How to Get Ready for a Party Night

Attending a party is a great way to enjoy some fun moments with friends. However, without proper preparation, you might run into problems, feel uncomfortable, or even have worse experiences. To ensure you're ready for a great time, follow these three key principles: prepare ahead, stick to your plan, and maintain moderation.

Get plenty of rest. During the party night, you won’t have much opportunity to sleep. After the party, friends might invite you to go out for live music or karaoke. Wherever you go, early sleep won’t be an option. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt your sleep, making it hard to rest soundly once you're in bed. It’s crucial to rest before heading out for the night.

• If you’re planning a big party this weekend, make sure to get enough sleep during the weekdays to recharge your body.

Set a proper schedule. Drinking all night can affect your ability to concentrate, solve problems, and complete complex tasks the following day. For instance, if you drink more than five beers in one night, both your brain and body will be impacted for up to three days. Therefore, if you plan to have fun, avoid partying the night before an important exam or project deadline.

• Occasionally taking breaks while drinking can also be helpful. For example, consider designating one weekend per month without alcohol so your body can rest and recover.

Eat properly before going out. Drinking on an empty stomach will make you get drunk faster, and you'll have to cut your night short. Eating beforehand and drinking plenty of water allows your body to absorb alcohol more slowly.

• Eating before drinking can help delay intoxication, but the alcohol will still affect you, just at a slower pace.
• Opt for foods like bread, meat, cheese, pasta, milk, etc. (foods that are slow to digest and/or high in protein).
• Eating protein-rich foods while drinking also helps your body process alcohol more gradually. If convenient, bring snacks with you or keep them nearby in case you need to slow down alcohol absorption.

Make a plan. Alcohol can impair your decision-making skills, so it's best to set a plan before your all-night party. Ensure that you and your friends agree on the time and place to meet, and also when you'll head home. You must ensure that everyone gets home safely at night. Sticking to the plan will prevent anyone from getting lost or separated from the group, avoiding dangerous situations and locations.

Arrange transportation. If someone needs a ride home, assign a designated driver or arrange for a taxi or public transportation.

• Protect yourself and others. Never drive after drinking alcohol.

Don't carry valuables. When drinking, it's easy to misplace personal belongings since alcohol can affect your judgment and short-term memory. Bars, clubs, and other crowded places are common targets for theft. To avoid this, keep valuables at home and stay vigilant with your personal items, such as your wallet.

Know your limits. Drinking too quickly will only spoil the fun of the party. If you drink too much in a short time, you won't be able to control the amount of alcohol entering your system, and eventually, you'll feel uncomfortable. It's best to have one drink or one bottle per hour to give your body time to process the alcohol and avoid getting drunk too quickly.

• Remember that not all drinks are the same. 360 ml of beer, 240 or 270 ml of malt liquor, 150 ml of spirits, and 45 ml of 40% alcohol all contain the same amount of alcohol. However, keep in mind that the alcohol content in each drink can vary. For example, stronger beer may have nearly double the alcohol content compared to lighter beer.
• If you're consuming multiple types of alcohol, it’s better to let someone you trust mix your drinks and avoid making them too strong.
• Drink water while consuming alcohol to help your body stay hydrated and prevent getting too drunk. Remember the importance of taking breaks between drinks.

Don't overindulge. An all-night drinking session with friends can be a fun time if everyone stays safe. It might even get more amusing if a friend stumbles across someone's yard in someone else's clothes. However, keep in mind that excessive drinking can be dangerous and even fatal.

• Women are advised not to drink more than four drinks per bottle at a time, and men should limit themselves to five drinks.
• If drinking at an elevated location, remember that your body’s alcohol tolerance is lower at higher altitudes.
• Avoid binge drinking or participating in drinking games. These activities encourage fast drinking, loss of control, discomfort, and even alcohol poisoning that can be fatal.
• If you're concerned about drinking too much or too fast, try arriving later than others at bars or parties. This way, you'll likely drink less than everyone else. Alternatively, you can switch to soft drinks occasionally to lower your alcohol intake.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. This technique helps break up the drinking process, preventing you from drinking too quickly. Alcohol absorbs water as it’s metabolized in the body, leading to fatigue and discomfort. Replenishing with water during drinking and after waking up can help alleviate these feelings.

• You can help yourself by using water dispensers or containers available at most bars. Find a water station before starting and check in often.
• If hosting a party at home, bring your own water bottle to drink throughout the night.

Ask your friends for support. If you're drinking with close friends, you can ensure everyone's safety. All participants should be aware of the overnight plan, stay together, and make wise decisions.

• Even if no one is driving, you can assign one person to stay sober during the party. This person will help keep the group together and ensure everyone’s safety.
• If possible, it’s better to have at least two people sober/one person drinking so no one feels left out by not drinking alcohol.
• Everyone can take turns drinking and staying sober during each gathering.

Avoid causing trouble. Before embarking on an all-night drinking session, you and your friends need to plan where to go, who will attend, and how to get home safely. If you notice anything or anyone suspicious, steer clear as much as possible. Here are things to watch out for and avoid:

• Fighting in a bar
• Suspicious individuals
• Dark, deserted areas

Know what you're drinking. Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. This precaution helps you avoid the risk of ingesting drugs or other harmful substances unknowingly.

Don’t mix drugs or prescription medication with alcohol. The effects of alcohol can be dramatically intensified when combined with other substances, including prescription drugs. You may not fully understand the consequences of combining alcohol with other substances, which could lead to loss of control and put you in dangerous situations.

Be aware of alcohol's effects on your vision. Alcohol can impair your self-control and judgment. Ensure you're enjoying yourself with trustworthy people and avoid making decisions you might regret later.

• Prepare safety measures if you anticipate any sexual activity as part of your overnight plans.

Contact the authorities in case of any emergencies. Even if you're heavily intoxicated or underage, it’s crucial to seek help if someone is injured, unresponsive, experiencing violence, or at risk of harming themselves or others. Authorities typically prioritize safety and public well-being over investigating what individuals are drinking.