When you make the choice to drink, always do so responsibly and never drive drunk or impaired.
Responsibility and accountability matter. Being an educated consumer is important when you are making decisions that benefit enjoyment and safety. Gathering with friends and family should be a fun way to socialize, celebrate, relax, and connect. Making mindful choices takes just a moment, and embracing alcohol responsibility should be part of your regular practice of reflecting on your relationship with alcohol.
We have curated some responsible drinking guidelines for you to consider. Please remember that drinking under the age of 21 is illegal, as is selling, supplying, or serving alcohol to those below the drinking age.
Know What a Standard Drink Is
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a standard drink contains 14 grams (or 0.6 fluid ounces) of pure (ethanol) alcohol. This is equivalent to:
12 oz. beer at
10% ABV
5 oz. wine at
12% ABV
1.5 oz. distilled spirits
(80 proof) at
40% ABV
12 oz. ready-to-drink beverages at
5% ABV
Eat Food and Stay Hydrated
It’s crucial to eat regular meals! Eating before and while you are enjoying an alcohol beverage can reduce your peak BAC by as much as 35-40%.
During the event, remember to alternate your alcohol beverage with water or another alcohol-free drink. This hydration break will give the body time to absorb and process your food and beverages of choice.
Plan (and Budget for) Your Mode of Safe Transportation
Drinking responsibly also includes good communication with friends and family about where you’ll be and how you’ll be getting there. Be sure to share your plans and always review your transportation options in advance. From public transportation to ride sharing services, there is no excuse for ever getting behind the wheel while impaired or getting into a vehicle with a driver who is impaired.
There are numerous options for ensuring a safe and responsible trip home. If you’re in a group, consider designating a driver or volunteering to be the designated driver. Other options include utilizing public transportation, which can be a fun and affordable way to get around, or relying on a taxi or rideshare service.
Use the Virtual Bar App
Before your first sip, learn more about how alcohol may affect your blood alcohol content (BAC). Know your limits and the factors that affect how alcohol will make you feel and act. The Virtual Bar app will help you better understand this process to ensure a good time (and a responsible one).
The Virtual Bar—when used before you start drinking—allows you to customize your drinking experiences to safely learn how alcohol may affect you. It takes unique factors including your gender assigned at birth, weight, height, and the food you eat to educate you about how alcohol may affect your behavior and impairment. It also gives you a sense of how long it would take for your BAC to return to 0.00, which may be surprising.
The Virtual Bar will tell you how you might actually be feeling at different BAC levels to help you relate to and better understand the differences between BAC levels.