Alcohol is one of the most regularly used substances in the U.S. and frequent use can lead to serious health consequences. It is best not to drink at all but for those who already do, any reduction of alcohol use, no matter how much, is always an important step toward better health. For the 2nd week of Alcohol Awareness Month, we are sharing Moderation Strategies recommended by the Partnership to End Addiction to help those who drink
minimize their health risks by cutting back on alcohol use:
Eat & Hydrate - never drink on an empty stomach. Eating prior to consuming alcohol and drinking water in between alcoholic drinks can help prevent blackouts and avoid alcohol poisoning.
Sips Are Safer - taking small sips of a beverage is better than downing it quickly. Binge drinking of 4-5 drinks in a short time span can lead to poor decision making, blackouts, and alcohol poisoning.
What You Drink Matters - not all alcohol is the same. Measure and be aware of what you drink and how much is being consumed. A drink is considered to be 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of hard alcohol.
Nix the Mix - mixing alcohol with any other substances can be harmful and cause a person to become even more intoxicated or overdose.
Less is More - it's always a good idea to choose drinks with lower alcohol content - try light beer or alternate by drinking tasty mocktails.
Travel Safely - never drive under the influence. Have a safe plan in place - designate a driver who will remain sober or schedule a ride-share like Uber or Lyft in advance.
Abstinence Days - join efforts like "Dry January" or "Sober October" to take time off from drinking. This may reevaluate your relationship with alcohol - try it with a buddy to support each other.
Alcohol Poisoning - know the signs of alcohol poisoning: vomiting, passing out, slow breathing, confusion, clammy skin, seizures. Call 911 and never leave the person alone. Roll them on their side or sit them up to avoid choking. MYTHS THAT DON'T HELP: cold showers, coffee, sleeping it off.
More Harm Reduction Strategies for Alcohol
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