Responsible drinking

• Plan how you're going to get home before you leave. Make sure you have got numbers for taxis and keep aside enough money to get home safely
• Try turning up to the bar or party later than usual, to minimise your drinking time, or kick off with a soft drink to stop you feeling so thirsty.
• Eat before you go out, or during the evening, as eating slows alcohol absorption. Go for food that takes a long time to digest, such as bread, cheese, potato and pasta, as this will line your stomach. A pint of milk is also thought to have the same effect.
• Have an idea how many units are in drinks and how many units you are drinking.
• If you can, avoid caffeinated mixer drinks. Caffeine can speed up alcohol absorption.
• Drink water regularly to stay refreshed and re-hydrated
• Avoid being part of a big group drinking in rounds
• Use soft drink spacers to pace yourself - a tonic looks just the same as a vodka and tonic. A cola looks the same with or without the rum
• Try not to mix your drinks, because you're only adding to the number of toxins that your body has to deal with. 
• Avoid people topping up your drinks and don’t leave your drink unattended.
• Don't accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended - it's all too easy for someone to spike your drink
• Look out for your friends and make sure they look out for you
• Remember drinks poured at home are often bigger than pub measures
• Don’t drink and drive and don’t accept a lift from anyone who has been drinking 

For more information on units and alcohol see the Drinks of Britain document below.