Alcoholic beverages are common in social gatherings, meetings with friends, or business partners. However, drinking excessively often leads to intoxication, which negatively impacts both physical and mental health. So how can you enjoy alcohol while staying sober? In this article, Kamereo reveals 10+ ways to consume alcohol without getting intoxicated, helping you confidently enjoy every party.
Why does alcohol cause intoxication?
The feeling of intoxication from alcohol is caused by ethanol’s effects on the nervous system. Specifically, when alcohol enters the body, it stimulates the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of excitement and happiness.
At the same time, dopamine inhibits glutamate—a neurotransmitter essential for processing information and focus. This leads to a sense of euphoria, difficulty concentrating, and slowed reactions. Moreover, ethanol interacts with GABA, suppressing the central nervous system and causing intoxication and a loss of alertness.
After affecting the central nervous system, ethanol is metabolized in the liver, producing acetic acid, energy, and CO2. Excessive alcohol consumption increases CO2 levels in the liver and bloodstream, weakening liver function and affecting other organs. This is why, after drinking too much, you often experience headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Ways to drink alcohol without getting intoxicated
Drinking alcohol during parties and gatherings is common, but it can lead to intoxication, especially for those with low alcohol tolerance. To reduce the effects of alcohol, you can apply the following ways to consume alcohol not intoxicated:
Eat before drinking alcohol
Alcohol absorbs more quickly into the bloodstream when consumed on an empty stomach. Therefore, one effective way to avoid intoxication is to eat a light meal beforehand, such as bread or rice. According to experts, these foods help absorb alcohol and reduce its direct contact with the stomach lining.

Eat foods that slow intoxication
To minimize alcohol’s effects and stay sober longer, consider eating the following foods before drinking:
- Bananas: High in potassium and 75% water, bananas help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes caused by frequent urination due to alcohol. The fiber and vitamins in bananas also slow alcohol absorption, keeping you sober longer.
- Greek Yogurt: Rich in protein, fats, and carbohydrates, Greek yogurt keeps you full and slows alcohol absorption. It also aids digestion, reducing common stomach discomfort when drinking.
- Salmon: Loaded with vitamin B12, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon slows alcohol absorption and reduces brain inflammation, a common side effect of excessive drinking.
Alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic beverages
One of the most popular ways to drink alcohol without getting intoxicated is alternating with non-alcoholic beverages such as water or fruit juice. This helps lower blood alcohol concentration, giving your body more time to process and eliminate the alcohol.

Eat high-fat foods
Before drinking, you can eat high-fat foods, as they form a protective layer on the stomach lining, reducing alcohol’s direct absorption into the bloodstream. This slows the intoxication process and keeps you sober longer.
Drink milk before alcohol
Drinking a glass of milk before consuming alcohol is an underrated yet effective way to avoid intoxication. This method slows alcohol absorption and protects the stomach lining from irritation. Milk also aids in metabolizing acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol breakdown, reducing discomfort after drinking.

Drink alcohol slowly
To stay sober, drink alcohol slowly sip it over an hour to allow your liver enough time to process the alcohol. Alternating with water is an excellent way to reduce alcohol absorption. Additionally, take breaks to chat and socialize, preventing you from drinking too quickly.
Avoid mixing alcohol with carbonated drinks/soda
During parties, avoid mixing alcohol with soda or carbonated drinks to better control alcohol intake and avoid quick intoxication. This method also prevents potential health risks, such as heart and stomach problems, and reduces the risk of diarrhea after drinking.

Tips to avoid fatigue after drinking
Intoxication can disrupt brain activity during sleep, causing fatigue similar to sleep deprivation and even migraines. To recover quickly, you can try the following tips:
- Drink plenty of water before bed to rehydrate and reduce nausea or discomfort caused by alcohol.
- Replenish lost vitamins, sodium, and potassium by drinking coconut water or fruit juices like orange, grapefruit, watermelon, or melon juice to avoid exhaustion the next day.
- Get sufficient rest to give your liver time to process alcohol, eliminate toxins, and help your body recover.
- Engage in light exercise, such as walking or stretching, to stimulate sweating and improve alertness. Avoid intense exercises like squats or weightlifting.

The above ways to consume alcohol not intoxicated will help you protect your health while fully enjoying every social occasion. Apply these simple tips to control your alcohol intake and avoid its negative effects. Additionally, don’t forget to follow Food & Lifestyle for more interesting and practical eating tips!
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