Preventing alcohol poisoning has to start with understanding how alcohol affects the body. There comes a point, called the point of diminishing returns, when the “buzz” will not increase with more alcohol. In fact, at this point (typically around a BAC of .06), drinking more alcohol is almost guaranteed to lead to a series of negative effects.

Below is a list of ways to help prevent alcohol poisoning.

•  Drink no more than one drink per hour

•  Eat a full meal shortly before you start drinking

•  Drink non-alcoholic drinks between alcoholic drinks to slow the rate of consumption

•  Do not mix alcohol with other drugs, legal or illegal

•  Do not let others pressure you to drink

•  Know your limits and stick to them

•  Leave any drinking situation that is out of control before you become involved