Top Tips When Drinking

You wouldn’t go out if you hadn’t got yourself dressed nicely, prepped or done your make-up and hair....so why not plan for your night out with our top drinking tips to ensure you have a great time!

See what tips the Colchester Utd FC lads and ladies suggest

• Avoid mixing different types and strengths of drink
• Never let your drink of your sight or accept a drink from someone you don’t know – it could get spiked
• Look after yourself and your mates – don’t put yourself in danger
• Avoid pubs/bars/clubs that have a reputation for violence
• Always have safe sex by using a condom
• Plan how you are going to get home before you go out
• Never leave a drunk person on their own
• Never get into a car if the driver has been drinking alcohol
• Be wary of unlicensed taxis
• If a person passes out call for an ambulance by phoning 999
• Always eat something before you drink alcohol
• Drink water as well as drinking alcohol
• Drink a pint of water before you go to bed – this will help your body recover and reduce the effects of a hangover
• Only time will sober you up – it is not true that coffee, cold showers or vitamins help to sober you up
• Don’t try to keep up with friends who drink more than you
• Sit down when you drink – you will drink less than you would standing up
• Use more mixers
• Don’t mix alcohol with drugs – especially ecstasy or cocaine – it can be deadly
• If you’re on medication, ask your doctor if it’s okay to drink
• Stick to clear drinks (they don’t contain the substance – congeners - which can worsen a hangover)
• To avoid a hangover - consider stopping drinking well before the end of the evening, so the body can begin processing the alcohol in the body.

Top Tips to survive the dreaded hangover

Alcohol makes you pee more which dehydrates the body and causes a nasty hangover.

• Drink as much water as you can before hitting the sack and keep more by the bed to slurp if you wake in the night. Continue drinking plenty of water the next day. Also have some fresh juice to give yourself a vitamin boost.
• If you really need it, take a painkiller – a soluble one is good for a headache and gentle on the stomach.
• Take an antacid to settle your stomach.
• Try a rehydration treatment sachet – they replace lost minerals and salt.
• Avoid caffeine (tea or coffee or energy drinks) – these may give you a slight temporary lift, but they may also dehydrate you further.
• Eat something – bananas and kiwis are a good source of potassium (something you lose with the diuretic effect of alcohol).
• Go for a gentle stroll if you feel able and get some fresh air and light on the face.
• Avoid hair of the dog – it only delays the problem. Falling into the habit of attempting to drink off hangovers can be seen as one of the first signs that you are becoming dependent on alcohol.
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation, take a break from alcohol, and when you do next decide to drink, remember our hangover prevention tips to avoid another painful morning after!