Work Your Plan To Avoid Negative Outcomes

Counter pressures to drink during the celebration. A major source of these pressures is drinks purchased for your consumption, so use the following counter measures.

• Talk to the waitress/bartender and let them know your choices and limits. Especially if you don't want shots or certain beverages. Also, ask them to keep the water coming.
  
• Be firm and unwavering when turning down a drink or specific types of drinks. You can also have a friend say “no” for you. Got anybody in mind?
  
• Ask friends to purchase food and get water instead of more alcohol.
  
• Share some of the drinks with your friends.
  
• Just leave the drinks on the table.

If you want to remember your celebration and avoid alcohol overdose, avoid rapid and heavy consumption. Drinking quickly is the best predictor of blackouts. In addition, the probability of blackout increases rapidly at blood alcohol levels above .15.

Don’t let intoxication undermine your plan. As your blood alcohol level rises, your judgment and decision-making skills are affected. Having a trusted friend to help you work your plan will be useful.

You can avoid most negative outcomes by keeping your BAL ≤ .06. The probability of doing something you regret, vomiting, blackouts, and getting hurt or injured increase rapidly as your blood alcohol level gets above .10. Alcohol overdose is possible at blood alcohol levels above .28.

There Will Be Pressures To Drink During The Celebration

Drinks purchased for your consumption, especially shots and shooters, is the major source of these pressures.

The keys to success are to:

• Ask friends and wait staff not to purchase alcoholic beverages for you.
• Implement strategies you can use that night to moderate the number drinks you consume. (i.e. set a drink limit, avoid shots, share drinks with your friends)
• Have a friend who will support your drinking decisions
  
• Ask friends to get you food and keep you hydrated throughout the evening.
  
• Request lower alcohol beers and vodka-based mixed drinks (see Beverage Choices).

Have A Great 21st Birthday Celebration!

Stay Hydrated!

Don’t Get Caught Up In The Hype!

Enjoy a Few If It Fits Your Value System!

Have A Memorable Celebration!