Alcohol

#1 What’s Your Why?

Taking time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and the reasons you choose to consume it can help you have a healthier relationship with the substance, creating more of the experiences you want to have and minimizing negative outcomes. 

First, consider how your values align with your choice to consume.

• What feelings, actions, or benefits do you want to experience from using alcohol?
• Consider what your expectations are when you use (e.g., forget about troubles, feel calm, socialize with friends, reduce pain, etc.).
• Consider things you do not want to occur (e.g., lose control, memory issues, increased anxiety, academic problems).

#2 Be aware of the amount of alcohol you're consuming

Standard drinks contain approximately the same amount of alcohol and help estimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This means that 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, and 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor all contain approximately the same amount of alcohol. It's important to understand standard-size drinks because the liver typically processes one standard-size drink per hour.

It's also important to note that alcohol isn't always served in a container that's equivalent to a standard-size drink. The Alcohol Beverage Volume (ABV) also plays a factor. ABV in craft beers, wines, liquors, and mixed drinks are not always equivalent to the ABV of a standard drink.

When you consume alcohol, it goes into your stomach and small intestine, where it's then absorbed by the bloodstream. Your liver works to break it down, but can only process about one standard-size drink per hour. As the alcohol concentration builds up in the blood, BAC increases. There are predictable physical effects of increased BAC, including impairment in judgment, reaction time, motor control, vision, perceptions, and the ability to process information. High BAC levels increase the potential for negative outcomes.

more on BAC & how to calculate

#3 Avoid mixing alcohol and other substances

Using one substance at a time is more likely to result in a safer experience. Mixing two or more substances can make it challenging to predict what will happen or how you will be affected, and can result in adverse side effects.

Play it safe by only using one substance at a time. Be aware that the majority of medications caution users to Not Drink with Alcohol.

#4 Wait before engaging in activities that may put you at a higher risk

It's common knowledge that you should not drink and drive.
Because most individuals generally don’t know how much alcohol they have consumed, or what their BAC might be, it is advised that you do not drink or drive, even if you think you “feel fine”.

Understand that even if you think you've had plenty of time since your last drink, your BAC could continue to rise. The liver can only process one drink per hour, and it can take several hours for your BAC to be zero.

Don’t take the risk.

# 5 Reduce your risk  

• Plan your night out
• Know your limit: set a drink limit and stick to it
• Eat before and while drinking alcohol
• Pace yourself at one drink per hour (drinking water or non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic ones can help)
• Avoid intentional excessive drinking
• Avoid drinking games
• Respect a person’s decision not to drink
• Have a designated driver or rideshare prepared in advance

#6 Know the signs of alcohol poisoning

Be mindful that it is not your job to decide if someone is “okay” and needs to sleep it off.
Call for assistance if you see ANY signs of alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning symptoms and signs:

• Confusion
• Slow or no reflexes or response
• Difficulty or inability to remain conscious
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Clammy, pale, or bluish lips
• Seizures

What should I do if I suspect Alcohol Poisoning?