4 Ways to to Be a Responsible Social Drinker

1. Calculate Your Alcohol Limit Before You Drink

Social drinking plays a big role in our everyday lives. What wedding would be complete without a toast to the happy couple? Responsible social drinkers don't drink to get drunk; instead, they drink in moderation and in celebration. Calculating your limit ahead of time can make it easier to relax and have fun with your friends. The number of drinks it takes before you're legally intoxicated depends on your body weight, how long you've been drinking and what type of alcohol you're consuming.

The average person can drink two standard drinks per hour (or a little less if you weigh under 150 lbs.) and maintain a blood alcohol level of .05 percent. Consider a 12 oz. beer, 6 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof alcohol to be a standard drink, since they all contain the same amount of alcohol by volume (ABV). Or, if you're mathematically inclined, you can calculate the standard drink yourself. Multiply the volume of the drink (mL) by the percentage of alcohol it contains and divide by 1,000. Using that formula, one-half pint of beer (284 mL) at 4 percent ABV is equal to a standard drink.

2. Skip, sip and Drink in Moderation

To be a responsible drinker, it's not necessary to abstain completely in social situations. Even when you've determined how much you're willing to drink for the night, it can be tough to stick to it, especially if the people around you are drinking. Pace yourself by making the most of your drinks. Choose beverages that have a lot of flavor and sip them slowly to really savor the taste. If you'd like to consume alcohol throughout the evening but aren't sure how to stay within your limit, try some non-alcoholic alternatives, too. Having soda or water in between your alcoholic drinks can also keep you hydrated and reduce the likelihood of an unpleasant hangover.

3. Keep a Full Stomach to Help Keep a Clear Head

The old wives' tale about eating bread before going to a bar actually has some truth to it. While it's not true that bread soaks up the alcohol you drink, keeping your stomach full can help you keep a clear head. Eating a meal before you go to a party or nibbling on snacks while you're there can slow down the rate of alcohol absorption. The more food you have in your belly, the better. Not only does having a full stomach prevent your blood alcohol level from spiking quickly, but it also can keep you healthier. The calories and nutrients derived from food are much better for you than the empty calories of an alcoholic drink.

4. Make Sure That Bars and Cars Don't mix

Responsible social drinking doesn't just refer to the act of drinking. It's been said in a number of different ways, but the bottom line is bars and cars don't mix. Find out the legal blood alcohol level in your state. In most states if you have a blood alcohol concentration of more than .08 percent and are behind the wheel of a car--even if the car's not running--it's considered driving drunk. The best thing to do if you're not sure whether you're over or at the limit is to let someone else drive. If there's no designated driver available, you may want to consider investing in an intoximeter. The personal breathalyzer not only keeps you safe, but it's also a great conversation starter and a way to remind other people to be responsible social drinkers.