Don't drink everyday - designate two to three "alcohol-free days" through the week to allow your body a rest from drink; don't use alcohol to cope with your emotional problems; don't drink alone; don't use alcohol to help your sleeping - your body will get accustomed to that amount very soon and you will have to increase your drinking to obtain the same effect; and, don't drink when you are on medication.

Before you go out and have a drink with your friends, here's what you should do:

Eat something first; go out later; take less money; and, don't drink in places where you have previously drunk heavily.

While drinking, remember: Drink a long soft drink first; drink in sips rather than gulps; put the glass down between sips; drink at the pace of the slowest drinker in your group; time yourself - e.g. only one drink every 30 minutes; avoid potato crisps and peanuts, as they make you thirsty and drink more; practise refusing drinks; and, go home before you reach your limit.

(This was the latest in the PSYNET series on sensible drinking. For any questions, please feel free to contact Police Clinical Psychologist Esther Lau on 2866-6206.)

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