Situations in which to Avoid Drinking Alcohol

To reduce risks to your health and safety, you should avoid drinking alcohol in the following situations:

  • If you plan on driving or operating machinery or equipment
  • If you are taking medication or other substances that interact with alcohol. For more details, read Alcohol and Drugs: A Combination to Avoid
  • If you are engaged in a hazardous activity, such as driving or operating machinery
  • If you have a physical or mental illness
  • If you have an alcohol addiction
  • If you are pregnant or planning to be
  • If you are responsible for the safety of others
  • If you have to make important decisions 

What Precautions to Take if You Drink 

If you plan to drink alcohol, here is some advice to reduce the risk:

  • Eat to avoid drinking on an empty stomach
  • Hydrate with non-alcoholic beverages while you are drinking (soft drinks, fruit juices, water)
  • Pace your drinking
  • Alternate between alcohol and water to quench your thirst
  • To return home after a night out, walk, take public transport or a taxi or call a parent or friend
  • Choose a person to be a designated driver – someone who will not drink and to whom you can give your car keys
  • Wait for your body to get rid of the alcohol in your blood before driving