First times are always crazy. You are naïve and inexperienced and doing something for the thrill of it seems so fun. Drinking is one of those first times that you need to “plan”. It should not be as random as it sounds because you are going to lose your senses, you better make it worth it!
How do Beginners start drinking?
Well, you need to be a consenting adult of 18 years of age before start drinking alcohol. Alcohol is strictly prohibited for underage people and most clubs and bars don’t sell alcohol to young people. Beginners, should not consume pure alcohol. So mixing it with water is the best way to “dilute” the drink.
Talking about what should a first-time drinker drink, we suggest cocktails. Cocktails have a low alcohol percentage and added syrups to enhance the taste. If you are still in for alcohol, drink Rum, tequila, or Gin. Those who go for cocktails, need to watch their liquid consumption too because cocktails taste like fizzy drinks. There is a chance you may end up consuming more amount of alcohol.
Tips for beginners to drink alcohol
Your first experience of having alcohol depends on how you drink for the first time. Take things slow and savor every moment of it. Here are a few tips on How to properly drink alcohol?
Drink With a Full Stomach
You must eat before consuming alcohol. The reason is, alcohol absorption in the bloodstream is more when a person has an empty stomach. Try eating protein-rich food. As long as there is food in your stomach, the alcohol absorption will be less. This is the best trick to cure hangovers also.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
First-time drinkers need to watch their alcohol intake. They will feel more hungover as compared to a habitual drinker. That is why we suggested going for cocktails first. As a beginner, your alcohol consumption should even be less than the daily requirement of alcohol. Take it as “experience” rather than going for a full “procedure”. Keep in mind that you can have drinks later on in life. This one is just a start.
Don’t Look at Others
First-time drinking also has a lot of emotional sides involved. You are already thrilled to have it and then the pressure from friends can make you nervous or excited too. Never drink to cheer up others. This is your moment so you get to decide the how and when of the experience.
Never Drink Alone
For the first experience, take someone with you. They need to watch and stop you if you are going out of the boundaries. Also, if you are having a hangover, you need someone to take you home safely. It takes 20 to 40 minutes to start the alcohol effect. One must never drive when under the effect of alcohol because a high blood alcohol level greatly affects motor coordination.
How Do I Not Get too Drunk After First Drink?
For beginners, a hangover is like a world turned upside down. However, with a few tricks, they can lessen the effects and even avoid the hangover.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Alcohol takes one hour to get absorbed in the body and the effect lasts for up to 6 hours. So drink slowly. This way you will consume less amount of alcohol and the body will get more time to process it.
Stop When Needed
Listen to your body. Stop when you feel so. Don’t feel pressurized by the people around you. Sometimes people end up drinking more just because they were cheered up to do so.
Drink and Drink More
Well, we mean drink water. Water is a great way to detox your body. Alcohol messes up your body fluids resulting in dehydration. So drink as much water as you can. This reduces the effects of alcohol and helps you restore your electrolytes. For every 6 ounces of liquor, drink 16 ounces of water to hydrate your body.
Eat Again
Never go to sleep with an empty stomach. This increases alcohol absorption in the body. Eat something heavy to avoid the effects of a hangover. Some people go for fries and others go for a glass of milk.
Use Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemon don’t only restore your electrolytes but also help you with the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are very common hangover symptoms in beginners.
What Alcohol is Best for Beginners?
First-timers, need to have drinks that are low in ethanol content. Beer and wine are best for beginners. Mixed drinks also have low alcohol content. Beginners can have Gin and soda or Gin with tonic. Vodka is also a good go for the first time.
However, beginners must never drink shots. Shots are purer and have high alcohol content. They can result in hangovers and dizziness. Also, shots can mess up alcohol consumption levels.
How Long Do You Stay Drunk After Your First Drink?
The effect of alcohol on a person is visible after 40 minutes. No doubt, beginners have the most effect on their bodies. Some of the common symptoms include dizzy head, drowsiness, blurred vision, and speech, lack of coordination, and poor judgment. With 0.1% blood alcohol content, the effects of alcohol become severe. This means having 5 standard drinks within 2 hours.
When you drink alcohol, the ethanol in alcohol is absorbed by the stomach lining. It gets mixed in the bloodstream and starts its effects. The liver starts working to nullify the alcohol effect and bring the body back to normal. The liver can take up to one to two hours to dilute the effects. However, for a full recovery, your body may take up to 6 hours to come back to normal.
Here are a few myths that you should never follow especially while driving or being on your own.
- Fresh air, exercise, or a walk helps you to be sober.
- Taking bath lowers the effects of a hangover.
- Caffeinated drinks can help with alcohol after-effects.
- Putting a penny in your mouth has something to do with curing hangovers or alcohol effects.
- Going in bright light awakens your senses.
As a first-time drinker, take a moment to drink and celebrate. However, don’t be naïve enough to dismiss the possible safety measures. Learn how to drink and how to handle it afterward.
Have a happy and safe drinking experience!
