Drinking responsibly

If you find it hard to control or cut down on your drinking, try our tips on how to drink responsibly.

How can I drink responsibly?

• Before you go out, make up your mind if you’re drinking or not. If you are, decide how many drinks and what type of alcohol you’re drinking. Make your target a sensible one and stick to it.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach. If you have something to eat before start drinking, it will help your body absorb alcohol more slowly.
• Keep an eye on your drink at all times to make sure no one spikes it.
• Pace your drinking – don’t have more than one drink an hour. Try to have non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda or juice in between.
• Stick to the recommended daily limits.
• Don’t mix drinks, drink doubles or play drinking games. You could end up drinking more than you realise.
• Try not to get drunk or lose control, as this could lead to problems and get you into trouble.
• Never drive after drinking.

I find it hard to cut down, what should I do?

• Cut back on social activities that involves drinking and try those that don't involve drinking at all.
• Reduce the number of times a week that you go out for a drink.
• Go out to the pub or club later in the evening to give yourself less time to drink.
• Don’t let anyone pressure you into drinking more than you want.