Alcohol advice for under 18s
It can sometimes feel like everyone is drinking alcohol, and it’s not uncommon to feel pressure to join in or to feel like you are missing out.
Ultimately the choice is yours but health experts recommend delaying drinking until after 18 if possible, as it can have a negative effect on your brain development.
Alcohol can seem like an important part of socialising, but there are lots of other options for a good night out which doesn't revolve around drinking. What about bowling, cinema, playing pool, ice skating or going to a gig as alternative things to do with your friends?
It can be hard to tell your friends you don't want to drink, if that's what they are choosing to do, but you can still have a good night out without alcohol even if you are at a party. They may even wish they had done the same if they wake up not remembering what they’ve done, who they’ve pulled or if they’ve got themselves into some kind of trouble.
Watch more videos of young people talking about alcohol
Tips for a safer night out
If you do choose to drink then it's worth bearing in mind some of our tips:
- If you know you are going to be drinking alcohol make sure you eat something first to line your stomach.
- Drink plenty of water and soft drinks throughout the night to keep hydrated and slow down your drinking. Perhaps you could have a soft drink after every alcoholic one? At the very least drink some water before you go to bed.
- Try not to mix your drinks as this only adds to the toxins your liver has to break down, making the chance of a hangover a lot more likely.
- Don’t drink every day. If you’ve had a heavy session, give your liver a break. The Government Medical Officer's advice is for 16-17 year olds to only drink once a week at most.
- Always plan how you’ll get home from a night out and never walk home by yourself. Stick with your mates and if you are going to get a taxi make sure it’s a proper licensed mini cab.
- Watch out for drink spiking. Keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. Be careful if accepting drinks from strangers.
- If you choose to have sex, then remember to carry and use a condom. Drinking can make you take risks you wouldn't when sober.
Use our unit calculator to learn about the alcohol units and calories in alcoholic drinks.
We've also got a range of factsheets to help you learn more about alcohol and the impacts it can have on different areas of your life.
Further info
Drinkaware: play your night right-
www.drinkaware.co.uk/campaigns/why-let-good-times-go-bad/play-your-night-right
The site - www.thesite.org/drinkanddrugs/drinking/responsibledrinking
Young Minds - www.youngminds.org.uk
Brook - www.brook.org.uk
Need 2 Know - www.need2know.co.uk
If you are a parent with children under 18 or a professional working with under 18s visit our Talking to under 18s area
- Page last updated by
- Matthew Bateman, 04 Mar 2010.
- Page checked on
- 16 Dec 2009
