It happens to even the most seasoned of drinkers. You’re out for the night, have a few drinks, and suddenly feel as if you’ve downed a bottle in the last hour. It only happens on occasion, so what caused you to get so drunk this time around? As it turns out, there are multiple factors that go into how drunk you become with each drink. Before you find yourself in need of DUI defense, check out these tips on how to keep your inebriation under control.

Eat Something

One of the simplest tricks to stay sober longer is to eat a few hours before you start drinking. Giving your stomach some padding in the form of a meal keeps your energy levels up, helps you think clearly as the alcohol sets in, and allows you to drink more before really feeling the effects.

Your choice in food can make this trick more effective, too. Meals rich in protein and fiber help to slow down your oncoming inebriation. Magnesium is also highly effective. You can get all three with a plate of grilled chicken, broccoli, and quinoa. 

Take It Easy

While it’s tempting to start pounding down drinks or joining your friends for rounds of shots, you should pace yourself throughout the night. It takes your liver roughly an hour to an hour and a half to break down the alcohol from one drink. That goes for shots, beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail. 

Skip The Sugar

Combining or chasing your drink with sugary mixers is a fast track to blacking out. The more sugar you consume while drinking, the faster the alcohol is going to hit your bloodstream. It also increases your blood sugar levels, which creates a drunken feeling all its own. 

Instead, mix your cocktails with natural fruit juices to improve your liver’s metabolic rate. You can also add sparkling water to your wine and regular water to clear liquors to help cut back on your consumption. Beer is trickier, but just try to avoid eating anything high in sugar while drinking. 

Hydrate

If you wait until the end of the night to drink a few cups of water, it’s already too late. Ideally, you should have a quick glass in-between each drink as you space them an hour apart. This will counteract the diuretic effects of the alcohol while helping you stay sober for longer. 

Fresh Air

Everyone has been drinking at a friend’s house when they suddenly realize how hot the room has become. Whether it’s the thermostat or the number of people, that warmth is going to help increase your blood alcohol levels. 

Give yourself five minutes of fresh air outside to cool down and don’t forget to bring some water with you. You should also keep in mind that factors like age and health contribute to how quickly you get drunk. If you do find yourself in a pickle, experienced lawyers like the ones at Bowling Law can help.