Drinking Responsibly: What It Really Means and Why It Matters

July 3, 2024 | Category: Article

“Drink responsibly,” “alcohol safety,” and “use with caution” are phrases we often hear, but what do they truly mean? 

 The site Responsibility.org defines these concepts as “Empowering adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices as part of a balanced lifestyle.” 

The site is one of many that is devoted to the act of alcohol safety and education to that end. And this isn’t just some after school MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Involved brands are Bacardi, Jagermeister, Constellation Brands which includes Modelo and Corona, and Brown-Forman which has Jack Daniel’s, and that’s just Responsibility.org. There are other brand partners on that site and there are even other similar sites. 

But what does responsible drinking involve? It’s not just about limiting alcohol intake; it’s about making informed decisions that prioritize safety for yourself and others. 

Practical Tips for Responsible Drinking

Drink in Moderation: Track your alcohol intake and pace yourself. Set a personal drink limit based on your personal constitution and avoid drinking in rounds as this can lead to the feeling that you need to catch up, especially when you are drinking in a large group. Everyone is different and two drinks for your friend may only be one drink for you.  

Stay Hydrated: Hydrating with water along the way will not only keep track of how much you drink but slow your rate of intake as well. 

Skip the Drinking Games and Shots: This is the easiest way to lose track of your intake and to forget to stay hydrated with water. 

Know When to Say No: Counting your drinks is only part of the equation. There are many valid reasons to avoid alcohol, such as age, pregnancy, certain medications, mental health concerns, or simply not wanting to drink. Respect your boundaries and those of others.  

Understanding the Influence of Peer Pressure 

According to a report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University

“75 percent of surveyed teens feel encouraged to drink after seeing photographs of peers partying on social media.”

While this is also an argument for social media responsibility, it is a telling sign that peer pressure has also joined the online arena.

This is not meant to be an argument not to drink. Responsible drinking means more than just not drinking or limiting your alcohol, it is about control, not getting drunk and most importantly not letting alcohol control your life or relationships.

Resources and Support 

If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, numerous resources are available:
NIAAA Treatment Navigator
SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-4357
You can utilize these organizations as well as many other places and programs by a simple web search or just asking someone for help.

The Impact of Responsible Drinking 

Over the last five years, there have been double digit decreases in underage drinking and binge drinking. Early relationships with alcohol can lead to poor decisions, and young drinkers often don’t understand their limits, leading to potential emergencies.

 

Final Thoughts 

Remember, the choice is yours at the end of the day. Remember to eat, hydrate, know your limits, and never drink and drive.  

Stay safe, be responsible, and make informed choices.