Arrested. Yup, that's your buddy Chris in the back of that cruiser. He'll be waking up tomorrow in a cell with a nasty hangover, and a brand new criminal record.
See how you could have prevented this:
Lights Out
Playoffs Baby
Your team's in the big game tonight. So you and your friends are hitting up your favorite sports bar. Big crowds, big TVs and lots of cheap beer. Could the night get any better?
Plan before you party.
Before you go out, talk to your friends about where you’re going, how much you’ll drink and how everyone’s getting home. Look after your friends, and everyone will have a better time.
Knockin' em back
Three pitchers in, and you guys are in a groove. Your team scores, and it's the perfect excuse to switch it up. Shots for the table? Why not.
The Myth: Beer vs. Liquor
Believe it or not, the average 12oz beer has just as much alcohol as a shot of hard liquor. Keep track of the total number of drinks you have, whether it’s a beer, a cocktail, a shot or a glass of wine.
Man Down
Was it the rum punch that did it or maybe the scotch? Either way, your friend Frank is feeling sick, and heading home. Chris is not happy. He yells something about Frank being a wuss, but Frank is already gone.
Not feeling like death
About 75% of people who drink to intoxication will have a hangover the next day. The only way to prevent it is to avoid drinking too much. Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water.
The Let Down
According to Chris, you drink when your team wins. And you drink more if they lose. You lost. Chris orders another and starts trash talking the winners. Loudly.
Diffusing drunken arguments
Try distracting your friend from the situation to cool things off. Change the subject, or tell a joke to lighten the mood. Be sure to remain calm yourself, your actions can influence your friend’s actions.
Over The Edge
It happens so fast. One minute, they're yelling. The next minute, they're swinging. It's Chris and a fan of the other team, they're in a full-on fistfight. Someone calls the cops.
Avoiding the cuffs
Alcohol can make people lose control. If it looks like your friend is drinking too much, pull him aside. Offer him water or go get some food. Just don’t let him get to the point where he does something he regrets.
Arrested
Ripped shirts. Black eyes. Hand cuffs. This is how the night ends for Chris. You hear an officer mention "assault on a police officer". Chris kept fighting when the cops tried to break it up. This is serious. Chris is in tears and begs the officer not to tell his mom.
This story was just the beginning. There are countless other things that could go wrong during a night of drinking. Check out the field guide for more detailed tips and tools on how to keep your friends safe.
