If you are particularly susceptible to the influence of alcohol, the suggestions and hints below aren't for you. You need to go "cold turkey" and find some other activity or "sin" completely as a substitute (or none at all, of course).

If you do drink, don't drive. Have a designated driver.

If you have to drive, wait at least an hour since your last drink, eat a lot, drink a lot of water, make sure you have followed the pacing guidelines below, test yourself for physical control (movement, reflexes, speech). Expect the consequences of losing your license, paying big fines, and possibly hurting/killing someone. Sorry, but that is the reality of it.

Alcohol is generally an acquired taste and most people would be better off not acquiring the taste for it. Drinking alternatives, like ICE drinks as an example, can still give you a slight "kick" to your taste buds and a break from water. Try drinks like that as a substitute.

Drinking, like adult-rated movies for "mature" audiences, is really not a sign of adulthood or maturity. It's a marketing ploy to convince you of this.

Millions of dollars have been spent selling alcohol as the answer to your social and relationship needs and success. think about it.

If it was that good for you, they wouldn't have to spend so much money selling it to you as having "special powers" to attract others and be cool.

You are not actually cooler if you drink more.

Any activity oriented around how much you can drink is a "loser" for you. Danger. "Friends" who are really not looking out for your best interests.

If you are thirsty, drink a few glasses of water first. You will drink at lot less alcohol as a result. It will also save you money.

If you are feeling tense or upset, try exercising, praying, writing in a journal, or helping someone instead of drinking alcohol.

At a party or social gathering, determine the "pace" at which your body can absorb the alcohol. Stick to, say, one drink per two hours and don't get ahead of that pace. If you are in a business setting, cut this "pace" in half.

Don't drink on an empty stomach. the negative impact will be far greater.

Don't make major life decisions (like driving a car, go "clubbing" into the wee hours of the night, quitting your job, posting a video of yourselves, doing drugs, or having sex with someone) when you have had something to drink.

If something gives you a headache every "morning after", your body is trying to tell you something. At the least, find something that doesn't give you a headache -- cut the quantity down so this doesn't happen.

If you drink too much, drink a lot of water and take some aspirin or ibuprofen at night before you go to bed. It will make a world of difference in the morning.

There are times when a little brandy sipped can soothe a sore throat or similar condition. Sipping this straight isn't really going to hurt you in most cases and can make you feel much better.

In moderation, red wine can calm your stomach and possibly help your heart and arteries. Almost no other alcohol can claim any positive medicinal effect. 

Moderation is the key here for almost everyone and all situations.