First times are always scary, aren’t they? Be it driving, making a small talk with that person you admire, or even drinking, doing these things for the first time seems like an intimidating experience. If you’re a first-time drinker, you must be quite unsure about it. But worry not, here is your guide to drinking responsibly and carefully if you are drinking for the first time. Take out your notepads and get going, for we’ll tell you all that you must do before sipping alcohol for the first time!
Eat Plenty Of Food Before Sipping Alcohol
Alcohol is more likely to begin its effects faster if there’s no food in your stomach. This is why many people avoid going empty-stomach to the club. Make sure that you have had plenty of food before consuming alcohol. This way, you’ll be less likely to get ‘unsobered’ and even if you do, it won’t be in an instant.
Go for protein-rich foods like cheese, tofu, and meat before having your first sip. Make sure you avoid too much oily or spicy food as it may add up to the inflammation. If you arrive at the bar on an empty stomach, chances are you might get dizzy and nauseous sooner than you expected, and honestly, wouldn’t that be a buzzkill?
Have Your First Drink With Someone You Trust
Having your first drink is surely an experience you’d want to remember for a long time. But, if you have it with someone you trust, your experience would surely be much more memorable. Plus, when you’re having drinks for the first time with people you trust, you are more likely to get comfortable and be in the moment.
Having your drink with people you know and trust also comes with a few more advantages. One is that, if you go a little overboard with the drinks, there will be people to handle you. There will be people to drop you off safely to your home and also keep an eye on the number of drinks you’re having. This way, you’ll not only drink responsibly but also reach home safely.
Plan Your Drinks Ahead Of Time
Call it playing safe or being too careful, planning your drinks ahead of time will surely help you stay in the right senses when it comes to actually drinking. This is especially true if you’re about to sip alcohol for the first time. Know the place you’ll be attending, and go through their drinks menu to see which drink will suit you the best.
It’s okay to play it safe here and choose a less alcoholic drink for the first time – you can always drink stronger drinks later! For many, mojitos, beer, and wine are usually the low-alcohol drinks of choice. So, you too can go for one of them as your first drink. The moral of the story: Plan your drink in advance so you don’t end up creating confusion at the right time!
Also Read: Champagne Vs Prosecco: Everything You Need To Know
Share Your Location To Family Or Friends
This tip is more like a precautionary measure, and a really helpful one to say the least. As a first-time drinker, you can’t really gauge how unsobered you’ll get by the end of the first drink. So, why not take precautions instead? We recommend sharing your GPS location with the people you’re most comfortable with – be it family members or close friends.
Make sure that you let them know of the venue you’re traveling to and the estimated time you might leave from there. Also make sure that throughout the event, you don’t let your GPS turn off. Sharing your GPS location might not be the most comfortable thing to do, especially if you value your privacy a little extra, but it is always best to keep a few of your close ones informed of your first-time drinking experience.
Carry Water And Stay Hydrated
We simply can’t stress enough on the importance of staying hydrated before and while you have drinks. Before you start drinking, make sure you have had plenty of water. Also, while you’re drinking, ensure that you consume water at regular intervals. This will help you from going too overboard with the drinks or getting dehydrated quickly.
If you feel that you’re feeling the effects of alcohol sooner than you expected, it is best recommended to reach out for a glass of water.
Also Read: Arts Cafe at NMACC: Where Cocktails, Creativity, and Class Collide
Summing Up
First-time drinkers, here are a few things you must keep in mind before trying out alcohol for the first time. Make sure you’re hydrated and well-fed and that you follow other tips that we’ve mentioned. Happy drinking!
FAQs
What Should A First Time Drinker Drink?
If you’re a first time drinker, you can opt for beer and wine or simpler cocktails like Mojito, Paloma, or a Sidecar.
How Long Does It Take For A First Time Drinker To Get Drunk?
As a first-time drinker, it totally depends on the person’s capacity and the drinks they’ve chosen. If someone has chosen a light drink like beer or wine, they’ll take more time to feel the effects of alcohol. While if a person has chosen a heavy drink, like rum, vodka, gin, or other such liquor, they’re more likely to go unsobered quickly.
Should I Consume Water While Drinking Alcohol?
Yes, you must be hydrated while you consume alcohol, as the latter tends to dehydrate you quickly. Dehydration can cause giddiness, headache, and even nausea.
