What Is Normal Drinking?

It's normal not to drink.
It's normal to drink a few drinks at some times and not drink at all at others.
It's advisable not to drink if:
- You really don't want to
- You're upset, anxious, or angry
- There's a chance of unintended or unwanted sexual activity
- You're pregnant or think you might be
- You'll be driving
- You're taking certain medicines occasionally or routinely. Ask your health care provider for guidance about drinking and medications
It's normal to know your limit, to plan to drink within the low-risk guidelines, and to take steps to stay within them
- Make a plan and set a limit. It's tough to know when to stop if your judgment is impaired. Make decisions about your limit before you start drinking.
- Eat before you drink. And eat while you're drinking. Food in the stomach slows alcohol absorption.
- Space and pace your drinks. Three drinks in over three hours doesn't mean having two in 10 minutes and one 2 hours later. Spread them out. Alternate alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Avoid drinking games.
- Keep track of how much you've had.
Your body knows what's normal-and what's not.
- Vomiting, blacking out and passing out are all clear signs you've had too much to drink. - A hangover is the body's reaction when a toxic substance shocks the system. Signs include a dry "cotton mouth," fatigue, upset stomach, headache, and sore muscles