Controlling Blood Alcohol Concentration

Tips For Contolling BAC:

Despite the warnings, many teens will still drink. People drink and use other drugs to feel good. Experimentation with alcohol during the teen years is common. Some reasons that teens use alcohol and other drugs are:

* curiosity
* it feels good
* to reduce stress and relax
* to fit in
* to feel older

So, no matter what people say and do, teens will drink, and it is important to provide tips for safer drinking, to reduce alcohol poisoning and the other dangers that occur with consuming large quantities of alcohol. The following is a list of some tips that you can follow to help you control your Blood Alcohol Levels and ensure that you do not become too intoxicated, and risk poisoning.

1. Pace your drinking, allow time between drinks.
2. Consider alternating non-alcoholic "decoy" drinks with those containing alcohol, ie. drinking plain orange juice every other drink.
3. Don't drink on an empty stomach, foods with fats and/or proteins slow alcohol absorption.
4. Keep track of how much you are drinking; know how much alcohol is poured into every glass.
5. Dilute distilled beverages, don't drink them straight. After the first few drinks, reduce the amount of alcohol in each drink. (Your taste buds will be dulled and you won't be able to tell the difference.) Switch to "light beer" or "low alcohol" wines after the first few drinks. (Again, your taste buds will be dulled and you won't be able to tell the difference.)
6. Avoid possible interactions between alcohol and other drugs (including certain foods and over-the-counter medications).
7. Drink only if YOU want to, don't let others dictate your choice.
8. Keep active. Don't just sit down and drink all night. If you keep active you will drink less and will be more aware of your level of intoxication.
9. Keep out of "Chugging" contests or other drinking "games."
10. Stop drinking before the party is over, to allow your liver time to burn off some of the alcohol. Drink non-alcoholic beverages the last hour or so.
11. Keep in mind that an added ice cube, a slightly smaller glass, or a "decoy" drink will go undetected by others. They may help you to resist the well-meaning efforts of others at the party who can't stand to see someone without a drink in their hand and those who may feel they need to pressure you into drinking.
12. Responsible alcohol use means that you won't be sorry in the morning!