For some, drinking alcohol is an enjoyable way of relaxing after a long day or socializing with friends and family. However, heavy drinking can negatively impact your physical and mental health, relationships, and work performance.

Hence, it becomes essential to master the art of enjoying alcohol without its negative impact on our lives.

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is used globally for recreational purposes. It is a central nervous system depressant that leads to a decrease in anxiety and inhibition when consumed.

: The Harmful Effect of Alcohol Abstinence

Studies have shown that alcohol abstinence can lead to various negative psychological outcomes for people who turn to it to alleviate stress. Alcohol abstinence may lead to anxiety, substance abuse, irritability, depression, and binge drinking.

It is important to learn the art of drinking without its negative impact.

: Limit Your Consumption and Space It Out

One of the most effective ways to enjoy the drink without getting too drunk is to limit your alcohol intake. It will minimize your risk of negative consequences leaving you feeling relaxed after your drink rather than out of control.

Also, spacing out drinks ensures that they don’t hit you all at once. If you’re drinking to socialize, space out your drinks with water or other non-alcoholic drinks.

Follow the “one glass water for every drink” rule, which will minimize your risk of health-related issues.

: Know Your Limit

Everybody has an alcohol limit over which its impact starts showing. If you exceed that limit, you’re more prone to negative consequences like memory loss, damage to organs, and injuries sustained through falls or accidents.

Knowing your limit and sticking to it ensures that you can have a good time without exposing yourself to risk. For an average person, two alcoholic drinks per day is the safe limit, and exceeding it will trigger health-related issues.

: Choose Your Drinks Wisely

Some alcoholic beverages contain more ethanol than others, and hence it is best to pick your drinks carefully. Avoid sugary drink mixes that cover the taste of the alcohol.

The sweeter the drink mix, the more dangerous it is since it is easy to lose the taste of alcohol. Opt for drinks like wine or beer as these alcoholic beverages have lower alcohol content compared to ethanol-based cocktails.

: Eat When You Drink

When consuming alcohol, it’s important to have food in your system that slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream.

It is best to consume food that is high in carbohydrates and proteins like a filling sandwich or a meaty pizza that will protect your stomach lining from the harsh effects of alcohol.

: Socialize with Positive People

Social drinking is a great way to relax with friends, but it’s essential to ensure that you are surrounded by positive people who will encourage responsible drinking practices.

Peer pressure can quickly lure you into over-consumption and behaviour that goes against your values or beliefs. Hence, it is vital to surround yourself with responsible people who will encourage you to imbibe without negative impacts.

: Know When to Stop and Don’t Mix Drinks

Alcohol impairs one’s judgment. When you are drinking, it’s best to have a friend or designated driver who can keep an eye on you and ensure that you know when to quit.

If you feel that you have already passed your limit, it is best to stop drinking and switch to other activities where you can enjoy yourself with your friends and family.

Lastly, it is best to avoid mixing drinks as it increases the ethanol content in your body, causing you to become drunk faster.

: Final Thoughts

Drinking alcohol can be social and entertaining, but one must understand the risks associated with over-consumption.

By limiting consumption, spacing it out, knowing your limits, choosing your drinks wisely, eating when drinking, socializing with positive people, knowing when to stop, and avoiding mixing drinks, it is possible to enjoy alcohol without its negative impact.