5 Ways to Prevent Memory Loss from Drinking Alcohol

Have you ever had to ask a buddy to recap your night out (or afternoon) because you drank too much? Drinking too much and not remembering what happened is real and can occur when BAC levels are too high (think: going over your limit or drinking too quickly) or when alcohol and certain medications are mixed. Drink responsibly so you can remember the memories you create by following these five tips:

1. Enjoy a meal before drinking. Food and water are important for slowing down how fast your body absorbs alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, make sure to hit the town the right way and grab a tasty meal ahead of time or eat a snack in between drinks. Bonus points for hydrating before and during for a safe night out!
2. Get 6-8 hours of sleep. Did you know that poor sleep can lead to physical stress on the body and make you more prone to the effects of alcohol? Your job might make it hard to get plenty of sleep, but you can use these sleep tips (like taking a quick nap or using ear plugs to cancel out noise) to rest and rejuvenate before drinking.
3. Be mindful of the medications you’re taking. For a safe night out, consider the medications you’re taking before adding alcohol. Mixing alcohol and medications can be dangerous and may cause negative side effects like drowsiness, dizziness or fainting. Before deciding to drink, make sure to read the label on your medication, ask a pharmacist or talk to your health care provider to make sure you’re using it safely. Watch out for mixing alcohol and opioids too!
4. Take the night into your own hands. Have you ever said to yourself, “I’ll never drink that much again,” or “Last night was a blur, I don’t remember anything?” Individual factors (think: gender, weight) can impact how alcohol affects your brain and body, but drinking responsibly is something you can control. For a fun (and safe!) time for everyone, be sure to pace yourself (alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soda), sip don’t chug and keep track of your drinks so you can stick to your drinking limit.
5. Check in with yourself regularly. Taking breaks, like stepping outside for fresh air, can help you figure out how you feel and stop you from drinking too much. Remember, if you need to pass on a drink or hit pause on the round, there are ways to say no to another drink without feeling guilty or missing out on the fun.

Using these tips to drink responsibly with your buddies can help you remember all the memories you created. Visit www.ownyourlimits.org for responsible drinking tips and resources so you have fun moments to recap the next day.