IF YOU MUST DRINK ...

Before we go any further, we are not suggesting this is the decision you make. But if you are going to drink, then at least use some guidelines in keeping safe. We know some of you who read these pages are still going to drink, so we felt it necessary to give you some guidelines.

  • Drink in moderation; don't plan on getting crunk!

  • Don't drink on an empty stomach. Food helps absorb the alcohol so its affects are less. Food high in protein is the best!

  • Avoid salty foods because you will be thirstier and more apt to drink more.

  • Don't rely on mixers to help dilute the alcohol. Carbonated drinks help the alcohol to be absorbed into your system more quickly. Sweet drinks like fruit juices can hide the taste of alcohol and give you a false sense of not drinking as much as you are.

  • Drink water in between alcoholic drinks. You will be less thirsty and less likely to drink more alcohol than you can tolerate.

  • Don't think coffee or any other caffeine drink will offset the effects of alcohol.

  • Never drink and drive. Make sure you have a designated driver before you start drinking. If all else fails, call a friend who is not at the party to take you home. Leave your car and your keys at home so there is no temptation!

  • Never operate equipment or participate in activities that could be dangerous (like swimming) after drinking.

Did you know that beer and wine are as potent as any hard liquor. All of these servings contain the same amount of alcohol:

  • 12 ounces of beer

  • 5 ounces of wine

  • 12 ounces of wine cooler

  • 1-1/2 ounces of hard liquor

Don't forget that drinking is illegal until you're 21. Despite all of this, however, some teens do drink. If you decide to drink, keep it to a minimum. Stick to one or two drinks only, and avoid drinks with sugary mixers. Don't drink on an empty stomach -- the danger of hypoglycemia is too great. On the other hand, don't let yourself pig out when you drink. Then you'll face the opposite problem. Also, learn the alcohol and carbohydrate content of various drinks. Choose the ones with lower alcohol and sugar. And always wear your medical ID, especially if you drink -- just in case.

Some of these suggestions were taken from:

Australian Medical Association
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

 

What Is Alcohol? The Dangers of Alcohol The Legal Drinking Age
Alcohol and The Teenage Brain Drinking and Driving If You Must Drink
  Short and Long Term Affects
of Alcohol		 Let's Party and Get Crunk
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All reference sources are listed on the individual pages.