Drinking for Dummies: How to Party Responsibly

Picture this: You’re out with friends for the first time in a while, enjoying some much- needed catch-up time and a few (likely overpriced) adult beverages. The cover band starts playing your favorite song. Someone orders a round of shots. You slam one down, hit the dance floor and—bam! The rest of your night is a blur. The next morning, however? You won’t soon forget the way you feel.

If any of this sounds like you, it’s okay. We’ve all been there. But with the right know- how and a little self-control, you can decrease your hangovers and improve your party game.

Pro tip: Stuff your face.

With food, that is. Food coats your stomach and protects it from the acidity in alcohol, especially hard liquor. So the more you eat before a night of drinking, the better. Try to eat something before you go out, and also while you’re out. If you’re trying to eat healthy (or if you’re trying to watch your budget), throw a fiber-rich granola bar in your bag before leaving home. Snack on it later while you enjoy a drink or two—the fiber will slow down how quickly your body absorbs the alcohol.

Pro tip: Take a multivitamin to reduce hangovers.

Your mom always told you to take your vitamins. Turns out she was right! Not only is a multivitamin good for your overall health, but its nutrients can also help fight off pesky hangovers.

Pro tip: Chug, chug, chug...all the water.

Everyone knows that you’re supposed to drink plenty of water before and after consuming alcohol. But did you know that drinking water while you drink alcohol can actually help? When your stomach is full of water, it’s not as easy to drink as much alcohol—and staying hydrated between drinks can also help prevent a nasty hangover the next morning.

Pro tip: Skip the hangover food.

While it may be tempting to roll out of bed and head straight for any (and every) drive- thru within a three-mile radius, that hangover food isn’t doing you as much good as you think. Instead of a greasy burger, eat something that’s full of vitamins. Your body needs them more than ever right now!

Pro tip: Take it seriously.

Some people can handle their alcohol. Others can’t. If you feel like drinking is getting in the way of your day-to-day life and preventing you from working, spending time with family and living a healthy life, it may be time to step back and reevaluate your partying habits.

Pro tip: Don’t drink and drive.

Ever. This should be a given. Every time you get behind the wheel of a car after drinking, you put yourself, your family and every other person on the road at risk. And nothing is worth that.