5 Tips For Helping Friends New To Alcohol On Their First Night Drinking

Alcohol is often a part of social gatherings, and we all remember our first time drinking. However, for someone who has never consumed alcohol before, their first night can be overwhelming, scary, and even dangerous. As a friend, it's essential to be supportive and help them navigate this experience positively. In this article, we will discuss five tips for helping friends new to alcohol on their first-ever night drinking and ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Help Them Choose Easier Drinks

It's important to help your friend choose drinks that are more suited for beginners. Avoid introducing them to drinks that are too strong or difficult to handle. While it might be tempting to start off with premium scotch liquor, it’s best to start with lighter drinks like beer, wine, or cider. Also, ensure that they drink water while having alcohol to keep themselves hydrated.

Be a Designated Driver

If you know your friend is excited about their first-time drinking experience, they are likely to go overboard and drink too much. As a responsible friend, offer to be their designated driver or arrange for another responsible person to do so. This way, you can ensure that they get home safely without any complications.

Keep an Eye on Them

While enjoying a night out with friends, it's essential to keep an eye on your friend who is consuming alcohol for the first time. Help them pace their drinks and avoid getting too drunk. Tell them to take their time and savor their drinks instead of chugging them. Don't let them lose track of the number of drinks they are having.

Know the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

As a friend, it's crucial to be mindful of the signs of alcohol poisoning. Some signs include confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, and disorientation. If your friend displays these symptoms, contact emergency services immediately. Don't wait for it to get worse.

Encourage Them to Take Breaks

When we're having fun, it's easy to forget to take breaks and pause between drinks. Encourage your friend to take frequent breaks, switch to non-alcoholic beverages, and enjoy the moment. Taking a break can manage the alcohol levels in their body and help them avoid getting too drunk.

Drinking alcohol for the first time can be an exciting yet daunting experience for anyone. As friends, it's important to be supportive and help our friends through this adventure. It's essential to stay aware of their alcohol consumption and ensure they're not putting themselves in danger. Remember to help them choose lighter drinks, be their designated driver, watch their alcohol consumption, know the signs of alcohol poisoning, and encourage them to take breaks. These tips will help you and your friend have a fun and safe night out together, making memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to a good laugh, great friends, and a positive drinking experience!