If you choose to drink alcohol, there are simple steps you can take to stay safer and reduce the risk of harm. This section provides clear, practical information to help you look after yourself and others. Whether you’re drinking at home, with friends, or on a night out, these tips can help you make safer choices and know what to do if something goes wrong.
Drink more safely
- Know your limits and pace yourself.
- Eat before drinking and have food available throughout.
- Space out alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
- Avoid mixing alcohol with drugs or medication unless a professional has advised it’s safe.
Look after yourself
- Plan how you will get home safely and keep your phone charged.
- Stay with people you trust and avoid leaving drinks unattended.
- If you begin to feel unwell or confused, stop drinking and get help.
Know when to stop
- If you feel pressured to keep drinking, it’s okay to say no.
- Recognise when drinking is no longer enjoyable—this is a good time to slow down or stop.
Look out for others
- Check in on friends and make sure nobody is left alone when very intoxicated.
- Step in safely if you notice someone is at risk, unwell, or in danger.
- Call 999 if someone cannot be woken, is breathing slowly or irregularly, or you’re worried about alcohol poisoning.
- Know how to recognise and respond to an alcohol emergency.
If you’re reducing or stopping drinking
- Cutting down gradually is safer for many people.
- If you regularly drink heavily, do not suddenly stop without speaking to a professional first—this can be dangerous.
- Support is available through local alcohol services, GPs and community organisations.
If you’re wondering if you are drinking too much, visit our Sobering Thought website. You can also find out much you spend on alcohol & how many calories you are drinking.