There’s a common misconception that the more you drink the better you feel. This isn’t exactly true and JOE’s here to explain why. Using science, of course.
There’s nothing quite like a night out on the town with the lads. However, more often than not, someone in your group of mates will drink way too much and end up turning into a helpless child who you, and you alone – it is always you, isn’t it? – will have to look after.
In order for you to avoid this Alcohol-Related Benjamin Button syndrome you should understand what the limits are when it comes to your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Your BAC is calculated by determining the amount of alcohol in your blood, per 100 milligrams. So, say your BAC is 0.1, that means there’s 1 part alcohol for every 1,000 parts blood.
Drinking is a funny game, as you’re probably aware by now. Although you might feel like the king of kings after two or three drinks, the fourth or fifth can push you over the edge. That’s why they say drinking has a biphasic effect. (Layman’s terms: a ‘two part effect’.)
In the first half of your night out, you could own the dance floor like it’s the 1970s and you’re John Travolta (thankfully without the white suit), while the second could see you curled up in the fetal position surrounded by a warm pool of your own vomit. So, obviously, it’s smart to stop before the second phase kicks in.
You tend to feel that merry niceness when your BAC rises to about .06, as this is when the ‘euphoric’ stage peaks. However, if you drink more and your BAC rises above .06 you’ll start to feel the negative effects of drinking – unbalance, slurred speech, beer goggles, humiliation of self in public risk.
That’s the what. Now for the how
So we’ve established that it’s best to keep your BAC at or below .06. Now, how do you go about it and avoid turning into that weeping child?
Your BAC increases by roughly .02 for every standard drink that you drink in an hour. For those of you who are unaware, a standard drink is basically a glass of beer/cider, one small glass of wine or one pub measure of spirits. So as you can see, it doesn’t take much to step over the limit.
Firstly, you should make sure to eat some food while you drink, especially foods that are high in protein such as meat and cheese. This will help to slow the absorption of alcohol into your body.
Secondly, sip your drink and don’t participate in “chugging” contests or other drinking games, no matter how much the lads try to get you in. Chugging is sure to make your BAC steam over the .06 mark faster than a Usain Bolt 100-metre dash.
Also, only accept a drink when you really want one. If someone tries to force a drink down your neck, ask instead for a Coke. If your ‘generous’ friend continues to pressure you into having another drink, take it and then ‘lose it’. You can ‘lose’ a drink by putting it on a table and walking away. It’s a simple strategy that loads of lads practise; try it sometime to see how easy it is.
Now, a person’s BAC differs with their height and weight, so having one drink – that’s one half-pint, remember – every hour is a good rule of thumb, but it’s not The Gospel.
The best way to avoid your BAC going over .06 is to just pace yourself throughout the night and enjoy the happy buzz – mindful of the fact that drinking that bit slower should see you avoid the messy morning after.
| For more info visit |
 |
