How To Avoid Being Blackout Drunk During Holiday Parties

It's the holidays and that means lots of festive gatherings with friends and family. According to studies, the average American drinks 100% more alcohol during the holiday season. The problem with this is that many holiday merry-makers end up getting blackout drunk.

Being blackout drunk means being so intoxicated that you lose the memory of what happened the night or day before. You can't remember what took place or what you did because you drank too much. Some even pass out and can't remember how they got home.

How can you avoid being blackout drunk? If you're worried about having one too many cocktails and winding up embarrassingly drunk or worse, being blackout drunk, don't worry. We've got you covered! Just follow these simple tips and you'll be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about ending up in a drunken stupor.

Limit Yourself to Only One Drink Per Hour

Gulping one drink after another is never a good idea. This is the easiest way to flood your system with alcohol which can result in you blacking out. The liver can only process one standard drink per hour so if you find yourself drinking two or more glasses of wine or bottles of beer in an hour, you're on your way to binge drinking.

To avoid being blackout drunk, limit yourself to only one drink per hour. Drink slowly. Sip instead of gulping down the alcohol. This way, your body will have time to break down the alcohol you are consuming. Don't be afraid to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water or non-alcoholic beverages.

Eat Before and During the Party

Alcohol is a lot more potent when it's in your system on an empty stomach. If you drink without eating, your body absorbs the alcohol faster. It is then recommended to eat before you drink or drink your alcohol with food.

You should eat foods that are high in carbs like bread, pasta or potatoes. Also consider snacking while drinking alcohol, which can also help space out your drinking.

Drink Lots of Water

Make it a habit to drink one glass of water between alcoholic drinks. This will also help to prevent the dehydration associated with heavy drinking which can result in hangovers and headaches after the party is over.

Engage in Conversations and Activities

If you're worried about being forced to drink more than you can handle, a good tip is to engage in conversations. The more you talk, the less you'll be tempted to drink. If you're stuck talking with someone at the party who is pressuring you about drinking, simply excuse yourself, and find another conversation partner.

You can also take part in activities like dancing if you're in a club or concert. If you are in a pub, go to the billiards table or darts area to play some games. This will keep you busy and hopefully,  distracted from drinking.

Don’t Accept Any Drink from Just Anyone

Free drinks may seem like a perk of the holiday season, but it's important to remember that not everyone has your best interests at heart. Don't accept any drink from just anyone.

It's always a good idea to watch your drink being poured or have a friend hold onto your drink for you. If you're drinking from a bottle or can, don't leave it unattended. You want to avoid having your drink spiked with more alcohol or drugs.

Remember That You Don’t Have to Say Yes to Every Drink

Finally, learn how to say no. It's okay to refuse a drink. You don't have to drink just because everyone else is. If you're not in the mood for alcohol, there's no shame in ordering a soft drink or water instead.

Saying no is one of the most important things you can do to avoid being blackout drunk. You don't want to compromise your health just because you want to fit in. If someone forces you to drink, be ready with a simple excuse like "I'm driving" or "I'm on antibiotics" to get out of drinking.

These are just a few tips to help you avoid being blackout drunk during the holiday season. Just remember to drink in moderation, eat before and during the party, and drink lots of water. And if all else fails, try to stick with people you know so you can keep an eye on each other. By following these tips, you'll be able to have a good time without endangering your health in the process.