Some nights out don’t end so well. And what do those nights all seem to have in common? A few too many drinks. But hey, here’s the good news: you control how much booze touches your lips!
Have a few less so you don’t end up like these drinkers ›The Waterworks
You go out to forget about your worries and have a fun night with friends. But as you keep drinking, those worries just keep getting worse. Then your ex texts you back with a simple “you’re drunk”—and your friends instinctively reach for the tissues.
HOW CAN I CHANGE? I KNOW THAT PERSON!
The Frequent Fighter
You’re all smiles for the first few drinks. A few drinks later, you swear someone looked at you funny from across the bar. Now a stranger just bumped your shoulder—and it’s on. Have fun explaining that black eye to your boss on Monday morning.
HOW CAN I CHANGE? I KNOW THAT PERSON!
The Lover
In just a few drinks, that person on the dance floor went from “meh” to “oh yeaaah”. A few drinks later, you’re making out so hard that you don’t realize the cab is headed to the suburbs. Now the morning light is streaming in and you’re sneaking out. Fast.
HOW CAN I CHANGE? I KNOW THAT PERSON!
The Party Puker
You start at home with beers and cheese puffs. Once you hit the bar, it’s a free-for-all. Shots, pints, cocktails…was that glass of red wine? A few bites into your donair and it decides to come back up to say hi—along with everything else in your stomach.
HOW CAN I CHANGE? I KNOW THAT PERSON!
The Big Spender
The first round is on you. And so is the second. A few rounds later and you’re not just buying for your friends…you’ve got the bartender busy making drop shots for a dozen strangers. You’re living large—until your credit card maxes out of course.
HOW CAN I CHANGE? I KNOW THAT PERSON!
The Disappearing Act
The whole crew is hitting the dance floor tonight. After a few of your favourite jams, you realize you’ve had a few too many of your favourite drinks. Before anyone can notice, you stumble out. Now your friends are worried—and you’re all alone.
HOW CAN I CHANGE? I KNOW THAT PERSON!
The Blackout Drunk
Whether you’re at the pub or in a basement, drinking with these friends is always some sort of competition. When you wake up, you don’t remember how you got there—but someone else does. Chances are you’ll regret it once you’re filled in.
HOW CAN I CHANGE? I KNOW THAT PERSON!
The Shining Example
Don’t see yourself in any of those drinkers? Congrats! You might be The Shining Example.
You know how to have a good time, every time. You hit a local hotspot for some great drinks, awesome food and loads of atmosphere. All night long, you’re in control. You get home safe—then wake up without any regrets. Well played.
So you’re ready to have more fun and less regrets. Good call. Just one problem: drinking a few less seems easier in theory than it does once you’ve started.
Try these tips to take controlof your night ›
EAT. then Eat some more.
Getting drunk faster on an empty stomach isn’t just a story. It’s science. Most booze gets into your blood from the small intestine. If food’s taking up some of that real estate, alcohol gets absorbed slower. So go ahead. Order that combo platter.
Slooowwww dooowwwn.
When you treat drinking like a race, you stumble over the finish line. So order something you enjoy, then take your time to enjoy it. Grab some waters in between too. They’ll space out your drinks—and put you on a hydrated path to being hangover-free.
Count those dollar dollar bills, y’all.
“Ugh…how much did I spend last night?” (Hint: too much.) Start taking a set amount of cash to the bar and it’ll put a cap on how much you spend—and how much you drink. Both will result in you feeling better the next morning.
Find good friends.
Keep good friends.
Real friends look out for each other—and still know how to have a good time. When you’re heading out for drinks, stick with friends you can trust. And be a good friend in return. Having fun is a lot easier when you know you’re safe.
When it comes to drinking, some things are even more serious than late night regrets. If you’re wondering about alcohol’s long-term effects or know someone who might have a real problem, there’s lots of help out there.
MORE ABOUT ALCOHOL
If you want to explore the science behind alcohol—and find out more on how drinking can affect you—take a look at these links.
Alcohol & Your Body Alcohol & Brain Development Low-risk drinking guidelines
Alcohol & Energy Drinks Alcohol & Other Drugs Drinking While Pregnant Women & Alcohol
Help For Addiction
Drinking can become an addiction. If you need help or are worried about a friend, call the Alberta Health Services Addictions Hotline at 1-866-332-2322 for 24-hour support.
You can also visit the AHS Addictions Site and find support services through your local directory:
Addiction services - Northern Alberta Addiction services - Edmonton Addiction services - Central Alberta Addiction services - Calgary Addiction services - Southern Alberta
If you’re in recovery from addiction, this page can help keep you on the right path:
RECOVERY & LEISURE
