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What Should I Do Before a Night Out Drinking?

The 10-second answer

Eat a real meal, plan your ride home and set your pace. What actually lowers your risk is drinking less.

The simple answer

The boring stuff is the right stuff. Get a good night's sleep or a nap, eat a real meal, and plan your ride home before you go. Never drink and drive. Beyond that, the honest truth is that how much you drink matters more than any trick.

Myth vs Fact

Myth

The right pre-game routine makes a big night harmless.

Fact

CDC says you can lower your health risks by drinking less or choosing not to drink. No meal or hack changes that.

The science

  1. HealthyWAHave a good night's sleep and/or a nap before you go out.
  2. HealthyWAEat a substantial meal before going out, and snack throughout the night.
  3. Cleveland ClinicEating before drinking helps slow how fast alcohol is absorbed.
  4. HealthyWASpace each drink with water to avoid dehydration, and skip energy drinks with alcohol because one can mask the effect of the other.
  5. CDCAny alcohol use impairs the ability to drive safely. CDC advises planning ahead so you don't have to drive.
  6. NIHHarms may be associated with any amount of drinking, and the harm rises as the amount rises.

Medical sources

How often people ask: High

Next time, be the one who thought ahead.

The +reCover(y) leather case is packed before the night starts, so the morning is already planned.

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This page is general information, not medical advice. Sources are linked above. If you're worried about yourself or someone else, contact a healthcare provider or call 911.
Last checked: September 25, 2026