Tips For Safe Summer Drinking

With summer in full swing, we at Bailey & Associates hope you are fully enjoying yourselves.  Maybe you’re spending time enjoying a meal on a restaurant patio, relaxing at the beach, or at cookouts with friends and family. We understand that often these activities involve drinking alcohol.  Enjoying a glass of rose, a summer cocktail, or a cold beer can be a big part of socializing.  

Sometimes being safe and smart about alcohol consumption isn’t on the forefront of our minds.  Here are some tips and tricks for safe drinking during summertime activities:

-Stay hydrated! - The sun is hot and alcohol makes us dehydrated.  If you are drinking outdoors be sure to drink water periodically.  One glass of water for each alcoholic beverage is a good idea. 

-Maybe stick to one drink per hour?  It’s a good rule of thumb.  Your body processes about one alcoholic beverage per hour.  If you don’t drink too much, too fast, you won’t get drunk as quickly.

-Be sure to eat a meal.  If you are drinking at a cookout or at the beach, don’t skip the food.  Our bodies need that nourishment.

-Stay mindful of your body and your surroundings.  We don’t want any unfortunate, alcohol-related accidents.  

-Look out for your friends.  If someone is slurring their words, their eyes seem out of focus, or they are having trouble walking, keep an eye on them.  If their heart rate is slowing too much they may need medical care.

-Be very careful about taking other drugs if you are already intoxicated.  It’s especially risky to take benzos or opiates once you have been drinking alcohol.

-Make a plan to get home safely.  Don’t drive!  Bicycling can seem tempting, but it’s not safe either.  Rely on public transit, walking, a cab, or a Lyft.  Communicate with friends once you are safe at home, and have them do the same.  Looking out for each other is key.

-If you are in recovery, remember your relapse prevention skills.  Reach out to sober friends or attend a meeting if that is helpful.

Enjoy your time!  But don’t forget to stay mindful of safety.
If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, review our addiction and harm reduction pages for more information about ways we can help.