Make sure you spread your drinks over several hours and follow the Australian Alcohol Guidelines for low-risk drinking.
When you're out drinking, stick with your mates and look out for each other. At the end of the night don't walk home alone and don't let your friends wander from the group.
When you're with your mates, organise for someone in the group to not drink. This friend can keep an eye out for everyone and can take care of the driving.
Set a 'drinks budget' for the night and stick to it. This will also help you keep track of how much you've spent as well as how many drinks you've had while you're out.
Plan how you're going to get home before you start drinking. Organise a designated driver or if you're going to catch a taxi home, put some money aside so you don't spend it.
It's also a good idea to know the score - add up how much money you spend on alcohol each month or year, so you know exactly how drinking affects you financially.
Have a substantial meal about an hour before you start drinking. Try to eat high protein foods like eggs, cheese, nuts, and boiled potatoes. And remember to eat while you're drinking but avoid salty snacks - they make you thirsty.
