The cold weather is definitely setting in again, but that doesn’t mean social lives have ground to a halt. However, if your destination is the pub or a club and you’re drinking alcohol, it’s important that you take extra care in the cold!
Grab a bite
Food helps slow the absorption of alcohol, stopping it going to your head too quickly. Carbs or protein such as pasta, potatoes and chicken are good to eat before or while you're out drinking.
They’ll keep you full, and the slow release of energy will help you last the distance. You’ll be more tempted to avoid that guilty 2am kebab or chips too.
It’s not a race
It takes up to an hour for your body to process each unit of alcohol. So have a break between drinks. Skinny, short, male, female... everyone copes with alcohol differently, so why try and keep up with your friends? Turning down a drink is much less embarrassing than throwing one up.
Finish your drink too quickly and you'll feel pressured to get another. Instead, make your drink (and your night) last longer. Chat, sip, snack, drink water, get some fresh air and chat some more.
Thought about getting home?
One of the main decisions you should make before you go out is how you are going to get home safely.
- Book a taxi before you go out and take their contact number with you. You can always rearrange the time you want to be picked up
- Make sure you have minicab numbers in your phone (or details of the nearest taxi rank) and enough money to pay for your journey
- Use a firm that will text you the number plate of the car that’s coming to get you. This avoids any confusion of what car to get into
- Do not be tempted, under any circumstances, to take an unlicensed minicab. All minicabs must be pre-booked. Only licensed taxis can pull up at the kerb – any minicabs that do this are acting illegally
- Make sure your phone is charged before you go out
- Keep some money separate to your purse or wallet – in your coat or pocket
- Stick with your people you know. Don’t wander off on your own at the end of the night, and wherever possible, go home together
- If you’re travelling home by public transport, find out the times of the buses/trains so you’re not waiting about too long at the station/bus stop or miss the last one altogether
- Stay alert and don’t fall asleep – this will be easier if you’re not drunk
Walk away from trouble
Don’t be drawn into problems or arguments; all it will do is ruin your fun. The smart thing to do is just walk away and continue with your great night out. If you feel like you’re being drawn into a difficult situation walk away and speak to the staff or doormen.
If you feel like you are in danger, go somewhere you feel safe, where there are lots of people around. If you still don’t feel safe or you run into trouble, call the police.