Drink Responsibly – Advice for Safe and Sensible Alcohol Consumption
Drinking can be fun in social settings, but it's important to know your limits. Here is everything you need to know to have a good time safely.
Know your limit
Everyone reacts differently to alcohol. Body weight, gender, food intake and genetics all affect how alcohol affects you. The most important thing is to listen to your body and stop before you lose control.
Drink water in between
A glass of water between each drink reduces your blood alcohol level and helps prevent hangovers.
Eat well beforehand
A solid meal before you start drinking significantly slows the absorption of alcohol.
Take it at a steady pace
The body breaks down approximately one unit of alcohol per hour. Drink slowly and mindfully.
Plan your way home
Book a taxi or agree on a designated driver in advance. Never drive after drinking.
Recommendations
Health authorities recommend drinking in moderation. Here are some useful reference points:
Signs that you've had too much to drink
It's important to recognise the signs that you – or someone you're with – has reached their limit:
Do you need help?
Frequently asked questions about responsible drinking
What are the signs that you've had too much to drink?
Slurred speech, impaired coordination, confusion, nausea and vomiting – and difficulty staying awake – are clear signs that you should stop drinking and seek help. If someone is unconscious or breathing irregularly, call 113 immediately.
How can you make sure you drink at a steady pace?
Eat a proper meal before you start, alternate between alcohol and water (one glass of each), and set a personal limit for yourself in advance. Consider using a blood alcohol calculator to keep track of your estimated BAC throughout the evening.
What is a safe amount of alcohol according to health authorities?
Health authorities recommend a maximum of 2 units per day for women and 3 for men – and at least 2 alcohol-free days per week. One unit = 15 grams of pure alcohol (approximately 330 ml beer, 150 ml wine, 40 ml spirits). Many choose to drink even less often, which further reduces health risks.
What should you do if a friend has had too much to drink?
Keep them awake and give them water (no more alcohol). Never leave them alone. Place them in the recovery position if they are very drowsy, to prevent choking if they vomit. Call 113 if they are unconscious, breathing irregularly or cannot be woken up.
How do you play drinking games responsibly?
Always have a non-alcoholic option available for some rounds. Set a personal limit for the number of sips in advance. Agree on who the sober driver is. Never pressure others to drink more than they want – in all games on drikkelek.com any penalty can be replaced with a dare or a challenge instead.