Drinking alcohol is a common social activity that many people enjoy. However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential mistakes that can be made when consuming alcohol.

While occasional and moderate drinking may not have a lasting impact on your health, making certain errors can lead to negative consequences. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the mistakes you might be making when you drink alcohol and how to avoid them.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

One common mistake people make when drinking alcohol is not staying adequately hydrated. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, which can result in dehydration.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water alongside your alcoholic beverages. This will not only help combat dehydration but also dilute the alcohol in your system.

2. Consuming Alcohol on an Empty Stomach

Drinking on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Without any food in your stomach, alcohol gets absorbed quickly into your bloodstream, leading to a faster and stronger intoxication.

Eating a balanced meal before or while drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol, reducing the intensity of its effects.

3. Mixing Different Types of Alcohol

Another common mistake is mixing different types of alcoholic beverages throughout the night. Combining beer, wine, and spirits can result in unpleasant side effects.

Each type of alcohol has specific characteristics and varying alcohol concentrations, causing your body to process them differently. Stick to one type of alcoholic beverage to lessen the risk of experiencing a severe hangover or other adverse reactions.

4. Drinking Too Quickly

Downing drinks rapidly is a mistake that can lead to overconsumption and intoxication. Your liver can only metabolize alcohol at a certain pace, typically about one standard drink per hour.

By drinking too quickly, you’ll surpass this rate and face more significant risks. Sip your drink slowly, and take breaks between alcoholic beverages to allow your body to process the alcohol effectively.

5. Drinking and Driving

One of the most dangerous mistakes you can make when consuming alcohol is getting behind the wheel. Alcohol impairs your judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it extremely risky to drive.

Always arrange for a designated driver or use alternative transportation methods like taxis or rideshare services when you’ve been drinking.

6. Neglecting Medication Interactions

If you’re taking medication, it’s crucial to consider potential interactions with alcohol. Mixing certain medications with alcohol can amplify their side effects or reduce their effectiveness.

Consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to understand the potential risks and modify your alcohol consumption accordingly.

7. Using Alcohol as Emotional Support

Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for emotional distress or stress is a mistake with long-term consequences. Relying on alcohol to numb your emotions can lead to alcohol dependence and exacerbate mental health issues.

Find healthier ways to deal with your emotions, such as talking to a trusted friend or seeking professional help when needed.

8. Ignoring the Concept of Moderation

Drinking in moderation is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Exceeding these limits on a regular basis can have a detrimental effect on your health and well-being.

9. Binge Drinking

Binge drinking involves consuming a significant amount of alcohol within a short period, usually within two hours. This behavior can lead to severe intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and other hazardous consequences.

Avoid binge drinking by setting limits for yourself and being mindful of how much alcohol you consume at one time.

10. Disregarding Personal Limits

Lastly, it’s essential to recognize and respect your own alcohol limits. Everyone’s tolerance level for alcohol varies, so what may be a moderate amount for someone else could be excessive for you.

Know when to stop drinking and listen to your body’s signals. Pushing past your limits can result in immediate negative effects and increase the probability of making other mistakes outlined above.