If you’re headed to a New Year’s Eve party this week – or hosting one – be cautious about drinking and serving alcohol.

When you drink alcohol, your critical decision-making abilities and driving-related skills decline long before you show obvious signs of intoxication. You can become a danger to yourself and others.

When You’re the Guest

The safest course of action is not to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink, be responsible.

Set a safe limit for yourself before you start drinking. A standard-sized drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or one shot of hard liquor in a mixed drink. Consider this when deciding how much to drink.

Make arrangements in advance for a safe way to get home. For example, choose someone who doesn’t drink alcohol or someone you can trust to stay sober to be your designated driver. Or use a ride-sharing service.

Eat something before you start drinking, or eat along with drinking alcohol. This will slow down your body’s absorption of alcohol. It can also help decrease stomach irritation and gastrointestinal distress the following day.

Don't drink when tired or taking medicine. Mixing alcohol and medicines puts you at risk for dangerous and even fatal reactions.

When You’re the Host

Whoever serves alcohol has some legal responsibility for the actions of those who drink too much, even after they leave. Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself and your guests from harm.

Stay sober. The only way you can act responsibly is to keep a clear head.

Hire a professional bartender. Make sure the bartender is trained to recognize intoxicated people and stop them from driving.

Don't let guests mix their own drinks. You lose control of the quantity served.

Offer a variety of alcohol-free drinks, healthy foods and snacks. Make flavorful juices, sparkling sodas and mocktails available to your guests. Serve food so that your guests don’t drink on an empty stomach.

Help your guests get home safely. Stop serving alcohol one to two hours before the party ends. Use designated drivers, ride-sharing services and taxis. Only people who have not had alcohol should drive.

Never serve alcohol to those who are underage. If you are a parent of underage children, set a good example for them.

Source:
National Institutes of Health
The StayWell Company, LLC