Your First Time Drinking: What to Expect and How to Stay Safe

Trying something for the first time can be nerve-wracking—whether it's starting a new job, driving a car, or having your first drink. We're not encouraging drinking, but if you choose to do it, being informed helps you make mindful decisions. Let's explore what happens during and after drinking, and what long-term effects might look like. Understanding alcohol's impact can help protect your safety and well-being, and that of those around you.

How Your First Time Drinking Could Be Different

You might have seen people drunk in movies or heard stories from friends, but everyone responds to alcohol differently. Since it's your first time, your body has no prior exposure, so you won't know what to expect. Here are some factors that make first-time drinking unique:

• You don't know your limits. Without experience, it's easy to drink too much. Blood alcohol concentration charts can help, but personal tolerance varies widely.
• You might be intolerant or allergic. Most people don't get tested for alcohol intolerance beforehand, so adverse reactions could come as a surprise.
• Peer pressure can be harder to resist. Alcohol often plays a role in social settings, and since it affects judgment, saying "no" might feel more difficult.
• You won't know what effects to expect. Alcohol intoxication varies from person to person, and unfamiliar symptoms can be confusing or alarming.
• You have no tolerance. Your brain and body haven't adapted to alcohol, so your reaction may be stronger and more dangerous.
• You might not recognize when to ask for help. Without experience, you may not realize you need assistance—whether it's stopping drinking, getting water, or seeking medical care.

These factors mean first-time drinking comes with unknowns. To help you stay safe and responsible, let's look at what to expect during and after drinking, and over the long term.

Alcohol's Immediate Effects

You can start feeling alcohol's effects within 10 minutes of drinking. How you feel depends on how much and how quickly you drink, whether you've eaten, and individual factors like weight, health, and gender.

At first, you might feel warmer, relaxed, and more sociable. As alcohol enters your bloodstream, it slows brain and body messaging, leading to imbalance, impaired judgment, slower reactions, blurred vision, and reduced coordination. Alcohol also triggers the release of "feel-good" hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which can create temporary happiness or euphoria.

While these effects might seem manageable, it's easy to overdo it. Drinking too much can cause vomiting, headaches, confusion, slowed breathing, loss of motor control, or even loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know experiences severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately—intoxication can escalate to alcohol poisoning, which is life-threatening.

Alcohol's Aftereffects

Alcohol's impact doesn't stop when you finish drinking. Your body processes alcohol at about one standard drink per hour, and the aftereffects—known as a hangover—can include:

• Dehydration
• Headache and body aches
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Excessive sweating

Hangovers typically last up to 24 hours. Since it's your first time, your body may react more intensely. But the effects don't end there—long-term drinking can harm your health in many ways.

Alcohol's Long-Term Effects

Alcohol contains toxins that damage cells and organs each time you drink. Over time, this can lead to:

• Liver damage and disease
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• Higher risk of certain cancers
• Memory problems
• Mood disorders, anxiety, and depression
• Digestive issues
• Weakened immune function

These health problems can contribute to alcohol-related mortality. Research shows about two-thirds of alcohol-related deaths result from chronic health issues.

How Much Is Too Much?

Since your body has no tolerance, your first drink could cause a stronger reaction. While "too much" varies by person, it's wise to follow moderate drinking guidelines: no more than two standard drinks per day for men, and one for women. Remember, a single cocktail or large beer might contain multiple standard drinks.

Practical Tips for Your First Time Drinking

Staying informed helps you make responsible choices. Here's how to prioritize your well-being if you decide to drink:

• Be prepared. Let a friend or family member know your plans, arrange a designated driver, and understand what's happening to your body.
• Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated to counter alcohol's dehydrating effects and reduce hangover symptoms.
• Eat beforehand. A balanced meal with protein, whole grains, and healthy fats slows alcohol absorption.
• Remember: less is more. You don't know your limits yet, so pace yourself. Less alcohol means more control and better health.
• You don't need alcohol to have fun. Focus on conversations and activities instead. Enjoy the occasion without consequences by choosing alcohol-free alternatives.
• Switch to non-alcoholic drinks. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pace yourself—you might even prefer the non-alcoholic option.

Your first time drinking doesn't have to be stressful, but it's a decision that affects your well-being. By following these tips, you can stay mindful if you choose to drink.

Sip Smart

First-time drinking might seem intriguing or overwhelming, but it's not to be taken lightly. While you can't predict exactly how you'll feel, knowing alcohol's effects helps you navigate the experience safely. Drinking isn't a necessary rite of passage—it can lead to behaviors that harm your health. If you decide to take that first drink, remember: the downsides often outweigh any perceived benefits.