving.
- If you feel unwell, seek help – Extreme nausea, confusion, or vomiting could indicate alcohol poisoning.
Note that driving with a hangover can be just as bad as drink driving. Ensure you feel healthy and do not record a BAC reading before choosing to drive.
Make the responsible choice with Andatech
Drinking responsibly is about enjoying yourself while keeping safety a priority. Looking out for yourself and your friends ensures a great night out without unnecessary risks.
Whether you’re planning ahead, pacing your drinks, or making sure everyone gets home safely, small actions can make a big difference.
Want to be sure you're safe to drive? Use an AlcoSense personal breathalyser to check your BAC before getting behind the wheel. Stay responsible, stay safe, and enjoy your night out the right way!
