Now that the warm weather is here, the thought of sitting on a patio and having a few drinks is a lot more appealing. There’s also bar hopping, beach parties, and we all know summer is prime time for weddings, and bachelorette parties. But with all those opportunities to drink, you’re bound to over do it at some point. As hard as you’re (usually) trying to drink responsibly, sometimes you don’t realize you’re too far gone before it’s too late. We all make mistakes, but some bad drinking habits are a lot more damaging to your health, and let’s face it, your reputation, than you think.
- Not eating enough. If you know you’re going to be having a few drinks that night, you should make sure you eat a decent meal full of carbs and protein. The food will help absorb some of the alcohol, and you won’t feel as drunk.
- Mixing different alcohols. You’ve probably heard someone say “beer before liquor, you’ve never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear,” and there’s actually some truth to it. Because of the speed you’re drinking, and the different alcohol percentages, if you switch back and forth, you’re going to end up drinking way more than you think you are. It’s best to just stick to one or the other, but if you must mix, follow the rhyme.
- Letting people peer pressure you. If you say you don’t want to take a shot of tequila, then you don’t have to take a shot of tequila. Anyone who calls you silly for not partaking in every single round at the bar isn’t exactly a friend anyway.
- Not drinking any water. Since alcohol dehydrates you (and causes those awful next day headaches) you should actually have a glass of water after every drink. If you forget to do that, then at least chug a bottle before you go to bed. It will be worth the middle of the night bathroom trip.
- Drinking too many sugary drinks. If you’re ordering cocktails like sex on the beach, margaritas, and long island iced teas all night, not only are you mixing different types of liquor, but you’re drinking a lot of empty calories in the form of sugary mix. If you want a zero calorie option, try a vodka and soda, with lime.
- Mixing alcohol with caffeine. Those vodka red bulls might taste good, but they’re a terrible idea. One study found that people drinking vodka and high caffeine energy drinks all night are 600% more likely to experience heart palpitations. So keep your booze and caffeine separate.
- Thinking you’re okay to drive, even a couple blocks. Even if you’re in a residential area and the likelihood of being pulled over by the cops is slim, that shouldn’t be a reason to drive drunk. You could still get into an accident and hurt yourself or someone else, so either stay over or call a cab.
- Passing out without washing your face. When you get home at 2am and all you want to do is stuff your face with whatever drunk food you picked up on your journey and then pass out, washing your makeup off doesn’t seem that important. But when you wake up in the morning with your mascara all crusty, and your eyeshadow all over your pillow cases you’re going to regret being so lazy.
- Hooking up with random guys. While the occasional alcohol-fueled one night stand can be a great time, it can also be dangerous if you’re doing it on a regular basis. When your inhibitions are lowered you might do something you wouldn’t normally do, like not use a condom.
- Getting so wasted that you black out. Do you ever wake up somewhere and not remember how you got there? Even if it’s usually just your friend’s couch or your own bathroom floor, being so drunk that you don’t remember things isn’t ideal. Your friends aren’t going to want to go out with you if you’re always the hot mess that they have to drag home at the end of the night.
- Walking home alone. Sure, it’s only 15 minutes, but you never know what could happen in those 15 minutes. Play it safe and either walk with someone, or call a cab. Your safety is worth the money.
