WASHINGTON — Here’s how New Year’s Eve goes for most people: You put on a fresh outfit, pay way too much money to get inside a nightclub, then stand around with a drink — or two, or three.
So while there’s pressure to sip alcohol, what if you don’t drink?
“People can learn to moderate. New Year’s Eve is probably not the night to do that,” said Gabrielle Glaser, author of “Her Best-Kept Secret: Why Women Drink and How They Can Regain Control.”
“Maybe you can surround yourself with friends who are not gonna be tying one on and playing some games. That might be a better idea.”
If you’re going out, she said, be sure to drink plenty of water. That helps lower your blood-alcohol content and reminds you to slow down on the alcohol.
“People really are insisting that you drink along with them,” Glaser said. “People aren’t really paying attention to how much you’re drinking. They’re really paying attention to what they’re drinking.”
Still, if you drink too much, SoberRide will give you a lift home.
A part of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, the Holiday SoberRide program goes through until early New Year’s Day.
Free cab rides are available for fares up to $30 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Last New Year’s Eve, SoberRide gave 420 rides in the Washington region.
Go here to learn more.
