- Tips for Low-Risk Drinking
Low-risk drinking means drinking in a way that minimizes negative consequences, in the short or long term. It does not mean “safe” drinking.
FOUR STEPS TO LOW RISK DRINKING:
1. MAKE CHOICES
- The choice NOT to drink is always a low-risk choice.
- Decide how you are going to drink before you are in a drinking situation.
- If you are tired, sick or even upset, alcohol can affect you more than usual.
- Don't mix alcohol with drugs, non-prescription medications, prescriptions, or illicit drugs.
- Follow campus, local and state laws. Do the crime… Do the time!
- Remember that any amount of alcohol is high-risk legally, if the person is under the age of 21.
- Make a choice each time you drink.
- Just because you choose to drink in one setting, doesn't mean you have to drink in every setting.
- A single drink can impair your judgment. Know your limits, stick to them!
- Drinking within the limits of the FDA guide lines reduces the chance of having an alcohol use disorder and related health problems.
- It’s not all or nothing.
- You can choose to drink a beer and switch to soda or vice versa.
2. LEARN ABOUT ALCOHOL
- Know what counts as a drink - Some people think they can have more beer than other kinds of alcohol because they think it has less alcohol. False! The total amount of alcohol in a serving is what counts. Each of the drinks below contains the same amount of alcohol
- Count your drinks accurately - If a drink is made strong, it could be more than 1 standard drink which could lead to greater intoxication than usual. Avoid drinking punches or drinking out of a liquor bottle. Use a shot glass to measure liquor whenever possible. Straight Liquor shots are absorbed rapidly into the body which can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication and impaired judgment very quickly.
A Standard Drink…
12 oz. Beer
8 oz. Ice or malt liquor
4 oz. Wine
10 oz. Wine cooler
1.25 oz.
80 proof
1 oz.
100 proof
3. Know Your Limit
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) - BAC is the ratio of alcohol to blood in your body, usually expressed as a percent. Most states set .08 % BAC as the legal limit for drivers over 21 years old. Any measurable amount of alcohol is unlawful for those under 21.
- Factors that influence BAC:
- - Amount of Alcohol Consumed
- - Rate at Which a Person Drinks - Your body can handle ONE standard drink per hour. Spread your drinks out.
- - Weight and Body Mass- The amount of blood available to mix with the alcohol
- - Gender - Women have 33% less enzymes to metabolize alcohol and less blood volume even at equal weight.
- - Amount of Food in the stomach - A full stomach slows absorption of alcohol. Eat before and while drinking.
- - Being dehydrated, tired or sick can affect your reaction to alcohol
- - Prescription medicine or any other drugs can have dangerous interactions. Always check with your doctor.
4. Have a Plan
Some suggested strategies are:
- It is always ok to say "no,"
- Preset a personal drinking limit every time you choose to drink.
- Eat before and while you drink.
- Count and pace your drinks by drinking slowly and not having more than one drink each hour.
- Purchase water, soda or other nonalcoholic beverages to drink between drinks.
- Do not combine caffeinated energy drinks and alcohol.
- Stop when you have reached your pre set limit.
- Plan how you will get home safely. Never mix drinking and driving.
Also see Being Alcohol Free at UNH
