Drunk Driving Is:
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater. But what does “.08%” feel like? That depends; everyone’s body is different. Better safe than sorry.
Just One Drink Impairs Your Driving
Drinking FAQs
Q:Drinking is a social thing. How can I say no to alcohol and still fit in?
A:It's easier to refuse alc than you might think. Really, it’s all about confidence. Try saying “no thanks” when someone offers you a cup. In our experience, kids often respect that. As long as you don’t come off as judgy.
Q:How should I sleep if I’m drunk?
A:Sleep on your side—NEVER on your back. Otherwise, you might puke in your sleep and choke on it. Kids die from that all the time.
Q:Are beer and wine"safer"than liquor?
A:Not really. A standard beer bottle, a half-cup of wine, and a shot of liquor (like scotch, whiskey, vodka, etc.) all contain the same amount of alcohol. Any kind of alcohol can get you drunk and cause problems for your body and mind—no matter how it tastes.
Q:How does alcohol interact with other drugs?
A:Alcohol can double the potency of other drugs or prescription meds. This can be fatal. Even over-the- counter drugs like Tylenol or Advil are dangerous when combined with alcohol. Your liver can only take so much; don’t test it. And definitely ask your doctor about combos involving specific meds that you’re taking.
Q:I’m drinking. It’s happening. Is there anyway that I can still be somewhat responsible?
A:By not drinking next time. For now, eat a lot of filling and nutritious food before going out, and while drinking. Never drink on an empty stomach. Have a sober friend by your side. Don’t even think about your car keys. And keep EGS in mind. We’re here for you.
Q: How can I drink alcohol safely?
• A: Drinking with complete safety isn’t a thing. Sorry. Like a bunch of other drugs, alcohol changes the way your brain works and makes your body slower. It’s technically a poison. It’s also correlated with a host of awful diseases. So, the less you drink the safer you’ll be. Unless you hang-glide.
Q:Is drinking more physiologically dangerous if the drinker is a teenager?
A: Short answer: Yup. Your brain is constantly developing until you’re about 25 years old. Drinking compromises that development, knocking it off track in certain ways. Drinking when you’re young also increases the chances of alcohol dependency when you’re an adult. Because your brain developed an affinity for alcohol’s chemicals as your brain was developing. Scary fact: kids who start drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse alcohol, or become totally dependent on it, than those who start drinking at 21 or older.
Q: If I’m drinking alcohol, should I drink water too? How much?
A: Yes, definitely drink water. Drink a glass of water—about 8 ounces—for every serving of alcohol, like a shot or a beer. As they say in camp: if your pee is clear, you’re well-hydrated. Dehydrating makes everything worse, and increases the chances that you’ll end up in the hospital. So avoid it.
Q: My friend drank a ton and seems tired. Should I just put him/her in bed?
A: Definitely not, bro/sis. If your friend drank too much, it is very dangerous for them to go straight to bed. Or be alone. Instead, give them water. Also, make sure they are responsive. If you gently shake them, they should react. If not, get help right away.
Q: Does alcohol affect different people differently?
A: Basically, yes. But this depends on a lot of factors. For example, smaller people might have less water in their body than larger people. That means that alcohol can achieve a higher concentration in that smaller person’s body—and a greater toxicity. Also, women generally produce less of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol than men do. That means alcohol might linger in a woman’s system longer than a man’s. Still, these factors are pretty much impossible to predict on the day-to-day. Safety should be your default setting.
Q: I’m feeling really overwhelmed, and sad.I’ve seen alcohol seem to calm people down, or make them happier. Should I use it to feel better, too?
A: Alcohol, like other drugs, is not the answer. Start by surrounding yourself with people you love, and talk it out. That’s the healthy thing to do. It’s also a way you might actually address what’s bugging you, and maybe feel better.